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Adopting an FIV-Positive Cat
Written By: Donn Gash - Friends for Life Forever Farm | Issue: 2018/11 - November
Among the types of special needs pets we care for at the Forever Farm are cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus, sometimes known as feline AIDS. FIV is sometimes associated with feline leukemia due to both being immune-deficiency disorders but are two separate diseases.
FIV is passed mainly through deep bites, and as such, we find that most of our infected residents over the years have been males who were not neutered and living as strays before testing positive. Occasionally, it can be passed from pregnant mothers to kittens.
The main feature of FIV is that it makes an infected cat susceptible to secondary infections, meaning they have a tougher time fighting off viruses and infections than a healthy cat.
It’s a disease that scares off a lot of potential adopters, in no small part due to the nickname “feline AIDS.” But while there are certainly special considerations when adopting an FIV kitty, they can, in fact, make wonderful pets.
One commonly asked question is, “Is FIV transmittable to humans?” The answer is no, absolutely not. The disease is only transmittable between cats, and even then, the chances are low. Still, many who choose to adopt an FIV cat, may choose to do so when they will be the only feline in the household.
The fact of the matter is, cats infected with FIV can live long, comfortable, perfectly normal lives. Positive cats can live years with no symptoms at all. They should, however, be spayed or neutered, as should any pet. They should always be kept indoors and in a calm, stable environment. Routine visits to the veterinarian for bloodwork and urinalysis are also recommended.
Some of our happiest adoption stories over the years have been FIV positive cats. They’ve made happy additions to many families. And while there are some special considerations to be made when adopting one of these special need kitties, we hope more folks will consider opening their home to these loving cats.
