Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, is akin to HIV in people. It weakens a cat’s immune system, increasing the risk of infections and certain cancers. So, is it possible for FIV-positive cats to live good lives?
The odds are better than you might think — if a cat’s care centers around optimizing health and catching medical issues quickly. That means keeping FIV-positive cats indoors where they’re less apt to catch infections. Top-line nutrition helps, which means avoiding raw foods that can carry germs. Frequent checkups are key — every 4 to 6 months is recommended.
There’s no guarantee that FIV-positive cats won’t develop fatal problems, but with excellent care, they have a good chance of living long, happy lives.