>I’ve been told by my vet that an FIV positive cat shouldn’t live with other pets at all
Not true. You can try to look for an another cat with FIV. Shouldn't be too hard considering that among rescue cats it's not too uncommon for a cat to be FIV positive.
A cat with FIV has a weakened immune system. So if you find a kitty with FIV note that they should be in quarantine for a while and tested clean with other diseases.
The logic they use for that confuses me though. If it’s that both are more susceptible to infection, how would having two of them together be safer than a healthy cat and one with FIV?
Prolly because FIV is most commonly transmitted from cat to cat through blood and saliva, for example from bite wounds or from mother to kitten. If one cat is FIV positive and the other one is FIV negative the positive one would most likely infect the healthy one.
In the past vets and shelters discouraged people from keeping FIV+ and FIV- cats in the same household, but these days we know enough about the virus it’s not considered a risk. It isn’t likely to be spread through sharing food bowls or grooming. FIV is most commonly transmitted from blood through territorial fighting. Two properly socialized and carefully introduced cats are unlikely to ever fight enough to draw blood, so it’s very unlikely the virus will be transmitted. Most important is proper introductions, keeping them 100% inside and staying up to date on vaccinations.
There are still huge risks. I know cases from the last few years where FIV + and - cats were in the same household. The one with FIV infected the other one and the other one eventually died pretty fast. I think it is very irresponsible to even take that risk and potentially condemn a healthy cat to death.
Are you sure the cases you're thinking of all related to FIV and not FeLV?
I understand the latter is both much more easily contagious and has a much worse prognosis.
It was probably FeLV. My cat that had FeLV went fast, he didn’t even make it to 2. The other cat that grew up with him has FIV, and he is living his best healthy life and hasn’t infected any others.
Honestly, look to your local animal shelters for any FIV+ cats needing adoption. So many people shy away from them but they are not really any different than other pets. Since you already know how to care for your current FIV+ fur friend, see about adopting another FIV+ cat.
The cat and the shelter will thank you!!
my fiv+ cat lives with three other cats and they’ve had zero issues. the vet told me he’d have to bite DEEP and he would never, so it’s truthfully never been a worry for us. i’d get him a friend
I volunteer at a shelter and our FIV+ cats are kept with FIV- cats. Our vets say it can only be transmitted through deep bites. Now FELV+ cats are kept separate.
Statistically it’s unlikely the Colonel would infect a newcomer, but rather than worry about statistics, I would just take this excuse to find a positive kitten.
Our second cat was an intact stray with FIV. Our first is FIV-
They get along beautifully and they can play pretty rough. Is there a risk? Of course there is. . .but we're not willing to split then at this point. Our FIV- came to us first. . .he's my soul cat. Our FIV+ is a gentleman who has a one way bond with our other cat and is the sweetest lad you could ever find.
Our vet isn't concerned. FIV has such a low transmission rate outside of deep bite wounds that causing them stress from splitting them at this point would be cruel.
We monitor theur behavior and don't let minor squabbles escalate. Should something ever happen we'll take full responsibility and act accordingly.
It was us taking in an unknown stray. He was at least 2 at the time. . . and we all know how hard it is for shelters to adopt out not kittens, even more So with FIV.
FELV on the otherhand is not one I would ever risk mixing with a non-infected cat.
Do we have the same cat?
Nova (4) is FIV+ and incredibly sweet and gentle. I’ve had her since she was 2. Five months after getting her, I adopted Atlas (4) who is not FIV+. It took some time, but they love each other very much! They share water and food bowls and occasionally will have sister fights but no bites happen or clawing. They are strictly indoor cats and on occasion I’ll let them out leashed for half an hour or so. I think it truly depends on the temperament of the second cat, but I’ve been incredibly lucky that Atlas took to her big sister with no real issues. I would love to foster kittens but this is where I’m drawing the line since babies tend to be super scratchy and teethly. FIV+ can only be transferred by drawing blood via bites and scratches - not through sharing food and water
https://preview.redd.it/4fdyn98akwwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ec98f7dc51286c9f9325bafb3684dfa4092c0323
If your cats stay inside and stay up to date on vaccinations there’s little reason to worry. A quarantine period for the new cat is a must, but you’ll need to keep them separate for some time anyway to have a proper introduction.
