Fiv

[snakemama]

I had a pair of foster cats for a year or so - one FIV+ and one not. They were actually the best of friends and spent a lot of time playing and grooming together, and the FIV- kitty is still negative to this day, three years later in her new home. I'd say if they aren't scuffling to keep the FIV+ kitty.

[phesina]

Yes, keep her. That's what I've learned about FIV transfer too, it's from saliva entering an open wound. And a false positive is indeed possible. Your friend might have her retested in another month or two.

Also, just because she tested FIV+, she won't necessarily come down with the disease, I don't think.

Best wishes to your friend, and God bless her!

[Freedom]

KEEP KEEP KEEP!!!

My Bobby is FIV+. He has lived here for over 3 years now, and is the sweetest boy ever. He only loves, never fights. None of my others are at risk.

Feline IV, unlike HIV, never mutates into full blown AIDS, so Bobby will never get sick and die of "this." His immune system is compromised, so he may die of something a stronger cat could fight off. Even a "kitty cold," aka URI, upper respiratory infection. When I decided to keep him, I stopped bringing ferals through here, to limit what ailments he gets exposed to. He and all my kitties are indoor only, so they are not bringing stuff in on a regular basis, as an outdoor kitty could do.

Any time the kitty goes to a vet, be sure to remind the vet this one is FIV+. They do treatments a bit differently. AND the annual rabies vaccine is a killed virus, NOT the live virus our other cats get.

GO FOR IT!

That's my response.

[jennielynn1970]

Same thoughts here, keep the kitty. My Honeybun is FIV+ and has been with me for at least 4 years. He's a dear boy, never would hurt a fly and just wants to be loved.

I hope the kitty gets a home where she's safe and secure.