FIV Information

Give FIV+ Cats a Chance!

Ever think of adopting an FIV positive cat? Currently, 14 FIV positive cats are fostered in their own facility next to the BG Barn sanctuary. Most of them have been rescued from Bidwell Park, some of them highly adoptable. The CCC has found loving homes for a quite a few of them the past!

This health condition isn't as scary as it sounds. FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is similar to the HIV disease in humans. It is transmitted from cat to cat only, usually by bite wounds and is not airborne. People and other animals are not at risk for contracting the virus.

Their life expectancy is somewhat less than for healthy kitties. Most of our FIV positive foster cats have lived with the disease for many years and show no signs of illness. They feel no pain from the disease, as the virus is exceptionally slow in progressing. FIV cats sometimes develop dental problems, but for the most part live long, normal lives.

It is best for FIV positive cats to be indoor-only pets to prevent spreading infection to other neighborhood kitties. These cats need to be placed in single-cat households or in a home where other FIV positive kitties live. They require a low-stress lifestyle, good food and of course, a loving home.