Managing FIV-Positive Cats and Welfare

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is manageable with good veterinary care, and FIV-positive cats can live long, high-quality lives with appropriate support.

Key Facts

FIV affects approximately 3-4% of the domestic cat population globally
FIV is transmitted primarily through deep bite wounds during cat fights
FIV-positive cats can live for many years without developing clinical AIDS
Indoor management prevents disease transmission to other cats and protects FIV-positive cats from infection
Regular veterinary monitoring enables early detection of opportunistic infections

Welfare Considerations

FIV-positive cats are frequently euthanised unnecessarily due to misunderstanding of the disease and poor prognosis expectations. With appropriate management, FIV-positive cats have normal or near-normal lifespans and quality of life. Indoor housing protects both the FIV-positive cat from secondary infections and other cats from transmission. Regular veterinary care enables prompt treatment of opportunistic infections. Rescue organisations should promote FIV-positive cat adoption rather than euthanasia.

What You Can Do

Consider adopting an FIV-positive cat with appropriate indoor management
Ensure FIV-positive cats are vaccinated against other diseases and monitored regularly
Neuter all cats to reduce fighting and FIV transmission risk
Advocate for adoption rather than euthanasia of FIV-positive cats in shelters