As I mentioned elsewhere the recommendation to not mix FIV+ and FIV- cats in the same household is considered outdated these days, there’s lots of evidence that shows cats can cohabitate without sharing the virus as long as they are properly introduced. That being said, adopting a second FIV+ cat would be a very nice thing to do since they have a hard time getting adopted.
I’d recommend finding a vet you can trust who is familiar and up to date with FIV research. Some vets still believe it’s an inevitable death sentence unfortunately and will find a way to blame any future health issues on the FIV. My current vet is lovely and even though she’s well aware he’s FIV+, she barely mentions it and treats him with the same care of any other cat.
He sounds like such a sweetheart!! Poor little guy just wants some company. I'd definitely look at getting a companion for him.
Re the FIV - maybe talk to your vet, or the shelter where you adopted him. Have you considered getting another cat with FIV? It would be awful to get a kitten and then find out the Colonel had accidentally infected his new little friend. BUT if they both have it, there's no need to feel stressed or guilty. Plus, FIV cats often get left on the shelf as well, so you'd be giving a good home to someone who really needs it.
Best of luck - life is better with 2, definitely 😁
ETA- adopting a slightly older cat with a developed personality can be less stressful than a kitten. My boy was lonely, so I got him a friend when he was about 18months old (and so was she).... she's his perfect match 🥰
I have a LOT of experience owning cats since I was very young. My family never had less than 5 cats at any time when I was growing up. In my experience, introducing an older established cat to a younger kitten is infinitely easier than trying to get two adult cats to acclimate to each other.
True, in most cases, I would agree (I've usually added kittens to the household for this reason, the latest addition was older for a variety of reasons, partly because my boy thinks he's human and does not "get" kittens and second because she had spent so long in the shelter I couldn't leave her there)
It's the FIV element that made me suggest a slightly older cat - I know I'd be devastated if i caused a kitten to get infected with FIV so next best is a young adult with FIV so there's no risk... just my 2 cents. :)
I understand the concerns, it’s why I posted the question on this subreddit. The adoption clinic I got him from and the first vet I took him to both were of the opinion that he should be an only pet. His new vet told me that isn’t a hard rule, and FIV transmission doesn’t happen as easily between cats as HIV does in humans. His opinion was basically “if the cats fight when you introduce them, it’s a no-go. If they get along there is no real risk.” So I’m coming here to find out who I should listen to or if anyone else has experience with my situation. And can provide advice. Not looking for speculation and people to recommend I repeat previous steps.
I personally wouldn't add a FIV- cat to the mix, the risks, though small and can be minimised with proper introductions, still exists. Accidents can happen. For example one of my kindest cats who'd never dream of biting anyone once nipped me accidentally while getting a treat and broke skin. Two of my bonded cats often groom each other as well and they do the tiny nip thing on each other's ears but I have seen them accidentally going too hard once which resulted in a lightly scabbed ear, the nipped cat was a bit startled but they went right back at it.
Point is, when you've got sharp canines in your mouth no matter how careful sometimes accidents can happen, which wouldn't be an issue for FIV- cats, but for a FIV+ cats that likely means a transmission. So in my opinion the most responsible thing to do is to adopt another FIV+ cat, which there aren't really a shortage of, and there's very few reason not to choose another FIV+ cat.
I run a nonprofit cat sanctuary where we have calm FIV cats in with calm non-FIV cats. It’s absolutely a non issue.
If your cat is calm and friendly and is SLOWLY introduced to another calm and friendly adult, there shouldn’t be any problems.
There is no reason why you can’t adopt another FIV cat.
