10/01/2025
đź“š Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
FIV is a virus specific to cats and is often erroneously referred to as "cat AIDS." It is similar to AIDS in that it attacks and weakens the immune system and there is no cure. Reliable information about FIV is plentiful on the internet. We encourage you to learn more about it!
Here are some quick facts:
➡FIV is transmitted through deep bite wounds.
➡FIV is NOT transmissible to humans or dogs.
➡Cats with FIV can live long, healthy, happy and normal lives!
➡Intact males with outdoor access are most likely to be infected.
➡Kittens may be infected before, during, or after birth (while nursing).
➡FIV is quickly diagnosed through a blood test.
➡If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, you risk its FIV status every time it goes outdoors.
➡FIV+ cats CAN live with non-infected cats as long as they can co-exist peacefully. (Remember, this virus is primarily transmitted through deep bite wounds. If the cats don't fight, there's little worry about transmission.)
➡In the U.S., approximately 2.5-5% percent of healthy cats are infected with FIV.
📢 EDUCATION IS KEY!!!!! FIV+ cats have a VERY difficult time getting adopted because of their status. In the past, they were immediately euthanized instead of put up for adoption. Help CHANGE THE PARADIGM! Educate others about the virus and how cats can live a long, healthy, normal life with FIV. Manage expectations. Let's get these cats in homes!
📢 If you're in rescue or doing TNR, please note:
➡Before you place a cat for adoption (or send it to foster in a home with other cats), it should be tested for FIV. Adopt that cat out with full disclosure about its FIV status.
➡Beware of false positives in kittens under 6 months of age!
➡You can place FIV+ cats in homes with other cats that are not FIV+. Educate the adopter and make sure the cats are not likely to fight with each other.
➡We don't FIV test the cats we TNR. Alley Cat Allies also holds this position.
Original content provided by Stray Cat Project.
