Tucson FIV kitty needs help.... so do I, I guess!

I found a stray cat, took him to the vet and he's tested positive for FIV. I have two cats at home and live in a small duplex. They're separated, but I really need to find this sweet guy a home. All the no kill shelters are full, I've tried them all, even the one I volunteer at, but to no avail.
Anyone know anyone who has FIV kitties and would like another one?
Any help would be great.... vibes too...

You know FIV cats can be kept with healthy cats unless they are fighting really badly to the point where there are very deep bad puncture wounds, right? They can share litterboxes, food bowls, etc... It cannot be passed that way. if only my sister was a little more cat loving and willing to help, she is coming back here from Arizona on Tuesday and I have a sanctuary near me that would take him no problem... But I am just letting you know that you could keep him. It is FeLV that is the highly transmittable one, FeLV cannot share anything safely. But I know a lot of people who have FIV positive and negative cats living together and all is perfectly well. TNR people are even releasing FIV feral cats back into the wild once they are neutered and vaccinated.

Plus, I would have him retested anyways, a lot of times you get false positives and negatives. And I heard that if the cat was vaccianted for FIV before he came to you and you test him, it would come up positive.

But I would keep him if you can. Just introduce him to your cat like you would any other cat and unless they are fighting to the death (which is very unlikely) they are fine to be together.

You can have a PCR test done to differenciate between an infection positive result vs one caused by vaccination. Unless the cat had been already altered, I would think the likelihood of it having received an FIV vaccination was slim. People generally don't take their cats in to vaccinate them unless they've been spayed or neutered. And around here, the percentage who vaccinate for FIV in addition to FELV are miniscule. Some clinics won't even administer the vaccine. But if you decide to have it checked anyway, I used UCDavis when I had one checked and I think Colorado State also does it. Your vet will have to draw the blood and overnight it for testing.

I also have an FIV positive cat, my second. While I do allow him to interact with the other cats when I'm present to supervise, I do not leave them together when I'm not there. While Pip, my FIV cat is very mellow, some of my other cats are not. I simply don't want to risk it. And I'm not sold on the vaccine yet either, although if I only had one or two other cats, I might research it further. If you do vaccinate your other two cats for FIV make sure you have them microchipped in the event they ever get outside, because, yes, once they are vaccinated they will test positive.

Originally Posted by Cinder

If you do vaccinate your other two cats for FIV make sure you have them microchipped in the event they ever get outside, because, yes, once they are vaccinated they will test positive.

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Do they test positive for life? Or just til it wears off?

It is my understanding that a vaccinated cat will always test positive. Anyone else heard differently?

Komkee, I also thought I should mention this. I checked out a place who accepted FIV cats when I had my first, Old Tiger. I was saddened to see that although they were cared for, they were caged and did not, IMO have a very quality life. I kept him, and although he was already showing symptoms, he did live for another 4 years. I guess they do somehow know when people are trying to help them because he went from feral to being a sweetheart. I did some research when I got Pip and also found another group who accepts them. While they have a large open enclosure and provided good care, they did not have an active adoption program. Basically, the cats went there to live out there lives. They were very open in saying that the stress of being placed there was hard on the cats. If your kitty is a sweet, pet quality kitty, and if you do find a place to take him, make sure he's going to be given an opportunity for a home and not just a place to live out his days. I wish you luck. It might not be easy. I ended up keeping both of mine because I couldn't place them in a situation I was comfortable with. Do your homework on FIV, you may not have to make so many accomodations as you think to keep him. As Jen said, it is not casually spread.

I know my male cat is an alpha, so I know they will get into knock down, drag out fights. I've done lots of reading and everything you all have said has been repeated, but all the research still says if there's a deep bite, it can be passed. I can't risk that.
Soooo, this sweet boy is still here and looking for a home. Thanks everyone for your replies. Any other ideas are welcome.
Karen

Originally Posted by komkee

but all the research still says if there's a deep bite, it can be passed. I can't risk that.

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Given the situation, I agree with you.

My only other suggestion would be to start contacting vet clinics. It's slim, but there may have a client with an FIV+ who would be interested in having another kitty. I have a couple keeping an eye out for me. Who knows...maybe someday I'll get lucky. (or I should say, Pip will)

Good luck!!! Let us know how it turns out.