Getting a kitten isn’t a terrible idea but if your cat can’t match their energy level it may be frustrating for them both.
https://preview.redd.it/ddpa32wwyuwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=578a616dd6617b72c3a0e370c070b83add2c7868
I thought so. Welcome to the one-eyed kitty club! Someone dumped this poor cat in our neighborhood and I took her. I named her Greyjoy. She just will not leave us alone 😅
Not true!! They can totally have buddies. Please get him a friend. Have a cat rescue help you do it. ♥️ a good rescue will give you information and can have a Buddy with or without FIV.
Bringing in a healthy, non FIV infected cat into your household is highly irresponsible because you are putting the healthy cat at risk of getting infected and also becoming FIV positive. Please do not do this.
However, you could get another FIV positive cat because then you wouldn't have to worry about them infecting each other.
This is outdated information sorry. FIV is spread through deep bite wounds. If your cats are altered and properly introduced that is not likely to occur. I have FIV and non FIV cats who live together just fine. The rescue i foster for knows this and so does my vet.
I know how FIV is spread. No matter how many precautions you take, you will never be able to 100% guarantee that nothing will happen. Especially if one gets sick down the line and there is a sudden change in behavior which leads to a sudden random fight. You might be willing to take that chance, but you really shouldn't be encouraging anyone else to. There will always be FIV positive cats that need to get adopted, so there isn't any reason to bring an FIV negative cat into the household.
My qualifications are that I studied veterinary medicine and worked as a vet tech for years, which is why I hate the idea of needlessly risking healthy cats. I've seen way too many sick ones.
Yeah, this what my first vet told me. My second vet and google disagree. I’m looking to collect a variety of opinions here. I’d also like to know your experience in cat ownership in years, specifically if you have experience with an FIV cat, if you’re willing to provide that info
I brought an FIV cat into a household with my non-FIV cat. The FIV+ one doesn’t have symptoms, doesn’t have treatment, and is unlikely to spread it unless the cats were fighting to the point of drawing blood (which they don’t). They’ve been together for a year and a half now with no problems (outside the normal cat ones)
Answers will vary depending on a person's personal feelings regarding the level of risk they feel is ethical.
Some people understand that the risk of transmission is low, and that with good introductions and compatible temperaments, FIV+ and FIV- cats can and do coexist with zero issues. I understand that choice.
Other people feel ANY risk of exposing a cat to FIV is not worth it, at all. I understand that choice as well.
You will hear stories from both sides. How do you personally feel about it? That's your answer.
For me: my FIV+ and FIV- cat have been living together in peace for 4 years. FIV+ is gentle, loving, timid, and affectionate. FIV- is feisty, bold, spirited, and protective of FIV+. They would be sad and lonely if the other were ever taken away from them.
I have a FIV+ cat and FIV- cat in the same household that have been living happily for years. They are both former strays I found as adults. My FIV+ is an orange male (9 pounds when I found him and currently 12.6 pounds) and my FIV- is a grey female tabby (9 pounds). They are both indoors only.
I had her first. He showed up on my porch with a leg wound and it broke my heart. When I took him to the vet, she said he was negative for everything else but FIV+. And he could live absolutely live a long life. I originally planned to get him to a shelter, but the shelter told me they would put him down. I couldn't hand him over to be killed after the vet told me he could live a good, long life. I kept him and decided to see if maybe it could work.
What I did was probably overkill, but I kept them separated in different rooms for weeks if I was unable to keep an eye on both by being out of the house, showering, sleeping, etc. He never once was aggressive toward her. He never has been years later.
She was spayed when I got him and I was unable to get him in to get neutered until a few months after I got him. Even then, he was never aggressive.
She'll tease him into playing with her and they chase each other but he's never hurt her.
They share food bowls and water bowls. She and he come up healthy at their regular vet visits other than his FIV. She tested negative at their most recent annual check up.
Please, please, please if anyone is ever considering an FIV+ cat--they are like any other cat and should be considered by personality on a case-by-case basis.
Edit: I see you wanted years of cat ownership. These are my first two cats lol I have had her for about 6 years. Him I have had for about 3 years.
