Adopting FIV+ cats into non-FIV+ home

[Lizzie]

Where I live, alot of the shelters absolutely will NOT adopt a FIV+ cat into a home with FIV- cats. They also won't adopt them unless the person lives in an apartment that isn't on ground floor. I think it's a little harsh, and most of these FIV+ cats will never get adopted. Good luck!

I can understand the concern with a FeLV+ cat being in a household with negative cats, but not FIV, not now that we understand the disease better. Actually, I did have a FLV+ cat with my negative cats for 6 years and none of them became ill even though some didn't get more than the first year's vaccination because they couldn't handle it. All those other cats lived long lives (Ginger, who turns 20 soon was one of them) and died of age-related illnesses. I took the risk on the vet's advice, and - fortunately, it worked for us.

I will contact the organization suggested by another poster, but I already have my mind fairly made up on the ones I want to adopt from the shelter. I've also decided to go through with it tomorrow if I find a cat or cats that will fit the household, and not wait a month. The cats I have already have to come first, so no matter how desperate the need of another cat, I won't adopt unless it will work for them.

[jenluckenbach]

I too (unfortunately) know of rescues that will NOT adopt an FIV+ cat into a house with FIV- cats. Quite a shame really.

I am so excited about you new (future) additions. PICTURES!

[Lizzie]

I'm getting very psyched up about the possible adoptions also, even woke up early thinking about it. I set up most of the isolation room (front bedroom, lots of morning sun) last night and just have to set up a plasticed area with litter boxes and then the eating area - as far away from litter area as possible, of course.

It's funny, in a rather wry and dark way, that I was so sure that I liked the idea of having fewer cats so they would get more attention, but the moment my numbers did get low I was thrilled to think that I could help out some more cats. One of the cats I will look at has been at the shelter for 5 years!