Feline immunodeficiency virus is a lifelong infection that, with appropriate management, allows most cats to live comfortable, high-quality lives — though secondary infections and immune compromise require ongoing veterinary attention.
FIV-positive cats can have excellent welfare outcomes with appropriate management, though their immune compromise means secondary conditions require more vigilant monitoring than in immunocompetent cats. The welfare priority is prevention and prompt treatment of opportunistic infections — dental disease, respiratory infections, and skin conditions that are minor in healthy cats can become serious in FIV-positive individuals. Regular veterinary monitoring including blood counts and dental assessment allows early intervention before infections become severe. FIV-positive cats should be kept indoors or in enclosed outdoor spaces to prevent transmission to other cats and to reduce their exposure to infectious agents that could challenge their compromised immunity. Neutering eliminates fighting-associated transmission risk. The welfare of FIV-positive cats is frequently undermined by euthanasia decisions based on the diagnosis alone rather than on individual health status — most FIV-positive cats at diagnosis are healthy and have years of good-quality life ahead. Rescue organisations that adopt FIV-positive cats as a policy help address the disproportionate euthanasia of these animals.