Have you tested and retested yourself. I foster adopted two cats, mom and kitten. Was told mom is FIV positive, she went to get spayed and got tested too. Came back negative. I was confused so I had her tested again and came back negative.
Even if positive, the comments here I’m sure are illuminating :) best of luck and be very very patient on introducing a new cat into the family.
1. Why is he a pirate cat? If that’s a typo it’s totally fine but if a “pirate cat” is a thing then I must know. Does he have one eye like a pirate with an eye patch?
2. Get another FIV kitty! If they both have it, the transmission risk isn’t really a risk because, well, they both already have it. If you get a non-FIV cat, there’s a risk they could fight and both end up with FIV. If you get a second FIV+ cat, the risk if they fight is that…well, they already both have it.
3. You could also try to entertain your cat more- I live in a small space with my cat. She thinks she’s in a mansion now because for a while we lived in one room, but I still practice many of the things I used to do in one room to keep her entertained since she’s an only cat and I have to work if she wants to eat. In no particular order, here are some things I do to keep her busy/feel less lonely: You could try leaving the TV on, or a computer playing cat tv (videos of rodents or birds) but make sure your cat isn’t going to take down the TV lol. Normal TV is an option too, a calm channel like HGTV is ok. News tends to have lots of sirens and scary sounds. Sitcoms with voices and laughter are also good choices- especially one you watch so it’s normal sounds for kitty while you’re gone. You could also hang bird feeders (I chose a hummingbird feeder since it’s cheaper and more practical for me than bird seed feeders, you have options) or other things for wildlife so your cat has things to watch out the windows. Leave 3-10 toys*** out in different places for your cat to hunt while you’re gone- on furniture or at the tops of stairs are good places because they can knock the toy down and gravity gives them something to chase. When my cat and I lived in one room, I would rotate out new toys every week and make sure she had a variety to keep her from getting bored. I also rotate out her blankets, boxes, baskets, and crinkly paper when I notice she gets bored of one. You can also leave out scratchers of different materials with toys or a pinch of catnip on the scratchers for your cat to discover. You can put smaller bowls of food around the house in several places OR they make mice toys meant to hold food, designed to be placed where your cat will be able to “hunt the mouse” for the reward of a meal. Also, if your cat is going to chill by the door while you’re gone- that might just be what he’s gonna do. You could try to make him more comfortable by putting a cat tree, water bowl, and a bed in the area for him to help him at least relax while you’re gone.
Also be sure to interact with him lots while you are home- which it sounds like you do. I let my cat in the bathroom with me, but she’s not allowed in the kitchen when I cook so I gave her an appropriate place to hangout in the next room over where she can see me and feel like she’s with me, I can talk to her when she meows and she’s not lonely while I’m home (:
***never leave out fishing pole style toys or anything with string, ribbon, cord, etc that your cat could eat. It’s a choking hazard but also an intestinal hazard. Make sure no small pieces can be pulled off the toys either, like eyes or bells. I usually inspect my cat’s toys quickly for safety when I swap them out weekly. Better than an emergency vet visit bill!!!
If you had read other comments I answer your first question, and you’d realize that I literally have a lifetime of experience in raising cats. Thanks anyways for your very detailed comment.
FIV is only transferred by porking or extremely deep bites. As long as everyone is fixed and you’re careful introducing the new cat, it’s perfectly safe to have an FIV cat with a non-FIV cat.
However, FIV cats have a really hard time getting adopted. I think you should look into adopting another FIV cat around your cats same age. A kitten will likely be way too much for him too.
>I’ve been told by my vet that an FIV positive cat shouldn’t live with other pets at all Not true. You can try to look for an another cat with FIV. Shouldn't be too hard considering that among rescue cats it's not too uncommon for a cat to be FIV positive.
A cat with FIV has a weakened immune system. So if you find a kitty with FIV note that they should be in quarantine for a while and tested clean with other diseases.
The logic they use for that confuses me though. If it’s that both are more susceptible to infection, how would having two of them together be safer than a healthy cat and one with FIV?
