Fostering an FIV Positive Cat

It is estimated that about 3% of seemingly healthy cats are actually FIV positive.  Most cats are not tested

before they are adopted and most owners have no reason to suspect their cat has this virus.  Many, many healthy cats live long full lives without anyone knowing they have FIV.  

Unfortunately, cats that have tested positive are overlooked by those looking to adopt.  Even though they are healthy and active cats, fear prevents folks from giving them a chance. 

Just like all of our cats, these fantastic albeit special cats, would all thrive in a home environment.   And yet, no one ever gives them a second look. 

If you are interested in fostering or adopting one our FIV+ cats, please let us know!  We would love to tell you all we can to help you make the right decision for you!

Spicey

Spicey, like her brother was rescued as a kitten.  Life in a kennel, even a wonderful open enclosure kennel like this one can be conducive to shy cat behavior.   Spicey certainly picked up that trait.  Her FIV status just seems to make her finding a home that much harder.

Spicey really does love attention.  She really does want to be loved.  It just takes a gentle touch and a bit of patience.  This gorgeous, dilute calico gal looks at you with those big eyes, and the melting begins!  True, she may never be a lap cat, but she will give lots of love just the same. 

Meet Our FIV+ Cats!

What you need to know about FIV

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Belle

Belle is a fluffy white and black female darling, that loves to sit in your lap and to dance around your legs, she gives you kisses and wants to have you in her love routine. If you are looking for a vocal adorable cat that will be all over you, just loving you.

Belle is your cat. Staff favorite.

Sadly, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions that surround FIV and the cats that have it.  Hopefully by dispelling these myths, we can encourage folks to consider adopting or fostering an FIV+ cat.

A few common FIV MYTHS: 

    FIV+ cats are highly contagious and they cannot live in a home with FIV- cats. 

    FIV+ cats are doomed to live short and unhealthy lives. 

    FIV+ cats aren't worth the effort, they are just going to spend their entire lives sick.

All three of these statements are absolutely not true.  With just a bit of factual information about FIV and its impact on a cat’s life could dispel all or any fears potential adopters have when thinking about adopting an FIV+ cat.

The Truth about FIV:

FIV is transferred only by saliva to blood or blood to blood contact.  What that means is sharing a litter box, food bowl, minor scuffles or grooming each other, does not pass FIV from one cat to another.  A significant puncture wound or multiple wounds would have to occur for an infected cat to transfer FIV to an uninfected cat.  This type of fight is pretty rare--almost unheard of-- amongst spay/neutered cats living in a home or kennel environment.

Many FIV+ cats live long long healthy lives.  Often, owners only discover their cat has FIV late in life when the cat has developed a secondary infection.  Many live 17, 18, 19 years before there is any indication of an immune system compromise.  Because most shelters don’t test for FIV and unless a cat has symptoms of the secondary infections, most people don’t think to test their cats.    That means, many FIV cats live long healthy lives amongst non-FIV cats mates. 

Keeping FIV+ cats healthy is quite easy. The way to insure a healthy FIV+ cat stays healthy is to provide routine vet check ups, feed them healthy high grade food and quickly seek medical care if symptoms of infection or illness occur.  So, if your FIV+ cat remains indoors, eats well and is well cared for...your cat and her immune system will stay strong for a very long time.  Just like an FIV- cat!

Finally, all cats deserve a chance to live full, happy lives.  All cats thrive with the love and companionship that a home provides them.  Because FIV does not necessarily mean a short and illness filled life, these cat would benefit from a home environment just like FIV- cats.  And we know their adopters would benefit from the love of a special cat or two!  

Remember, FIV is not an immediate death sentence.  Come and meet some of our FIV positive cats.  All are loving, wonderful and silly little felines.  All are waiting for you take them home!

If you are interested in Fostering or Adopting an FIV positive cat, let us know and we can tell you more about FIV. 

Simon

Hello my name is Simon! I am about 3 years old and I am a handsome, loveable seal lynx point Siamese cat.  My owners surrendered me to East Valley Animal Shelter when they found out I was FIV positive.  I can live a very healthy, happy life with FIV; I'm not sure why they gave up on me.  Give me a chance, you won't be disappointed. 

Larry

Hello! My name is Larry.  I am a tuxedo domestic short hair cat about 7 years old.  I am extremely handsome and easy going.  I like affection and would love to be adopted.  I am FIV positive but I can live a healthy, normal life.  Take a chance on me!

Tom

Hello, my name is Tom!  I am about 4 years old and I am an orange long hair cat.  I was a stray at the East Valley Animal Shelter.  I am hoping for a forever home.  I am FIV positive but can still live a happy, healthy life.  Check me out today!