FIV-positive cats can live long, comfortable lives with appropriate management. Understanding FIV prevents unnecessary euthanasia and enables welfare-positive care for affected cats.
FIV welfare management begins with correcting the profound misconception that FIV equals imminent death. The reality is that most FIV-positive cats experience years of normal life before the virus produces clinical effects. The welfare imperative is to provide the indoor environment, prompt medical attention for secondary infections, and appropriate nutrition that enables FIV-positive cats to express their full welfare potential. Shelter euthanasia of FIV-positive cats on diagnosis rather than adoption placement is a welfare failure — these cats can provide years of companionship to adopters willing to manage their condition. FIV-positive cats can be adopted into households with FIV-negative cats if there is no fighting — transmission risk is minimal without bite wounds.