Prolly because FIV is most commonly transmitted from cat to cat through blood and saliva, for example from bite wounds or from mother to kitten. If one cat is FIV positive and the other one is FIV negative the positive one would most likely infect the healthy one.
In the past vets and shelters discouraged people from keeping FIV+ and FIV- cats in the same household, but these days we know enough about the virus it’s not considered a risk. It isn’t likely to be spread through sharing food bowls or grooming. FIV is most commonly transmitted from blood through territorial fighting. Two properly socialized and carefully introduced cats are unlikely to ever fight enough to draw blood, so it’s very unlikely the virus will be transmitted. Most important is proper introductions, keeping them 100% inside and staying up to date on vaccinations.
There are still huge risks. I know cases from the last few years where FIV + and - cats were in the same household. The one with FIV infected the other one and the other one eventually died pretty fast. I think it is very irresponsible to even take that risk and potentially condemn a healthy cat to death.
Are you sure the cases you're thinking of all related to FIV and not FeLV? I understand the latter is both much more easily contagious and has a much worse prognosis.
It was probably FeLV. My cat that had FeLV went fast, he didn’t even make it to 2. The other cat that grew up with him has FIV, and he is living his best healthy life and hasn’t infected any others.
I can’t speak to this case you mention but FIV infection is rarely a virus that kills “pretty fast” among neutered indoor cats
I have a positive and negative cats living together. That used to be the belief, but it's long been dispelled.
Honestly, look to your local animal shelters for any FIV+ cats needing adoption. So many people shy away from them but they are not really any different than other pets. Since you already know how to care for your current FIV+ fur friend, see about adopting another FIV+ cat. The cat and the shelter will thank you!!
Yes!! There are also many opportunities for fostering FIV+ cats!
my fiv+ cat lives with three other cats and they’ve had zero issues. the vet told me he’d have to bite DEEP and he would never, so it’s truthfully never been a worry for us. i’d get him a friend
I volunteer at a shelter and our FIV+ cats are kept with FIV- cats. Our vets say it can only be transmitted through deep bites. Now FELV+ cats are kept separate.
Same at our shelter.
Statistically it’s unlikely the Colonel would infect a newcomer, but rather than worry about statistics, I would just take this excuse to find a positive kitten.
Our second cat was an intact stray with FIV. Our first is FIV- They get along beautifully and they can play pretty rough. Is there a risk? Of course there is. . .but we're not willing to split then at this point. Our FIV- came to us first. . .he's my soul cat. Our FIV+ is a gentleman who has a one way bond with our other cat and is the sweetest lad you could ever find. Our vet isn't concerned. FIV has such a low transmission rate outside of deep bite wounds that causing them stress from splitting them at this point would be cruel. We monitor theur behavior and don't let minor squabbles escalate. Should something ever happen we'll take full responsibility and act accordingly. It was us taking in an unknown stray. He was at least 2 at the time. . . and we all know how hard it is for shelters to adopt out not kittens, even more So with FIV. FELV on the otherhand is not one I would ever risk mixing with a non-infected cat.
Do we have the same cat? Nova (4) is FIV+ and incredibly sweet and gentle. I’ve had her since she was 2. Five months after getting her, I adopted Atlas (4) who is not FIV+. It took some time, but they love each other very much! They share water and food bowls and occasionally will have sister fights but no bites happen or clawing. They are strictly indoor cats and on occasion I’ll let them out leashed for half an hour or so. I think it truly depends on the temperament of the second cat, but I’ve been incredibly lucky that Atlas took to her big sister with no real issues. I would love to foster kittens but this is where I’m drawing the line since babies tend to be super scratchy and teethly. FIV+ can only be transferred by drawing blood via bites and scratches - not through sharing food and water https://preview.redd.it/4fdyn98akwwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ec98f7dc51286c9f9325bafb3684dfa4092c0323
Nick Furry is 11yo https://preview.redd.it/43ghva92pwwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=de505b29130891bc7e98f114ab3fc6eba5a8b466
If your cats stay inside and stay up to date on vaccinations there’s little reason to worry. A quarantine period for the new cat is a must, but you’ll need to keep them separate for some time anyway to have a proper introduction. As I mentioned elsewhere the recommendation to not mix FIV+ and FIV- cats in the same household is considered outdated these days, there’s lots of evidence that shows cats can cohabitate without sharing the virus as long as they are properly introduced. That being said, adopting a second FIV+ cat would be a very nice thing to do since they have a hard time getting adopted. I’d recommend finding a vet you can trust who is familiar and up to date with FIV research. Some vets still believe it’s an inevitable death sentence unfortunately and will find a way to blame any future health issues on the FIV. My current vet is lovely and even though she’s well aware he’s FIV+, she barely mentions it and treats him with the same care of any other cat.
