Adopting a Cat with FIV
FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) is a widely misunderstood condition. Many people think that it’s easily spread, makes cats very sick, and leads to a lower life expectancy, so these cats are not often adopted. These are misconceptions, and here at Petey and Furends, we often have FIV-positive cats up for adoption. We’ve compiled some facts and resources to help our adopters get a better picture of what adopting an FIV-positive cat means.
What Is FIV?
FIV stands for feline immunodeficiency virus. FIV typically causes a weakening of the cat’s immune system. It is the same class of virus as HIV (a lentivirus); however, only cats can get FIV. People and dogs cannot.
How Is FIV Spread?
FIV is spread primarily through cats’ saliva, particularly when a cat bites deep into another cat.
FIV typically does NOT spread through cats grooming each other, sharing food and water bowls, or sharing a litter box. A cat who tests positive for FIV can live with a cat who tests negative as long as they get along and aren’t aggressive toward one another to the extent of serious (not play) biting.
It is possible, but less common, for an infected mother cat to pass FIV to her kittens before they are born or while they are nursing.
How Long Do FIV-Positive Cats Live?
FIV-positive cats can live as long and healthy a life as noninfected cats. This doesn’t mean they will never become ill; they are, after all, immunocompromised, so illnesses can be easier to catch and harder to fight off. They have the same needs as any other cat: high quality nutrition; a clean, stress-free, strictly indoor environment; regular veterinary visits (two times per year); and lots of love. If they should become ill, they are generally treated earlier, longer, and more aggressively than non-immunocompromised cats (meaning they need to see the vet at the very first sign of illness and may be on stronger medication or on medication for a longer period of time).
Why Adopt an FIV-Positive Cat?
If you’re looking to adopt a cat, then you’re in luck because FIV-positive cats are just like other cats! Like every other cat you’ve ever known, each FIV-positive cat will have his or her own unique personality. It’s worth noting that many people who live and work with FIV-positive cats have reported them to be, on average, more gentle and sweet than noninfected cats they’ve known.
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