What is FIV?
A cat diagnosed with the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is still an ADOPTABLE cat.
What, then, is FIV?
FIV is a type of virus called a retrovirus. It is in the same family as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS in people. It is a slow virus that attacks the immune system over a period of years, making the cat more susceptible to secondary infections and cancers.
There may be no cure for the virus itself, but it is NOT a death sentence. Most FIV positive cats can live long and happy lives provided they are both protected from and treated promptly for any secondary infections they may contract. Some even live their entire lives without ever coming down with the actual illness.
Although it is NOT transmittable to humans, dogs or other non-feline pets, the virus can ONLY be transmitted between cats, usually through deep bite wounds. Sometimes an infected mother can pass the virus to her offspring during birth. Cats most at risk for infection are intact, outdoors cats and those allowed outside who fight with other cats.
Of utmost importance, when adopting a FIV positive cat, is to always keep that cat indoors and spay or neuter them immediately.
Before adopting a FIV positive cat, ensure that you and your vet are “on the same page”. While some vets advise against keeping FIV positive cats in a home with FIV negative cats, the risk of transmission is minimal if the cats DO NOT fight viciously. They can sleep together, groom each other, share food and water bowls, toys, and litter boxes.
To help your FIV positive cat live as healthily and normally as possible:
Feed your cat a balanced diet (no raw meat, eggs or non-pasteurized dairy products that can harbor bacteria and parasites and lead to infection), using only the highest quality food to provide your cat with all required and essential nutrients.
Remove all uneaten wet food within a half-hour to prevent the potential growth of harmful bacteria.
Ensure that your cat has easy access to a continuous supply of FRESH water.
Take your cat to the vet at least twice a year for a wellness checkup, blood count and urine analysis. And like any cat, yours should receive routine vaccinations against rabies and feline distemper. Watch for changes, even seemingly minor ones, in your cat’s health or behavior, and report them promptly to your vet.
And so, despite the fact that a FIV positive cat may not use up all of its fabled nine lives, living a loved, pampered and protected one may be just what the vet ordered.
(article text provided by Nomi Berger)
PLEASE NOTE:
*Sadly, there is no cure for FIV. Control of this disease usually focuses on preventative measures and treating infections or secondary effects of the virus that arise.
*Any new cat entering your home (adopted or a stray you take in) should be tested for FIV prior to being introduced to your other cats.
*An FIV-infected cat may not show any symptoms for years.
*Infected cats that receive proper care (including regular vet visits) and that are kept in a stress-free, indoor environment can live relatively comfortable lives years before the disease reaches its chronic stages.
To learn more about FIV and other feline illnesses, visit the ASPCA webpage for Common Cat Diseases or check out the information available through FIV Cat Rescue - the official FIV cat rescue website.
There are many other resources available online if you have any other questions or concerns about FIV.
If you have an FIV+ cat that you need to rehome, there is an excellent guide for finding FIV friendly homes that includes a list of rescues (by state) that accept FIV+ kitties: Rescues/Shelters Taking FIV Cats
What, then, is FIV?
FIV is a type of virus called a retrovirus. It is in the same family as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS in people. It is a slow virus that attacks the immune system over a period of years, making the cat more susceptible to secondary infections and cancers.
There may be no cure for the virus itself, but it is NOT a death sentence. Most FIV positive cats can live long and happy lives provided they are both protected from and treated promptly for any secondary infections they may contract. Some even live their entire lives without ever coming down with the actual illness.
Although it is NOT transmittable to humans, dogs or other non-feline pets, the virus can ONLY be transmitted between cats, usually through deep bite wounds. Sometimes an infected mother can pass the virus to her offspring during birth. Cats most at risk for infection are intact, outdoors cats and those allowed outside who fight with other cats.
Of utmost importance, when adopting a FIV positive cat, is to always keep that cat indoors and spay or neuter them immediately.
Before adopting a FIV positive cat, ensure that you and your vet are “on the same page”. While some vets advise against keeping FIV positive cats in a home with FIV negative cats, the risk of transmission is minimal if the cats DO NOT fight viciously. They can sleep together, groom each other, share food and water bowls, toys, and litter boxes.
To help your FIV positive cat live as healthily and normally as possible:
Feed your cat a balanced diet (no raw meat, eggs or non-pasteurized dairy products that can harbor bacteria and parasites and lead to infection), using only the highest quality food to provide your cat with all required and essential nutrients.
Remove all uneaten wet food within a half-hour to prevent the potential growth of harmful bacteria.
Ensure that your cat has easy access to a continuous supply of FRESH water.
Take your cat to the vet at least twice a year for a wellness checkup, blood count and urine analysis. And like any cat, yours should receive routine vaccinations against rabies and feline distemper. Watch for changes, even seemingly minor ones, in your cat’s health or behavior, and report them promptly to your vet.
And so, despite the fact that a FIV positive cat may not use up all of its fabled nine lives, living a loved, pampered and protected one may be just what the vet ordered.
(article text provided by Nomi Berger)
PLEASE NOTE:
*Sadly, there is no cure for FIV. Control of this disease usually focuses on preventative measures and treating infections or secondary effects of the virus that arise.
*Any new cat entering your home (adopted or a stray you take in) should be tested for FIV prior to being introduced to your other cats.
*An FIV-infected cat may not show any symptoms for years.
*Infected cats that receive proper care (including regular vet visits) and that are kept in a stress-free, indoor environment can live relatively comfortable lives years before the disease reaches its chronic stages.
To learn more about FIV and other feline illnesses, visit the ASPCA webpage for Common Cat Diseases or check out the information available through FIV Cat Rescue - the official FIV cat rescue website.
There are many other resources available online if you have any other questions or concerns about FIV.
If you have an FIV+ cat that you need to rehome, there is an excellent guide for finding FIV friendly homes that includes a list of rescues (by state) that accept FIV+ kitties: Rescues/Shelters Taking FIV Cats