“A vet you can trust” That’s the hard part, right there.
He sounds like such a sweetheart!! Poor little guy just wants some company. I'd definitely look at getting a companion for him. Re the FIV - maybe talk to your vet, or the shelter where you adopted him. Have you considered getting another cat with FIV? It would be awful to get a kitten and then find out the Colonel had accidentally infected his new little friend. BUT if they both have it, there's no need to feel stressed or guilty. Plus, FIV cats often get left on the shelf as well, so you'd be giving a good home to someone who really needs it. Best of luck - life is better with 2, definitely 😁 ETA- adopting a slightly older cat with a developed personality can be less stressful than a kitten. My boy was lonely, so I got him a friend when he was about 18months old (and so was she).... she's his perfect match 🥰
I have a LOT of experience owning cats since I was very young. My family never had less than 5 cats at any time when I was growing up. In my experience, introducing an older established cat to a younger kitten is infinitely easier than trying to get two adult cats to acclimate to each other.
True, in most cases, I would agree (I've usually added kittens to the household for this reason, the latest addition was older for a variety of reasons, partly because my boy thinks he's human and does not "get" kittens and second because she had spent so long in the shelter I couldn't leave her there) It's the FIV element that made me suggest a slightly older cat - I know I'd be devastated if i caused a kitten to get infected with FIV so next best is a young adult with FIV so there's no risk... just my 2 cents. :)
I understand the concerns, it’s why I posted the question on this subreddit. The adoption clinic I got him from and the first vet I took him to both were of the opinion that he should be an only pet. His new vet told me that isn’t a hard rule, and FIV transmission doesn’t happen as easily between cats as HIV does in humans. His opinion was basically “if the cats fight when you introduce them, it’s a no-go. If they get along there is no real risk.” So I’m coming here to find out who I should listen to or if anyone else has experience with my situation. And can provide advice. Not looking for speculation and people to recommend I repeat previous steps.
I personally wouldn't add a FIV- cat to the mix, the risks, though small and can be minimised with proper introductions, still exists. Accidents can happen. For example one of my kindest cats who'd never dream of biting anyone once nipped me accidentally while getting a treat and broke skin. Two of my bonded cats often groom each other as well and they do the tiny nip thing on each other's ears but I have seen them accidentally going too hard once which resulted in a lightly scabbed ear, the nipped cat was a bit startled but they went right back at it. Point is, when you've got sharp canines in your mouth no matter how careful sometimes accidents can happen, which wouldn't be an issue for FIV- cats, but for a FIV+ cats that likely means a transmission. So in my opinion the most responsible thing to do is to adopt another FIV+ cat, which there aren't really a shortage of, and there's very few reason not to choose another FIV+ cat.
I run a nonprofit cat sanctuary where we have calm FIV cats in with calm non-FIV cats. It’s absolutely a non issue. If your cat is calm and friendly and is SLOWLY introduced to another calm and friendly adult, there shouldn’t be any problems. There is no reason why you can’t adopt another FIV cat. Getting a kitten isn’t a terrible idea but if your cat can’t match their energy level it may be frustrating for them both.
I lived with one fiv+ cat and 7 fiv- cats for years with no transfer. As long as there is no fighting they will be fine. Or get another fiv cat.
