Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is frequently misunderstood, leading to unnecessary euthanasia and rehoming difficulties. FIV-positive cats can live long, high-quality lives with appropriate management.
FIV-positive cats face a welfare crisis driven partly by misunderstanding of the virus's actual prognosis. Many are euthanased or remain in shelter care indefinitely due to perceived incurability, when in reality FIV-positive status is compatible with long, good-quality life. The welfare harm of prolonged shelter stay — stress, disease exposure, restricted behaviour expression — substantially exceeds the welfare implications of managed FIV infection in many individuals. Cohabitation with non-FIV cats is generally safe for neutered cats living peacefully, as bite transmission requires deep puncture wounds unlikely between non-aggressive companions. Management focuses on preventing opportunistic infections through good nutrition, parasite control, and prompt veterinary assessment of illness. Dental disease, common in FIV-positive cats, requires regular dental examination and treatment. Stress reduction — through stable social environments and minimised acute stressors — helps maintain immune function. FIV-positive cats deserve the same quality of life investment as any other cat.