How to Care for an FIV Positive Cat

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) damages a cat's ability to protect itself from infection, much as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) damages the human immune system. Cats usually spread FIV through bite wounds or from birth. Vets diagnose FIV through a blood test; FIV-positive cats almost always have FIV antibodies. If your cat has been diagnosed with FIV, take good care of your cat to keep it healthy as long as possible and reduce the chances of infecting another cat.

Things You'll Need

  • Nutritionally balanced diet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Confine your cat to your home or apartment. This reduces the chances your cat will spread FIV or contract diseases from other cats.

    • 2

      Feed your cat a nutritionally balanced, complete diet to maintain her health. Don't give your cat raw meat, raw eggs or unpasteurized dairy products, which may contain bacteria or parasites that will make a FIV-positive cat sick.

    • 3

      Make sure your cat is spayed or neutered. This prevents the transmission of FIV to offspring and reduces the chances male cats will wander and interact with other cats.

    • 4

      Take your cat to the vet every six months for a checkup.

    • 5

      Monitor your cat's health carefully and talk to your vet if you notice any changes. For example, see your vet if your cat seems listless or loses weight.

    • 6

      Test any other cats in your home for FIV. As long as cats do not play rough, however, FIV transmission is low.