does anyone have experience with fiv+ cats?

I have to make a horrible choice and I'm have no idea what to do

Hi there and welcome!

What is your choice? Can you give some background?

FIV is NOT a death sentence, so be aware of vets telling you it might be.

It's very simply a compromised immune system.

Hi thank you. 2 years ago I adopted a cat and shortly after had to move. He was always pretty wild and an escape artist right before he was to go in and get fixed he escaped and after months of searching and visiting animals controls gave up. Fast forward a year later and tonight I receive a phone call that he's been found (microchip) yaayyyy!! I have a 4 month old kitten that my daughter found this summer and we kept. The vet told me they tested him for fiv and that because I have another cat I should not bring him home. I am devastated. My daughter still prays for this cat every night. The vet said that the original adoption place would take him back but I can't stand the thought of this!!!

I went to see him immediately and other then being scruffy and skinny and FIV+ he is healthy. He was very happy to see us. The vet was very sweet and offered to keep him awhile longer while I tried to figure out what to do. I want to bring him home more than anything but is it far to expose the other cat? I'm just devastated

I beg to differ.

FIV is transferred by deep blood draw type bite wounds.

There is no reason in the world that a pos cat can't live harmoniously with other house cats and not infect them.

I can think of countless examples of fiv positive cats living long, full and happy lives among negative cats.

As long as he is neutered there should be no problem there. This is because if he goes to mate with a cat, the males will bite down on their necks, often it's too hard and can draw blood, exposing the cat to the virus.

Absolutely, go get him.

Yay for you microchipping!! Saves lifes all the time!

That's odd - they must be using outdated information. FIV is passed to cats often through things like deep bite wounds, common between unaltered toms. The idea that having one FIV cat at home puts other cats in the house at risk is an old idea - cats who have been speutered very seldom get into the types of altercations with other indoor cats that allow FIV to be passed (play fighting, play biting, love bites, etc. won't do it). FIV cats can live normal and long lives, but are just considered immunocompromised, so it's best to keep them indoors anyway.

If you can do a proper introduction with both cats to reduce anxiety between the two cats, I see no reason why it's of concern. Is there another vet you can speak with there? Perhaps that particular one is a bit behind, which is not uncommon with a few experts here and there in the medical community. If they are willing to let you take him but are just making a tempered suggestion, I say go get him too!

How is FIV spread?
The primary mode of transmission is through bite wounds. Casual, non-aggressive contact does not appear to be an efficient route of spreading FIV; as a result, cats in households with stable social structures where housemates do not fight are at little risk for acquiring FIV infections. On rare occasions infection is transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens, usually during passage through the birth canal or when the newborn kittens ingest infected milk. Sexual contact is not a major means of spreading FIV.

Click to expand...

(source - though there are many sources like it that say about the same thing)

Lots of people have FIV positive cats here. @LDG comes to mind first because she's documented what she's done for her FIV+ ex-feral Chumley: http://www.thecatsite.com/t/259351/how-i-am-treating-chumleys-fiv

Ok! From what I have found online in the last few hours I agree. He is still not neutered and has obviously been on his own for quite some time. My other cat cat is also male and just got neutered last month. If I were to have the FIV+ fixed this week before bringing him home I would then just have to find the best way to introduce them and see if they can get along? Forgive I'm not a cat person I have danes. I've never had more than one cat at a time.

The steps for bringing a new cat home (he is essentially new to the home again - it smells like this other cat!) are pretty much the same, to keep him in a safe room and let them get used to each others' smells and presence and working out room by room: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/introducing-your-cat-new-cat

No rush, just let the cats work at their own pace and if needed, take a step back. It can be a long process, so patience is key.

What about the fiv vaccine for my younger cat should I try to get that for him before bring the other guy (monster is his name) home?

You have danes So did I.

My last one was it for me, they are such heartbreakers! There is nothing like a wonderful great dane for a companion.

It's like that commercial on tv with the harlequin laying upright next to a little girl who has put a crown on his head and necklaces on him and polishes his nails, and the dane is just as content as can be with that, ears back, etc. 

You must get him neutered first, yes. Also it takes a couple weeks for the hormones to adjust too, which is a good time to keep them confined until they become familiar with gradula introductions.

