The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as veterinary or medical advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian regarding your cat’s health and care.
What FIV Really Means
FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus — often referred to as “feline AIDS”.
FIV gradually compromises a cat’s immune system, reducing its ability to fend off infections. While many FIV-positive cats appear completely healthy for years, the weakening of their immune defenses can eventually make them more susceptible to bacteria, viruses, and fungi that are typically harmless in other cats. There’s currently no cure for FIV, but with good care, a healthy environment, and regular vet checkups, FIV+ cats can still live long, happy, and deeply loved lives.
This page is here to help you separate fact from fear, and to remind you: an FIV diagnosis is not a death sentence.
How FIV+ Spreads
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings about FIV — it sounds contagious, but it rarely spreads the way people imagine.
FIV is most commonly spread through deep bite wounds from an infected cat. It isn’t passed through casual contact like sharing food or water bowls, grooming each other, or simply living in the same space. That means cats who get along and don’t fight are at very little risk of spreading or catching the virus. In rare cases, an infected mother can pass FIV to her kittens — most often only if she becomes infected during pregnancy. Sexual contact isn’t a concern for transmission either
The takeaway? FIV doesn’t spread easily. With peace in the home and proper care, FIV+ cats can safely live alongside FIV– companions.
Common FIV+ Myths & Facts
| Myth | Truth |
| FIV+ cats can’t live with other cats. | They can! FIV is only through deep bite wounds, which are rare in stable homes. |
| FIV+ cats can’t live long. | Many live 10–20 years with proper care; the same as a non-FIV cat. |
| FIV = suffering. | FIV+ cats can live happy, comfortable lives — often without major symptoms. |
| You can “catch” FIV from your cat. | You can’t. FIV only affects cats. |
| It’s cruel to keep an FIV+ cat. | It’s compassionate — you’re giving a cat who’s often overlooked a chance at love! |
How to Care for an FIV+ Cat
For a cat living with FIV, the main focus is keeping their immune system supported and their environment safe from infection. Since most health issues in FIV+ cats come from secondary infections—not the virus itself—it’s important to act quickly if they ever seem unwell. Regular checkups, a clean home, and early care at the first sign of sickness can make all the difference in helping them stay healthy and comfortable.
Vet Care & Health:
- Regular vet visits (twice a year is ideal).
- Keep vaccines and parasite prevention up to date.
- Watch for early signs of infection (sneezing, dental issues, lethargy).
Diet & Home Environment:
- Balanced diet with high-quality food.
- Keep indoors to protect from other infections.
- Stress-free environment (quiet corners, cozy beds, gentle routine).
Emotional Care:
- Don’t treat them like they’re fragile.
- Celebrate their personality — FIV doesn’t define them.
- Give them play, affection, and normalcy.
What to Expect Over Time
Every FIV+ cat is different — but most live happy, healthy lives with the same routines, love, and care that any other cat needs. Many remain completely symptom-free, while others may face the occasional cold or infection that just calls for a little extra attention. With a good vet and a stable home, FIV+ cats can live for many years, full of energy, comfort, and affection.
What surprises most people isn’t how much care they need — it’s how normal life feels with them. They play, nap in sunbeams, ask for breakfast, and fill your home with the same chaos every cat does.
And over time, many owners notice something unexpected: their FIV+ cat changes the way they see life. They teach us to slow down, notice the small joys, and see that a full life isn’t about perfection, but peace.
Trusted Resources
@Positively_Theodore is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding FIV+ cats through an educational, evidence-based approach — one that blends research with empathy. Below are some of the trusted resources we’ve drawn from and recommend exploring further.
Open Resources
Cornell Feline Health Center: Click Here For More Information
A leading authority in feline medicine and research. Their FIV materials are science-driven, easy to understand, and updated regularly.
VCA Animal Hospitals: Click Here For More Information
A trusted national veterinary network offering a wide range of feline health information. While some of their recommendations are more conservative than current FIV research supports, their site remains a valuable general resource for cat health.
ASPCAPRO: Click Here For More Information
A trusted nonprofit dedicated to animal protection and rescue. Their overview helps owners and shelters understand how FIV+ cats can thrive.
Alley Cat Allies: Click Here For More Information
A respected advocacy organization focused on the protection and understanding of all cats. Their FIV materials emphasize compassion, destigmatization, and the importance of community education.
Ready to learn more? Meet Theodore — the cat who started it all.
@Positively_Theodore 