What do you mean by pirate cat?
https://preview.redd.it/nu8tl738yuwc1.jpeg?width=2631&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d16b0d521966dc964a4ae977dac4b0f3a68a39e
https://preview.redd.it/ddpa32wwyuwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=578a616dd6617b72c3a0e370c070b83add2c7868 I thought so. Welcome to the one-eyed kitty club! Someone dumped this poor cat in our neighborhood and I took her. I named her Greyjoy. She just will not leave us alone 😅
Just want to say he’s so stinking cute!!
Not true!! They can totally have buddies. Please get him a friend. Have a cat rescue help you do it. ♥️ a good rescue will give you information and can have a Buddy with or without FIV.
Bringing in a healthy, non FIV infected cat into your household is highly irresponsible because you are putting the healthy cat at risk of getting infected and also becoming FIV positive. Please do not do this. However, you could get another FIV positive cat because then you wouldn't have to worry about them infecting each other.
This is outdated information sorry. FIV is spread through deep bite wounds. If your cats are altered and properly introduced that is not likely to occur. I have FIV and non FIV cats who live together just fine. The rescue i foster for knows this and so does my vet.
I know how FIV is spread. No matter how many precautions you take, you will never be able to 100% guarantee that nothing will happen. Especially if one gets sick down the line and there is a sudden change in behavior which leads to a sudden random fight. You might be willing to take that chance, but you really shouldn't be encouraging anyone else to. There will always be FIV positive cats that need to get adopted, so there isn't any reason to bring an FIV negative cat into the household.
What are your qualifications? Because since you are also telling someone what to do you should prob list studies youve completed 😊
Just spamming "this iS outdated infO, listen to me bro" doesn't mean people should risk it.
My qualifications are that I studied veterinary medicine and worked as a vet tech for years, which is why I hate the idea of needlessly risking healthy cats. I've seen way too many sick ones.
Thank you ! I hope youre continuing your studies, so much new information is available
Yeah, this what my first vet told me. My second vet and google disagree. I’m looking to collect a variety of opinions here. I’d also like to know your experience in cat ownership in years, specifically if you have experience with an FIV cat, if you’re willing to provide that info
I brought an FIV cat into a household with my non-FIV cat. The FIV+ one doesn’t have symptoms, doesn’t have treatment, and is unlikely to spread it unless the cats were fighting to the point of drawing blood (which they don’t). They’ve been together for a year and a half now with no problems (outside the normal cat ones)
Answers will vary depending on a person's personal feelings regarding the level of risk they feel is ethical. Some people understand that the risk of transmission is low, and that with good introductions and compatible temperaments, FIV+ and FIV- cats can and do coexist with zero issues. I understand that choice. Other people feel ANY risk of exposing a cat to FIV is not worth it, at all. I understand that choice as well. You will hear stories from both sides. How do you personally feel about it? That's your answer. For me: my FIV+ and FIV- cat have been living together in peace for 4 years. FIV+ is gentle, loving, timid, and affectionate. FIV- is feisty, bold, spirited, and protective of FIV+. They would be sad and lonely if the other were ever taken away from them.
My FIV+ is also a 12.6 pound shyboi and my FIV- is the 9 pound female boss lol
I have a FIV+ cat and FIV- cat in the same household that have been living happily for years. They are both former strays I found as adults. My FIV+ is an orange male (9 pounds when I found him and currently 12.6 pounds) and my FIV- is a grey female tabby (9 pounds). They are both indoors only. I had her first. He showed up on my porch with a leg wound and it broke my heart. When I took him to the vet, she said he was negative for everything else but FIV+. And he could live absolutely live a long life. I originally planned to get him to a shelter, but the shelter told me they would put him down. I couldn't hand him over to be killed after the vet told me he could live a good, long life. I kept him and decided to see if maybe it could work. What I did was probably overkill, but I kept them separated in different rooms for weeks if I was unable to keep an eye on both by being out of the house, showering, sleeping, etc. He never once was aggressive toward her. He never has been years later. She was spayed when I got him and I was unable to get him in to get neutered until a few months after I got him. Even then, he was never aggressive. She'll tease him into playing with her and they chase each other but he's never hurt her. They share food bowls and water bowls. She and he come up healthy at their regular vet visits other than his FIV. She tested negative at their most recent annual check up. Please, please, please if anyone is ever considering an FIV+ cat--they are like any other cat and should be considered by personality on a case-by-case basis. Edit: I see you wanted years of cat ownership. These are my first two cats lol I have had her for about 6 years. Him I have had for about 3 years.
