FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) is widely misunderstood. Many people assume it’s easily spread, makes cats very sick, or shortens their life — none of which is true.
FIV+ cats can live just as long and healthy a life as non-infected cats — with the same basic needs as any other cat: good food, an indoor environment, regular vet visits, and lots of love.
What Does FIV+ Mean
A positive FIV test means the cat either carries the virus or was vaccinated for it at some point — the vaccine triggers a positive result, which is one reason it’s no longer recommended. FIV is not spread through casual contact, such as shared food/water/litter, mutual grooming, or playing. It is most commonly spread through deep bite wounds from intact males fighting over food, mates, or territory. Spayed or neutered cats rarely fight this way, and in a stable household, FIV+ cats can safely live with non-infected cats.
Living With FIV+
FIV+ cats can live as long and healthy a life as non-infected cats. That said, they are immunocompromised, so illnesses may be easier to catch and harder to shake. They need the same things as any cat: quality nutrition, a clean and low-stress indoor environment, twice-yearly vet visits, and plenty of love.
Additional Information
- Positively Purr-Fect: Why FIV+ Cats Make Incredible Companions
- Why This Vet Thinks FIV-Positive Cats Make Great Adoptees
- Finally — Vet Study OKs FIV+ and FIV- Cats Living Together
- FIV Positive and Negative Cats Can Happily Live Together
- How Long Do FIV+ Cats Live?
- FIV Common Myths
- False Myths About FIV Keep Cats Trapped in Shelters
- FIV Fact Sheet – Alley Cat Allies