Any pet comes with expenses—food, toys, cute outfits, and bow ties—but one of the most common questions I’m asked is this: does having an FIV+ cat increase medical bills? And the honest answer is: yes, you may see an increase.
Just two days after Theodore was released from his quarantine room—where he had spent five weeks battling ringworm on his face—he ended up in the emergency veterinary office at 6 p.m., wrapped in a blanket, in his mom’s shaking arms and tear-streamed face.
Earlier that evening, I noticed his breathing had become “crackly” with each small inhale, and he had completely lost interest in food. Because cold air can strain his asthmatic lungs, I gave him his asthma medication, but it didn’t help. I laid him beside me in bed to cuddle, hoping rest would settle him.
Instead, I woke up to him vomiting—four times.
I shot out of bed, gathered my cat, my boyfriend, and my coat, and drove an hour to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
So how did we get here?
While there isn’t always a single clear answer, stress can play a role in immune-compromised cats. After weeks of isolation during quarantine, Theodore is now facing early signs of pneumonia, severe constipation, and a swollen bladder—conditions that require immediate care, monitoring, and, yes, additional expense.
Now, I don’t want you to think that Theodore was shut away for five weeks without love or visitation—that isn’t true. He was checked on, cuddled, and cared for every day.
Still, being removed from his routine, his people, and his freedom took a toll. Theodore’s ability to self-regulate was deeply impacted. What had once been his space—an apartment he could freely roam and claim—was suddenly reduced to a single room. His normal was completely dismantled, and for an immune-compromised cat, that kind of disruption matters.
And this is where medical expenses begin to add up—not because Theodore is FIV+, but because when an immune-compromised cat becomes ill, care has to be taken seriously and immediately. What might be a “wait and see” situation for a healthy cat often isn’t an option for an FIV+ one. Diagnostics, imaging, medications, overnight monitoring—these aren’t extras; they’re precautions meant to give him the best possible chance to recover.
In moments like this, costs can climb quickly. Emergency exam fees, bloodwork, X-rays, medications, fluids, and follow-up appointments add up faster than most people expect. For Theodore, this visit alone started at hundreds of dollars before we even began discussing treatment plans. And while that number can feel overwhelming, it’s important to understand why it happens.
These expenses aren’t a reflection of neglect, nor are they a guarantee of constant crisis for every FIV+ cat. They are the result of acting early, choosing caution, and refusing to minimize symptoms that could escalate if ignored. In many cases, addressing issues promptly actually prevents far more severe—and far more expensive— outcomes down the road.
This is the reality of loving any pet deeply, but it becomes especially true when you are caring for one whose immune system needs a little extra support. FIV doesn’t mean fragile—it means attentive. It means noticing small changes, trusting your instincts, and sometimes making hard financial choices because your cat can’t make them for himself.
And I share this not to discourage adoption or scare anyone away, but to be transparent. FIV+ cats are not “too expensive” or “too risky.” They are simply cats who may ask for more mindfulness, more observation, and occasionally, more resources. What they give in return—love, resilience, and companionship—is immeasurable.
Choosing to love an FIV+ cat isn’t about bracing for constant emergencies; it’s about being prepared, informed, and willing to respond when your cat needs you. Medical expenses may look different at times, but they do not define the experience of sharing your life with one. With routine care, attentiveness, and a supportive veterinary team, FIV+ cats can live long, comfortable, joy-filled lives. And when challenges arise—as they sometimes do with any pet—what matters most isn’t the cost, but the commitment to showing up. Theodore is worth every mile driven, every late night, and every decision made in his best interest—and I know so many other FIV+ cats are, too.
Take care,
Ted’s mom
Remember: We positively love you!
@Positively_Theodore 
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