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Cat Lovers
My BFF cat was diagnosed with feline aids today 
He was attacked by another cat a few weeks ago. She took him to the vet for follow up test today and the test was positive. She is very very upset. They also have 2 other cats and a dog. The vet said that her cat might still live a very long life, but he has to be kept away from her other cats and should not go outside. That would be very hard and not fair for her cat to be locked up all day in a room She has called non kill shelters and non of them will take her sick cat.
Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations? She wants to make sure her cat goes to a loving family.
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Re: Cat Lovers
(Clarifying note: Feline AIDS is a full-blown version, just like human AIDS. FIV is just like HIV, where the infected individual may not show any symptoms of ill health for a very long time. From the recent contraction I'm assuming they cat simply tested positive for FIV and was not diagnosed with full blown Feline AIDS.)
FIV is only transmitted through saliva, so serious, deep biting. If the affected cat has a good temperament and is not a biter, the chances of it being transmitted to the other cats in the home is miniscule. Plenty of people have both FIV positive cats and negative cats that coexist beautifully. https://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/petcare/cats_fiv.cfm has some great info. If this were one of my cats, I would probably isolate the FIV+ cat while out and about just to be on the safe side, but let the cat have free roam of the house otherwise when at home. I really think her vet did not give her an accurate portrayal of life with an FIV+ cat and I would be happy to talk to her more about it if you want to pass on my contact info!
The reality is that an FIV+ cat is not going to be easily placed, either with a no-kill shelter (which are usually crammed to the gills as is) or with a loving family without other FIV cats. I 1000% believe they can make it work (as long as the cat's temperament is good.) If the cat is a biter/fighter the odds of anyone taking it in are virtually zero and regretfully the humane and loving option would be to have it put to sleep in their loving arms rather than surrendered to a shelter where it would almost certainly meet the same fate but in a much harsher way. I am so sorry they are dealing with this but I definitely don't think there is a big cause for worry!
P.S. As with HIV, FIV affects a depressed immune system which can then develop into the actual AIDS disease. I would be happy to chat with your friend about dietary and supplemental measures that will help keep the immune system strong and healthy for their kitty. The most important thing to pass along, though, is a grain-free, low carb food (ideally canned or raw.) Grains can actually depress a cat's immune system and render it more vulnerable to illness (true for any cat, not just FIV+ ones.)
B- I am so sorry for your friend's kitty!! That is really sad. I hope she can find a way to make it work to keep her kitty with her.
S- I
you!!!
Photo by J Shelton Photography
Married 10/5/08 | 2 yrs of TTC, tests, procedures & a m/c | IVF #2 =James!
I totally agree with everything MSTie said - most cats in a harmonious household can do just fine and have little risk of acquiring FIV. I wouldn't try to re-home the cat unless the cats don't get along in the first place. The cat should be indoor only so less risk of fighting and catching infections is present.
These kitties can also be more at risk for dental issues and upper respiratory infections, etc so they do need more prompt about health care..
Good luck!