Safe Haven of Iowa County

Sheila is a long haired beauty. She is happy to settle on your lap and let you listen to her purr as you pet her.

Sheila did test FIV+. FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and is exactly that: A feline-specific virus that attacks a cat’s immune system leaving them more vulnerable to secondary infections. 

The virus cannot survive very long outside the body, therefore mutual grooming, sharing food and water dishes, etc. is NOT a mode of transmission. The most common mode of transmission is through deep bite wounds. Therefore, housemates with a stable social structure with limited to no fighting are at very little risk of transmitting the virus to one another. 

Management including annual or bi-annual vet exams, keeping your kitty indoors, with a well-balanced diet will help ensure a long healthy life for a cat with FIV. Many FIV+ cats can live years with no symptoms. Recent studies have shown that cats with FIV commonly live average life spans.