Rescued cat is FIV+ & I have a healthy cat already. Need advice!!

I need advice badly!  I rescued a very sweet cat from an abusive situation.  When I took her to the vet, I discovered she's FIV positive.  My major problem with this is I already have a cat at home.  I'm trying to find a new home for her but I'm not having any luck.  Plus she is such a laid-back, sweet cat.  Considering what she came from, I'm amazed at how trusting she is and she has no fear.  Currently she's being separated.  I'm wondering if any of you have FIV positive and negative cats at home.  How has it been?  What special things do you do?  

Thanks!!!

FIV is NOT a death sentence - for your FIV kitty or your other kitty - for more information, click here: http://www.v63.net/catsanctuary/vet_question.html

There are members who have FIV kitties and healthy kitties in the same home. Like the human AIDS Virus, FIV is transmitted by blood and bodly fluids. In a cat's case, mating and deep wound bites - it is NOT transmitted by playing, grooming, sharing bowls or litterboxes :nod:
Laurie, LDG has an FIV kitty and 7 others inside of an RV :nod: You can pm her - she has a ton of information on FIV.....

This a a sweet gal, and assuming she is spayed, you really have nothing to worry about. Just introduce them properly to make sure they have a good relationship, and you are all set. :nod:

As far as her health goes, the most important thing you have to do is to find a vet who understands FIV. They can be healthy like any other kitty, but they do require special care when they get sick.
A great diet and keeping stress at a minimum is a must.

I hope you get to keep her, sounds like a sweet litthe girl

I don't have any FIV positive cats, but I know that some on here do. I will get one of them to respond.  It being the weekend, it may take longer, but don't give up.

Welcome to TCS.

I guess I was too slow.

Carolina already covered all the bases! If you have ANY questions, please feel free to ask. I've also alerted another member to chime in.

But so many people confuse FIV and Felv. Sadly, many vets aren't really up on the difference either. It's important to have a vet that is FIV literate. :nod:

Basically, if you do slow introductions, there's no reason not to keep this kitty, and introduce her to your other pets!

I just feed Chum (and the rest of our cats) the healthiest diet I can, and get him an annual check up and an annual dental. Other than that - he needs no special attention. Well - other than the fact that he LOVES to play, so he gets more play time. :lol3:

But Billy LOVES to be groomed by Chumley, and nothing warms my heart more. :heart2:

Thank you for rescuing this sweet girl. As others have already said, there's no reason being FIV+ should keep her from living with your other cat. My cat Louie is FIV+ and lives with three negative cats without issue. When I brought Louie in to foster last year and later adopted him, I introduced him to the other cats just like I would any newcomer. Honestly, in terms of his care I don't do anything different for him than I do for my negative cats. I feed all of them a good quality food, ensure they get whatever vet care they need (included regular office visits, dentals, etc...) and give them plenty of love. Louie is especially close to my other male cat Pete (they love to play chase, wrestle and head bump each other) and loves it when my youngest female grooms him. With the approval of the rescue I volunteer for, Louie also has contact with the cats and kittens I foster without issues. I don't think of Louie as my FIV+ cat. I just think of him as my cat that I love.