FIV Facts vs. Myths

FIV Positive Doesn’t Mean Unadoptable 🐾

When people hear that a cat is FIV positive, it can sound scary. Unfortunately, that diagnosis can also cause some amazing cats to be overlooked for adoption.

But an FIV-positive cat is still just that a cat. ❤️

What Is FIV?

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. It affects a cat’s immune system and can make it harder for the body to fight off certain infections.

However, an FIV-positive diagnosis does not mean a cat is currently sick or that they cannot live a happy life. Many FIV-positive cats remain healthy for years and can live long, fulfilling lives with proper veterinary care.

How Is FIV Spread?

One of the biggest misconceptions about FIV is that it spreads easily between cats.

FIV is primarily spread through deep bite wounds, which is why it is seen more often in unneutered outdoor cats that may fight over territory.

It is not typically spread through normal everyday contact such as sharing food and water bowls, using the same litter box, grooming one another, or cuddling together.

And most importantly humans and dogs cannot catch FIV from a cat.

Can FIV-Positive Cats Live With Other Cats?

This is something that should be considered on a case-by-case basis with your veterinarian.

Because deep bite wounds are the primary concern, cats that peacefully coexist without serious fighting have a much lower risk of transmission. Some families and veterinarians are comfortable with FIV-positive and FIV-negative cats living together, while others may prefer an FIV-positive cat to live alone or with other FIV-positive cats.

The most important thing is finding the right home for each individual cat.

What Kind of Care Does an FIV-Positive Cat Need?

FIV-positive cats benefit from many of the same things we want for every cat: a safe indoor home, good nutrition, routine veterinary care, parasite prevention, and an owner who pays attention to changes in their health.

Because FIV affects the immune system, it is especially important to contact a veterinarian when an FIV-positive cat becomes sick rather than waiting to see if an illness resolves on its own.

Please Don’t Overlook Them ❤️

An FIV test result does not tell you whether a cat is sweet, cuddly, playful, goofy, shy, or loving.

It doesn’t tell you whether they’ll curl up beside you every night.

And it certainly doesn’t tell you whether they deserve a family.

FIV-positive cats may need a little extra consideration when choosing the right home, but they still have so much love to give.

Positive test. Positive heart. Still deserving of a forever home. 🐾🧡