FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) affects millions of cats worldwide. With proper management, FIV-positive cats can live long, healthy lives and deserve equal adoption consideration.
FIV-positive cats face enormous welfare injustice: many are euthanized in shelters based on a diagnosis that, in a managed environment, has minimal impact on lifespan or quality of life. The fear that FIV-positive cats pose a risk to other cats in the household is largely unfounded in stable, non-fighting environments. Modern veterinary guidance emphasizes that FIV status alone should not disqualify a cat from adoption or determine euthanasia decisions. FIV-positive cats benefit from regular veterinary monitoring, prompt treatment of secondary infections, stress reduction, and good nutrition. The welfare and adoption advocacy work needed for FIV-positive cats parallels that for other stigmatized conditions — informed messaging can save thousands of lives.