FIV Information for Potential Adopters


Our shelter, as well as other pet rescues, sometimes has FIV-Positive cats available for adoption, and we want to provide some information about what that means for a potential adopter.

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) means that a cat has antibodies that have been exposed to Feline AIDS. It does NOT necessarily mean the cat has Feline Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

This condition is NOT transmissible to either humans or dogs. Recent research also suggests that it is not easily transmissible even to other cohabiting cats.

With good veterinary care, an FIV-positive cat is very adoptable and can live a loving, fulfilling life with your family.

Here are some links with information about FIV.

What you should know when adopting an FIV-positive cat - VBSPCA

Transmission of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) among cohabiting cats in two cat rescue shelters - PubMed

FIV cat photos