Special Cats Make Great Pets

Consider Adopting an FIV + Kitty….

Like many other groups who rescue cats, BHS is looking for homes for wonderful cats with an added special consideration. We have cats which have tested positive for FIV that otherwise healthy and loving.

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, sometimes also called Feline AIDS. This is a virus that causes depression of the immune system of infected cats, making them more susceptible to diseases they might otherwise fight off quickly. Despite the similar name, FIV is different from HIV and is not contagious to any person. It is spread primarily through bite wounds, during fights, rough play, and breeding.  It is possible, but not likely to spread from an infected mom to kittens during delivery or nursing.

FIV is diagnosed by a blood test, but sometimes further testing is necessary to be sure of the infection, especially in kittens. Unfortunately cats vaccinated against the virus will test positive and there is currently no test to tell between true positive and vaccinated.  There is no cure for the disease.

Gayle is a super sweet boy hoping for a forever home of his own.

Many time the infected cat does not appear ill. The most common mild symptoms are subtle, like not eating well, not grooming, or inflamed gums.  More severely affected cats may lose weight, stop eating, have enlarged lymph nodes, and/or develop one or a combination of symptoms due to the secondary infection(s) they cannot fight off.  These cats can develop blood disorders, chronic diarrhea, eye disorders, seizures, or cancer. Most cats can live long lives with the virus, if they are well protected from other diseases and get early treatment for any signs of illness.  An FIV-positive cat especially needs its recommended vaccines, deworming, and protection from fleas and ticks. Annual or twice a year exams by a veterinarian are recommended. To protect the infected cat, keep him or her indoors. This will also protect other cats from disease spread. Veterinarians strongly advise against feeding raw food diets or allowing hunting for FIV positive cats due to vulnerability to bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

To keep everyone healthy, we usually recommend placement of FIV positive cats into households where they can be the only cat or will live with other healthy FIV positive cats. The virus does not live long outside the infected cat, but good hand washing and discarding or bleaching supplies are recommended when handling any cat with an unknown status. Cats should be keep isolated from one another until all are tested negative.