Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV

All Cats Protection branches regularly take in FIV cats into care and do their best to rehome them as indoor cats. The FIV virus reduces a cat's immune system, and leaves it more vulnerable to other feline infections - in itself is not life threatening. 

FIV  CANNOT  be transmitted to humans or other animals

In our experience, FIV positive cats can have, and deserve to have, a long and healthy life. They need careful attention to their general health and diet, and protection through currently available vaccinations against flu and leukaemia are essential. But this is no more than any cat should receive.

A properly cared for FIV cat need not have a shortened life expectancy.

Canterbury CP will not euthnise a healthy FIV positive puss cat, but many FIV positive cats do end up in rescue and stay in rescue much longer waiting for a home. So please do think about adopting an FIV puss cat if you are looking for a indoor feline companion.

Please read Cats Protection leaflet on FIV  for more information. For more detailed background on FIV please read the article "ABOUT FIV" In the News/Advice section on this website