Need advice: Anyone have experience with FIV+ and FIV- in same house?

See http://petoftheday.com/talk/album.php?albumid=383 for pictures and the story on Tab. As I write this, he's at the vet, but I'm going to have to bring him home tomorrow. Finding a home for an FIV+ cat is impossible; it's hard enough with an FIV- cat. Even shelters that may accept FIV+ cats are full. I'm going to have to bring him into my household of healthy, FIV- cats. Tab's only problem at the moment is that he needs dental surgery, and the vet can't do it till after the new year. I doubt very much my cats will fight with Tab (I'll start out with him in a cage in my house), but it'll be impossible to keep him from drinking the water I must keep out for my 5 cats, even if I'm able to feed them separately, which I'm not sure I can do. Besides, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he gets into grooming sessions with some of my present cats. All my cats are up-to-date on their vaccinations, and I've heard that helps, plus, they are all indoors-only cats as he will be. Does anyone have experience with this? I will appreciate any advice - THANKS!

My Bobby is FIV +. As long as they don't fight, all will be fine. FIV is not easily transferred. Mine share water bowls, food bowls and litter boxes no problem. You don't want them fighting; if this means taking an extra few days to get through the transition phase, do it as long term you will be glad you did.

My Bobby is such a sweetheart, a real cuddle bug not only with me, but also with the other cats and with the dogs as well.

Thanks, that is definitely good to know your experience with this! I see so much varying info on mixing FIV+ and negative cats, and even my vets said different things. I will put Tab in the cage to start out with, but he's pretty mellow and not so young any more, and I had him neutered before I gave him to my friend. My Siamese cat, Koji might even remember him, though it's been a few years since they knew each other. Tab is real sweetie, so I think they'll all get along fine.

FeLV is a different story; that is highly contagious and you really can not mix + and - cats in one home.

I hope we shall soon see photos of Tab among your clowder!

It's pretty safe to mingle FIV+ and FIV- cats. Unlike feline leukemia, it's really tough for a cat to pick up FIV.

He's snoozing on the bed near the window. He ate, then had his meds, used the litterbox. I think everything will be okay. He'll have his dental surgery January 2. I wish the transition period with my 5 would be over and they'd stop being scared of him. I can't remember how how long a transition like this takes with a full-grown cat. :confused: The last 3 I brought in were kittens at the time. Thanks everyone for your posts!!!