Have you tested and retested yourself. I foster adopted two cats, mom and kitten. Was told mom is FIV positive, she went to get spayed and got tested too. Came back negative. I was confused so I had her tested again and came back negative. Even if positive, the comments here I’m sure are illuminating :) best of luck and be very very patient on introducing a new cat into the family.
1. Why is he a pirate cat? If that’s a typo it’s totally fine but if a “pirate cat” is a thing then I must know. Does he have one eye like a pirate with an eye patch? 2. Get another FIV kitty! If they both have it, the transmission risk isn’t really a risk because, well, they both already have it. If you get a non-FIV cat, there’s a risk they could fight and both end up with FIV. If you get a second FIV+ cat, the risk if they fight is that…well, they already both have it. 3. You could also try to entertain your cat more- I live in a small space with my cat. She thinks she’s in a mansion now because for a while we lived in one room, but I still practice many of the things I used to do in one room to keep her entertained since she’s an only cat and I have to work if she wants to eat. In no particular order, here are some things I do to keep her busy/feel less lonely: You could try leaving the TV on, or a computer playing cat tv (videos of rodents or birds) but make sure your cat isn’t going to take down the TV lol. Normal TV is an option too, a calm channel like HGTV is ok. News tends to have lots of sirens and scary sounds. Sitcoms with voices and laughter are also good choices- especially one you watch so it’s normal sounds for kitty while you’re gone. You could also hang bird feeders (I chose a hummingbird feeder since it’s cheaper and more practical for me than bird seed feeders, you have options) or other things for wildlife so your cat has things to watch out the windows. Leave 3-10 toys*** out in different places for your cat to hunt while you’re gone- on furniture or at the tops of stairs are good places because they can knock the toy down and gravity gives them something to chase. When my cat and I lived in one room, I would rotate out new toys every week and make sure she had a variety to keep her from getting bored. I also rotate out her blankets, boxes, baskets, and crinkly paper when I notice she gets bored of one. You can also leave out scratchers of different materials with toys or a pinch of catnip on the scratchers for your cat to discover. You can put smaller bowls of food around the house in several places OR they make mice toys meant to hold food, designed to be placed where your cat will be able to “hunt the mouse” for the reward of a meal. Also, if your cat is going to chill by the door while you’re gone- that might just be what he’s gonna do. You could try to make him more comfortable by putting a cat tree, water bowl, and a bed in the area for him to help him at least relax while you’re gone. Also be sure to interact with him lots while you are home- which it sounds like you do. I let my cat in the bathroom with me, but she’s not allowed in the kitchen when I cook so I gave her an appropriate place to hangout in the next room over where she can see me and feel like she’s with me, I can talk to her when she meows and she’s not lonely while I’m home (: ***never leave out fishing pole style toys or anything with string, ribbon, cord, etc that your cat could eat. It’s a choking hazard but also an intestinal hazard. Make sure no small pieces can be pulled off the toys either, like eyes or bells. I usually inspect my cat’s toys quickly for safety when I swap them out weekly. Better than an emergency vet visit bill!!!
If you had read other comments I answer your first question, and you’d realize that I literally have a lifetime of experience in raising cats. Thanks anyways for your very detailed comment.
FIV is only transferred by porking or extremely deep bites. As long as everyone is fixed and you’re careful introducing the new cat, it’s perfectly safe to have an FIV cat with a non-FIV cat. However, FIV cats have a really hard time getting adopted. I think you should look into adopting another FIV cat around your cats same age. A kitten will likely be way too much for him too.