Cat FIV Positive Cat Management | Animal Welfare Hub

FIV-positive cats can live long healthy lives with appropriate management. Understanding FIV dispels myths that lead to unnecessary euthanasia and supports good welfare.

Key Facts

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that gradually suppresses immune function in cats
FIV-positive cats often remain healthy for years to decades without developing AIDS-like disease
Transmission requires deep bite wounds making it rare between cats that cohabit without fighting
Neutered indoor cats have very low transmission risk and can be safely housed with FIV-negative cats
Preventive veterinary care including vaccination and prompt treatment of infections is more important in FIV-positive cats

Welfare Considerations

FIV-positive cats are routinely euthanized in shelters despite evidence that many live normal healthy lives for years. The welfare cost of this policy is enormous. FIV-positive cats require the same quality of care as other cats with additional attention to preventive health. Adoption of FIV-positive cats by informed owners provides individual welfare benefits while dispelling harmful myths about this manageable condition.

What You Can Do

Consider adopting an FIV-positive cat knowing that most live normal healthy lives for many years
Ensure FIV-positive cats receive twice-yearly veterinary check-ups and prompt treatment of any infections
Keep FIV-positive cats indoors to protect them from infection and prevent potential transmission
Vaccinate FIV-positive cats against other diseases as their immune system may respond less robustly
Advocate against routine euthanasia of FIV-positive cats in shelters based on outdated information