How FIV affects cat welfare and how infected cats can live long, good-quality lives.
FIV diagnosis in a cat historically led to a welfare tragedy that is largely preventable: euthanasia of animals who could live comfortable, long lives with appropriate management. Modern understanding recognizes that FIV-positive cats in stable indoor environments with low stress, appropriate nutrition, and regular veterinary care often remain asymptomatic for years. The welfare harm of euthanizing asymptomatic FIV-positive cats at shelter admission is real and unnecessary. The welfare needs of FIV-positive cats are not dramatically different from seronegative cats — they benefit from the same indoor environment, enrichment, and veterinary attention, with additional monitoring for secondary infections that their compromised immune systems may struggle to fight independently.