FIV-positive cats can live long, healthy lives with appropriate management. Understanding transmission, prognosis, and welfare considerations helps owners provide optimal care for affected cats.
FIV is chronically misunderstood; many cats are unnecessarily euthanised or denied adoption based on their status. The virus progresses slowly in most cats, and many live full lives of 10-15 years with only late-stage immune compromise. Welfare management focuses on minimising secondary infection risk through indoor living, regular dental care (oral infections are common secondary complications), prompt treatment of any illness, and maintaining excellent nutrition and preventive veterinary care. FIV-positive cats can live with FIV-negative cats when introductions are managed well and cats do not fight — cohabitation with neutral or bonded non-fighting cats poses minimal transmission risk. Shelter policies that euthanise FIV-positive cats or prevent adoption represent welfare failures; campaigns advocating for FIV-positive cat adoption have successfully changed policies in many organisations.