The FIV Cat Myth

In 2009 I adopted a rescued cat that was diagnosed with FIV (feline insufficiency virus). Back in the dark ages, the veterinarian told me that he recommended euthanasia because my cat was very contagious (FeLV and FIV) and could not be in contact with other cats. This diagnosis made it impossible for me to bring him home. The veterinarian noted the cat's condition; skin and bones, appeared to be in fights, and life expectancy was less than a month.  I was told death would be quick within the month and that the cat would suffer.

I said no to euthanasia and brought that cat home, kept him in my office away from all animals in the house and he is alive today because I had the good sense to have him retested. Know that all cats that test positive for FeLV / FIV need to be rechecked in 60 days because the test could be a false positive.

Sam tested positive for FIV but Feline Leukemia was negative.

FIV cat playing with a ball.

Back in 2009, many veterinarians believed that FIV was so contagious that normal cats that came in casual contact with an infected cat would get the incurable cat virus. Cats could not reside in the same room, or the same house for fear that they may groom each other, eat out of the same food bowl, drink out of the same water bowl, sleep with each other, or use the litter box. Veterinarians believed that FIV cats could pass the virus from saliva and from a cat breathing.

Many cats were euthanized during the dark ages due to the myths that came from animal professionals. Truth be known the only way a cat can get FIV is from a deep bite wound where there is blood.

An FIV cat can live in a household with normal cats (cats not infected with FIV)and as long as they do not fight. An infected cat must bite another cat with a deep puncture bite that would produce blood in order for the virus to spread.

Sadly the FIV myths are still out there like every day I hear about a cat or kitten being surrendered to the animal shelter because they have other cats in their home or they were told the cat would be sickly and die or infect their other cats.

FIV-positive rescued cat 2009 to present no symptoms of AIDS / Lives
with other cats that do not have FIV

I know that some animal care professionals are pushing the FIV myth because last year we rescued a cat under the age of one that had been abandoned when its owners moved this cat had suffered many bite wounds and had a head injury that left him with partial sight and hearing loss. The veterinarian who stitched him up and gave him vaccines and antibiotics told me “you do know this cat will die” I asked the veterinarian what she meant by her statement and she said the cat has no immune system it will get sick constantly and then it will die.

I have had the cat for a year and the cat has never been sick. Granted the cat has a disability and cannot be adopted but to look at him he looks like a normal housecat. He plays every day, talks to birds from the window, sleeps on my lap, and also plays with the dog and loves my senior cat that does not have FIV.  

Know that FIV cats can live a very long life and that some never get sick. You do have to keep them indoors and you need to feed them high-quality cat food, keep them groomed and treat them monthly for flea and heartworm prevention. Watch their weight and other than that a yearly wellness exam is all that is needed.

Learn more about FIV cats at Facebook Page FIV/Cat Rescue