🐾 Let’s Talk About FIV+ and FeLV+ Cats 🐾
At the Animal Orphanage, we believe every cat deserves a chance at love—regardless of their diagnosis. That includes our FIV+ and FeLV+ feline friends, who are often overlooked simply because of outdated myths or misunderstanding.
💡 What Is FIV?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) affects a cat’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections. It's spread only through deep bite wounds, and FIV+ cats can live long, healthy, and happy lives—especially when kept indoors and in low-stress environments. Friendly, neutered FIV+ cats can even live safely with non-FIV cats in many cases.
💡 What Is FeLV?
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a virus that can suppress the immune system and, in some cases, lead to illness over time. While FeLV+ cats may have shorter lifespans, they deserve full, love-filled lives for as long as they are with us. FeLV is passed through prolonged close contact like grooming and sharing food bowls, so FeLV+ cats should be housed with other FeLV+ cats or be the only cat in the home.
🐱 Who Is Most at Risk?
-
Kittens (especially under 4 months)
-
Outdoor cats
-
Cats in multi-cat households or shelters
-
Unvaccinated cats with exposure to FeLV+ cats
FeLV+
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is more contagious than FIV and affects a cat’s bone marrow and immune system. FeLV+ cats may have shorter lifespans, but many live happy, love-filled lives for years with proper care.
🔍 Common symptoms may include:
-
Persistent respiratory or eye infections
-
Weight loss
-
Pale gums
-
Poor coat condition
-
Loss of appetite
-
Lethargy
-
Fever
-
Swollen lymph nodes
How it spreads: Through close contact—like grooming, shared food/water bowls, or mother-to-kitten transmission. FeLV+ cats should live only with other FeLV+ cats or be solo.
FIV+
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) weakens a cat’s immune system over time, but many FIV+ cats live long, healthy lives—especially with regular vet care, a quality diet, and an indoor-only lifestyle.
🔍 Common symptoms may include:
-
Recurrent infections (especially in the gums or skin)
-
Inflammation of the gums or mouth (gingivitis/stomatitis)
-
Sneezing or respiratory infections
-
Weight loss
-
Lethargy
-
Poor coat condition
How it spreads: Through deep bite wounds, not casual contact. Fixed, friendly cats rarely pose a transmission risk to other felines.
🏠 Who Can FIV+ and FeLV+ Cats Live With?
Understanding the social needs of these special cats helps them find the right home faster—and breaks the stigma that often surrounds them.
🐱 FIV+ Cats Can Live With:
-
Other FIV+ cats
-
Friendly, non-aggressive FIV-negative cats, as long as they don’t fight
(FIV spreads mainly through deep bite wounds, which are rare among spayed/neutered, peaceful cats) -
Many homes have had FIV+ and FIV-negative cats live together safely for years without transmission!
🐱 FeLV+ Cats Can Live With:
-
Other FeLV+ cats
-
No other cats (if you want a one-cat household!)
-
FeLV is more easily spread than FIV, especially through grooming, shared food/water bowls, or close contact—so FeLV+ cats should only live with other FeLV+ cats or be the only cat in the home.
🩺 How to Care for FIV+ and FeLV+ Cats
Caring for FIV+ or FeLV+ cats is very manageable—and incredibly rewarding. With a little extra attention and a safe environment, these cats can live happy, comfortable, and love-filled lives.
🛋️ Keep Them Indoors Only
Both FIV+ and FeLV+ cats should be kept indoors to protect their immune systems and prevent the spread of the virus to other cats. A calm, stress-free home helps them stay healthy longer.
🧼 Regular Vet Checkups
-
Schedule wellness exams every 6 months
-
Stay up-to-date on vaccines, flea prevention, and deworming
-
Promptly treat any signs of infection—early care is key
🍽️ Feed a High-Quality Diet
Good nutrition supports their immune system and overall health. A well-balanced, vet-recommended diet goes a long way in keeping them feeling their best.
❤️ Minimize Stress
Stress can weaken the immune system, so provide:
-
Consistent routines
-
Cozy hiding spots or quiet rooms
-
Gentle, patient socialization
🐾 Monitor for Symptoms
Be alert for any changes in appetite, energy level, or appearance. Even small signs (like sneezing, swollen gums, or weight loss) should be checked out sooner rather than later.