FIV+ Cats

Plenty of cats living in shelters throughout America were brought in as strays. Which usually means that they are not fixed and not vaccinated. Many of these cats test positive for FIV, or feline immunodeficiency virus. If that sounds familiar it may be because this retrovirus has a similar name to the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, which is the cause of AIDS in humans.

Now, there's good news and bad news for cats living with FIV.

The bad news is that it slowly kills off their immune systems, leaving them susceptible to all manner if illnesses that could cause death. They are also some of the most difficult cats to find homes for, as many people do not understand FIV or are unwilling to take on the responsibility of having a cat with the virus.

The good news is that cats living with FIV are often healthy, happy animals. FIV is passed only between cats (which means you cannot catch FIV or HIV from your cat, neither can you give the viruses to a feline). It is actually quite a difficult virus to transfer. FIV can be passed through blood transfusions, severe oral infections, or deep puncture wounds (most often betwen outdoor unneutered male cats, who are more prone to fighting). So things like playing, cleaning, and eating & drinking from the same dishes cannot transfer FIV from one cat to another. Also good news: cats can live years and years without complications from FIV. Yes, it is important that you have a vet who is up-to-date about current FIV practices. It is also important that you keep FIV+ cats indoors, both to keep them from spreading the virus and to protect their weakened immune systems. Lastly, FIV+ cats should be kept updated on vaccinations and fed a good quality diet.

My point is that there are SO MANY wonderful kitties waiting in shelters for the home that will never find them. And there's just no reason why they shouldn't be welcomed into the lives of people looking for a new cat, especially if the people don't already have a cat. When kept indoors and monitored closely, FIV+ cats are like any other feline companion: fun, loving, and full of personality.

And now, because I think this is a great little fact sheet from Best Friends:

FIV Facts

1. The Feline Immuno-deficiency Virus is a slow virus that affects a cat's immune system over a period of years.

2. FIV is a cat-only disease and cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.

3. FIV cats most often live long, healthy, and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all.

4. FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread casually - like in litter boxes, water and food bowls, or when snuggling and playing. It is rarely spread from a mother to her kittens.

5. The virus can be spread through blood transfusions, badly infected gums, or serious, penetrating bite wounds. (Bite wounds of this kind are extremely rare, except in free-roaming, unneutered tomcats.)

6. A neutered cat, in a home, is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, if properly introduced.

7. Many vets are not educated about FIV since the virus was only discovered 15 years ago.

8. FIV-positive cats should be kept as healthy as possible. Keep them indoors and free from stress, feed them a high-quality diet, keep and treat any secondary problems as soon as they arise.