FIV-positive cats can live long, high-quality lives with appropriate management, yet misconceptions often lead to unnecessary euthanasia or abandonment.
The welfare of FIV-positive cats is primarily determined by owner knowledge and veterinary access rather than the virus itself. Many FIV-positive cats are unnecessarily euthanized due to misunderstanding of their prognosis. With indoor housing, regular health monitoring, prompt treatment of secondary infections, and good nutrition, FIV-positive cats experience quality lives indistinguishable from negative cats for years. The greatest welfare threat is premature death from owner despair rather than disease progression.