That is an option for you until you know how they will get along.

But just once, just as a precaution, as I am not all that thrilled with giving them regularly.

Yes I have two! I never get to sit on my couch!! I love my Danes so much! You should see my 8 year old take them for a walk!!
Well that's what I'm going to do. I will talk to the adoption agency and tell them I want to at least try it before they take him back. I'll have him fixed as soon as possible and start slow introductions. It might not be horrible my other cat is still young so hopefully not too territorial yet!

I adopted a cat 1 1/2 years ago. At the time he was 6 . The rescue who had him for 3 years told me he was FIV negative. That was not true. In retrospect I am so glad I didn't know when I brought him home. By the time I found out I loved him. I read things that LDG posted here  and learned . That was a good thing because the vet I went to told me to either put him in a room alone ( forever) or put him down.I read more and learned more. I also got a new vet. What she told me matched what I had read. FIV is transmitted by deep puncture wounds.It cannot be passed on through play, mutual grooming or sharing food or water bowls. Do put the kitty in a room alone ( visit him often) and take introductions slowly. My vet also does rescue and she said she always takes about two months in introductions. She swears she has never had a failure.My Remy is the sweetest cat in the world. He gets on famously with my other 2 and everyone else. I am forever grateful I didn't put him down.I would take another FIV cat without a second thought.

A little update. Thanks so much for the information and support. I picked up monster yesterday and he is sooooo happy to be home. He was even happy enough to let me give him a bath and clip mats out of his hair. For now he is set up in my daughter's room and has pretty much been sleeping most of the time. He's looking pretty rough but doesn't seem sick. I'm taking him to another vet agrees with the information I have found here and will support me in keeping both cats. He will spend a day getting fixed, updated and shots and anything else he needs. My Danes and other cat are well aware that he's here. Obviously the Danes don't care but Axl (the kitten) is pretty hissy outside the door. I think it will be some time before I can try any introduction and I feel bad keeping him locked in one room but it's much better than our st Louis winter!!!

Wonderful update!!

You will be surprised at how well he grows into his new home, simple daily feeding and love will make a world of difference for this one little kitty )

SO glad you are working with a more sensible caring vet!!

Sorry I did not see this sooner, so glad you got good advice and have Monster HOME!!!!

I have 7 cats currently (down from 11), and one is FIV+.  Bobby is age 8 years, been with me since he was about 4 months old.  As everyone says, just go slowly with the introduction and all will be fine.  I get so angry when folks are told they can't keep an FIV+ cat with other cats!!!  I am glad you did your own research and asked here.

Actually, keeping Monster confined in one room for a time will be good for several reasons.  He will need time to heal after his neuter (not long, males are an easy procedure, it is not an invasive surgery).  Keeping him confined will help him to learn THIS is home.  With birds they call this imprinting, not sure if that term is used with cats. Keeping him in one room will also help make the transition to an indoor only cat (if that is what you intend?)  After being in one room for a few weeks having the WHOLE HOUSE will seem like a luxury ha haaa.  Finally, it will help the introductions to go more smoothly.

How wonderful that the microchip did its job and got him returned to you!  

raejune- wonderful news. I am so happy! Remy has some problems but while FIV cats can take longer to get well, they do get well. I give Remy L-Lysine powder in his food twice a day. Without it his eyes are very, very runny. He also has FHV. He came to me with Stomatitis and resorptive lesions. He has had two surgeries and only has 4 teeth left. The Dr. tried steroids after the last surgery ( bad move) and he has had a cold.All in all and most of the time he is a happy guy and has a good quality of life. I am hoping that once the final 4 teeth are gone he will be great. I fully expect him to live a long and happy life. Quality food is important. Flea and tick preventative is super important and just pay attention to his teeth. FIV cats are prone to dental problems. The most important thing I have learned is that when problems do arise get treatment right away.I think Remy was not cared for before I took him home. I know he is worth it and just seeing him get healthier and happier every day fills my heart. As he improves he acts like a kitten discovering the world. Sometimes he runs round and round the house doing his version of a happy dance/ So cute. I am so glad I did not take the advice of our first vet. That vet even told me that if I did keep Remy I could " never, ever bring another cat into my home" Ha!