FIV-positive cats can live long, high-quality lives with appropriate management, and understanding the disease and welfare implications helps owners provide optimal care.
FIV welfare management centers on maintaining quality of life through indoor housing, regular health monitoring, and prompt treatment of secondary conditions when they arise. FIV itself does not cause immediate suffering in most cats - it is the secondary infections enabled by immune suppression that cause welfare harm. Welfare-focused management minimizes exposure to pathogens through indoor-only living, maintains good nutrition and preventive care, and monitors through regular veterinary checks for early identification of problems. The historical practice of recommending euthanasia for FIV-positive cats is not supported by welfare evidence - most live comfortable lives for many years.