FIV spreads primarily through bite wounds in territorial fighting, making outdoor and intact male cats the highest risk group for this lifelong infection.
FIV prevention is primarily a management issue — limiting outdoor roaming and neutering male cats addresses the two main risk factors simultaneously. The disease itself has a long, asymptomatic period during which infected cats can live normal lives. The welfare concern arises when secondary infections during immunosuppression are inadequately managed. FIV-positive cats should receive twice-yearly veterinary check-ups, prompt treatment of any illness and appropriate stress reduction. Shelter euthanasia of FIV-positive cats is ethically unjustifiable given the evidence that these cats can live long, fulfilling lives in indoor or managed environments.