FIV & FeLV Positive Cats 

Although their options for placement are less abundant then our other fosters, they are still deserving of a chance to live in a loving home. 

We would try to pair them with other cats that have tested positive for the virus or with families that are looking for only one house cat.

FIV & FeLV positive cats can still live normal and healthy lives, with the right care and nutrition. Our veterinarian shared with us that she has auto immune deficient patients that live incident free and thrive throughout their lifespan. 

For more information on FIV and FeLV please see below.

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The following is a list of Facebook groups that can provide you support and further information in the event you have or decide to adopt a FIV or FeLV positive cat:

Owners of FeLV+/FIV+ cats
Community Cats United FIV/FeLV & Other Special Needs
FIV Cats are Positively Adoptable
Fiv and FELV cats that need homes
FIV+ Positive Support For Cats and Owners

FIV - Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is classified as a lentivirus or slow virus. Similar to the retrovirus family, like feline leukemia virus (FeLV), but differs in many ways including their shape. 

FIV is elongated, while FeLV is more circular, additionally the genetic composition of each virus differs, and the proteins that compose them are dissimilar in size and composition.

In the US, approximately 1.5 to  3 percent of healthy cats are infected with FIV. Rates can rise significantly in cats that are sick or in high risk situations, such as feral cat colonies where cats can exibit more agressive behaviors.

Biting is the most efficient means of viral transmission which causes higher infection rates in free-roaming, aggressive male cats.

Infected cats can live normal lives, however the infection can create a state of immune deficiency that hinders the cat's ability to protect against other infections.

With the right diet and care an FIV positive cat can make a wonderful companion for a family for years to come.

FeLV - Feline Leukemia Virus

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is also known as a retrovirus because of the way it behaves within infected cells. All retroviruses produce an enzyme, reverse transcriptase, which allows the virus to insert copies of their genetic material into the cells they have infected. 

In the US, approximately 2 to 3% of all cats are infected with FeLV.

FeLV is spread by cats that have already been infected and can be shed in high quantities of saliva, nasal secretions as well as urine, feces and milk from infected cats.

Cat to cat transfer may occur from biting and wounding which may happen more frequently in large feral colonies where space is limited and hierarchy is a daily struggle.

Infected mother cats can transfer the disease to her kittens either when they are born or while they are nursing.

Fortunately FeLV doesn't survive long outside a cat's body, generally less than a few hours under normal household conditions.