Five Things You May Not Know About FIV

FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a non-treatable virus that cats can have that is in the same family as HIV found in humans. HOWEVER, this does not mean that FIV+ cats are going to live short miserable lives before dying of cat AIDS. Here are a few facts you may not know about FIV+ cats.

Joei-FIV+ Domestic Short hair  Calico Female at Free to Live

1.) They are more prone to infections.

• While FIV+ cats don't often show symptoms of the virus, it can make them more susceptible to other medical issues. They can still live full lives, but it is important to pay attention to them to make sure that they haven't contracted any other infections, and get them to a vet as soon as possible if they get sick.

2.) They can live with other pets!

• FIV is a virus that effects cats ONLY. This means that they can live alongside you and your canine pets without fear of transmitting the virus. Most cats transmit the virus to each other through serious physical altercations and deep bite wounds with other cats, so as long as your FIV+ cat and your FIV- cats get along and don't fight they can live together without fear of transmitting the virus as well. As far as other cat-behaviors, like grooming and sharing water, goes it is possible but EXTREMELY unlikely that the virus will transfer. the virus itself is very fragile and can only survive out if the cat's body for a few seconds.

3.) FIV+ mothers don't necessarily pass on the virus to their kittens.

• While it IS true that  kittens born to an FIV+ mother could be born with FIV antibodies in their systems, they will often lose them in the first 8 months of their lives.

4.) The FIV vaccine will make a cat test positive for FIV

• There is indeed a vaccine for FIV, however it is not 100% effective and will make your cat test positive for FIV in the future. This can be a problem if your cat ever gets out of the house and is tested by a local shelter. Unfortunately many shelters euthanize FIV+ cats instead of finding them homes. Luckily Free to Live is a No-Kill shelter and focuses on giving all cats and dogs a comfortable life with all the care they need until they are adopted or live out their lives.

5.) They can live long and happy lives!

• Most FIV+ cats live long lives without showing any symptoms of the virus and most will die of old age, rather than virus-related symptoms. Feline AIDS is actually the 4th stage of the virus, and most researchers agree that most of these cats won't ever reach this stage