Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lifelong infection in cats that, while often manageable with good care, causes welfare challenges particularly related to secondary infections, shelter outcomes and owner decision-making.
Welfare challenges for FIV-positive cats include the risk of secondary infections causing repeated illness, the stress of repeated veterinary visits, and the significant risk of premature euthanasia in shelter settings. Many shelter policies still result in automatic euthanasia of FIV-positive cats despite evidence that they can live long and comfortable lives with appropriate management. Owner anxiety and misunderstanding about the disease often drives early euthanasia decisions that are not medically necessary. Indoor management reduces transmission risk and secondary infection exposure. Neutering significantly reduces bite wound transmission in free-roaming populations.