What is FIV?
FIV, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is an immunosuppressive condition that can make a cat more susceptible to viruses and infections. With proper care, FIV+ cats live happy lives and have normal lifespans. We do recommend that FIV+ cats be kept indoors only to avoid risk of infection. Sometimes, cats with FIV may develop dental disease or recurrent upper respiratory, bladder, or skin infections. Just like with any cat, annual veterinarian visits are encouraged.
How is FIV spread?
FIV is only transmitted through deep bite wounds, from mother to kitten, or through blood transfusions that have not been screened for FIV. Typically, FIV transmission occurs between unneutered male cats living outdoors who are fighting over territory and breeding. Spayed/neutered cats with FIV can safely live with non-FIV+ cats as long as there is no serious physical aggression between the cats. You do not need to rehome your cat just because they have FIV!
Where can I find more information about FIV?
Here are some resources which might point you in the right direction:
– https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951815
– http://bestfriends.org/resources/fiv-cats-faqs
– https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-vet-study-fiv-positive-cats-living-together
– https://www.fivcats.com/FIV/fiv_mixed_households.html
There are also some wonderful groups and organizations on Facebook and online communities full of information and fellow FIV+ cat owners who can support you. FIV+ kitties are just as adoptable as any other cat. The condition really just has a bad reputation.
I need to place an FIV+ cat.
Below is a list of rescues and sanctuaries across the US accepting FIV+ cats. Please note that we are not affiliated with any of the listed organizations, and cannot attest to their policies or procedures. Please thoroughly research any organization before bringing your cat to them.
Verbank, NY: Aslan’s Cats
Beacon, NY: Mid-Hudson Animal Aid Cat Sanctuary
Blasdell, NY: Ten Lives Club
Kanab, UT: Best Friends Animal Society
Germansville, PA: Forgotten Felines & Fidos
Harrisburg, PA: The Best Little Cat House
Orefield, PA: The Sanctuary at Haafsville
Westbrook, CT: Forgotten Felines
Boston, MA: Guardian Angels Cat Rescue
Salem, MA: The Odd Cat Sanctuary
Salisbury, MA: The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
Grand Rapids, MI: Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary
Battle Creek, MI: Froggies Pond Cat Sanctuary
Stillwater, MN: Home for Life Animal Sanctuary
Arlington, WA: Purrfect Pals Sanctuary
Denver, CO: Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue
Lakewood, CO: Cat Care Society
Nashua, IA: Rustic Hollow Sanctuary
Louisiana: Positively Cats Sanctuary
Frierson, LA: Yogie and Friends Cat Sanctuary
Palmyra, VA: Care for Creatures
Aldie, VA: Friends of Homeless Animals
St. Pauls, NC: Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary
Raleigh, NC: Calvin’s Paws
Atlantic Beach, FL: Cat Paws Sanctuary
St. James City, FL: Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary
Chicago, IL: Tree House Humane Society
Highland County, IL: Highland Humane Society
Lincoln, NE: The Cat House
Cincinnati, OH: Save The Animals Foundation
Cincinnati, OH: Mother Mayflower’s Animal Haven
Defiance, OH: Friends of Felines Rescue
Bucyrus, OH: Fuzzbucket Farm
Marion, WI: Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary
Westby, WI: Tabby Town USA
New River, AZ: Saint Francis Feline Sanctuary
Tucson, AZ: The Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary
Parlier, CA: The Cat House on the Kings
Los Angeles, CA: The Kitten Rescue Sanctuary
Portland, OR: House of Dreams
Austin, TX: Austin Pets Alive!
Atlanta, GA: Furkids
Jasper, GA: Fitzhugh B. Crews FIV Cat Sanctuary
Minneapolis, MN: Pet Haven of Minnesota
Moneta, VA: Playing for Purrs
There are also a number of Facebook groups and other online communities offering networking and placement resources for FIV+ cats. Some that we’ve found are listed below: