FIV Cat Rescue
Ranked #47 in Volunteering, #8,948 overall
FIV Cat Rescue
FIV Cat Rescue is a non-profit, located in California, devoted to saving cats who test positive for FIV (Feline immunodeficiency Virus). FIV is the feline world's version of HIV. Yes, the AIDS virus.
However, just because a cat tests positive for FIV does not mean they need to be killed. Here I'll cover the facts about FIV and what we at FIV Cat Rescue are doing to save FIV cats.
The FIV Cat Rescue sanctuary is currently home to 12 FIV cats ranging in age from 2 years to 15 years old. They are all male except for 3 females.
Logo: SnoBall our first FIV cat
What is FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
FIV is a virus
FIV, which stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is the feline version of HIV. The virus, a lentivirus, progresses very slowly and gradually affects a cat's immune system.FIV is also known as Feline AIDS. The most well-known lentivirus in humans is HIV. However, the two are not at all the same and you can't get FIV from a cat.
FIV occurs worldwide, but is more prevalent in certain geographic areas.
The common misconception is that a cat that test positive for FIV will die young. In fact, most cats that test positive and have homes, live long, healthy lives. Just like many humans who test positive for HIV but do not get AIDS, cats can test positive for FIV and not die of FIV.
Photo: Romeo
Cats who have been vaccinated AGAINST FIV will test positive FOR FIV antibodies forever!
Our Mission
How we educate about and rescue FIV cats
FIV Cat Rescue's mission is to1) stop the killing of FIV cats,
2) find lifelong homes for them,
3) educate the public about FIV (Feline immunodeficiency Virus), and
4) promote spay and neuter to reduce cat over-population, spread of FIV and euthanasia.
Photo: Gypsy
5 Things you should know about FIV (Cat Aids)
What is FIV and how does it affect cats?
- Nursing kittens can carry the antibodies of an infected mother without being infected itself. In fact, a kitten that tests positive should be retested after 6 months of age.
- Cats who have been vaccinated AGAINST FIV will test positive FOR FIV antibodies forever!
- Most FIV positive cats do NOT develop AIDS.
- Cats with FIV can live long, healthy lives.
- Animal shelters kill cats that test positive for FIV.
- Humans cannot be infected with FIV; FIV is a cats-only infection.
How is FIV transmitted?
FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) is transmitted through blood transfusions or deep, badly infected gums, penetrating bite wounds. Kittens can get it from an infected mother while in the womb or through ingestion of milk during nursing, although this is rare.Experimentally, FIV can also be transmitted through semen however this is not thought to be a significant method of transmission in nature.
The disease is seen more often in un-neutered stray or feral male cats, since fighting is more common among these cats. FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread casually - like in litter boxes, water and food bowls, or when snuggling and playing.
A neutered cat, in a home, is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, if properly introduced and the other cats are non-aggressive.
Photo: Harley (shaved due to matted hair when we got him)
How is FIV tested for?
A simple blood test, done in most veterinary clinics or hospitals, called ELISA (Enzyme-lined immunosorbent assay) is used to diagnose FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) in the serum or saliva.. However, due to many false results, if a cat tests positive, it should be retested using the Western Blot or Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.Cats who have been vaccinated against FIV will test positive for FIV antibodies! This leads to false readings all of their lives.
Photo: Kittens tested positive for FIV
FIV is NOT a death sentence!
Most cats who test positive for FIV antibodies
live long, healthy and happy lives.
How to keep an FIV cat healthy
FIV infected cats have compromised immune systems and therefore are more susceptible to infections. Therefore, they need to be neutered (to minimize or prevent fighting), kept indoors (to decrease exposure to other cats), fed a good diet with vitamin supplements (no raw foods), have yearly check-ups, and aggressively treat any infections that may occur.FIV-infected cats should be free from stress. Both preventative health and dental care are important. Administer prescribed medications and monitor your cat's general activity level, body weight, appetite and attitude.
Vaccinations for other diseases should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Photo: Princess
Keep Your FIV Cat Healthy
Keep your FIV+ cat healthy by neutering/spaying, keeping her indoors, give a healthy diet, keep stress to a minimum and give her plenty of love.
Support our cause with this t-shirt
Support FIV Cat Rescue
Wear a t-shirt and spread the word about FIV cats - they don't have to die!Every penny goes to save FIV cats. Thank you!
Make a personalized gift at Zazzle.
FIV Cat Rescue's Wish List
Deluxe Corner Ferret Cage - Black/ Blue (Large)
This large corner, rolling ferret cage would be a great cage to house newly received FIV+ Cats. It helps when introducing them to the family. It could alos be used in a separate room when a cat needs to separated for any reason such as having caught a cold (URI - Upper Respiratory Infection) and needs to be quarantined from the other cats for a period of time.
It can also be used to take to educational and adoption events when cats are taken along.
Amazon Price: $279.99 (as of 09/03/2010) 
List Price: $349.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Deluxe Rolling Pet Cage w/ Removable Tray
This large rolling cage would be a great cage to house newly received FIV+ Cats. It helps when introducing them to the family. It could alos be used in a separate room when a cat needs to separated for any reason such as having caught a cold (URI - Upper Respiratory Infection) and needs to be quarantined from the other cats for a period of time.
It can also be used to take to educational and adoption events when cats are taken along We are in need of several of these cages. We usually borrow 2 for an event.
Amazon Price: $129.99 (as of 09/03/2010)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Solvit HoundAbout Pet Stroller, Large, Sapphire Blue
Another way we introduce people to our cats up for adoption is to have a strolling even around town. They keep our cats contained and entertained. We also get lots of exercise ourselves. We need at least 2 of these as we borrow from other organizations when we can.
Amazon Price: $225.40 (as of 09/03/2010)
List Price: $249.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Pet Gear Sportster Pet Stroller for cats and dogs up to 45-pounds, Lilac
Another way we introduce people to our cats up for adoption is to have a strolling even around town. They keep our cats contained and entertained. We also get lots of exercise ourselves. We need at least 2 of these as we borrow from other organizations when we can.
Amazon Price: $129.99 (as of 09/03/2010)
List Price: $153.49
Usually ships in 24 hours
Help save FIV+ cats by donating here
FIV Cat Rescue's mission is to 1) stop the killing of FIV cats, 2) find lifelong homes for them, 3) educate the public about FIV (Feline immunodeficiency Virus), and 4) promote spay and neuter to reduce cat over-population, spread of FIV and euthanasia.
Isolation of an FIV+ cat is not necessary in a stable household unless the FIV+ cat is likely to fight with the other residents.
Guestbook for Your Feedback
Please use this guest book to share your thoughts and/or questions about this lens. Thank you. You can also...
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4. Rate this lens with stars
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Reply
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BuckHawk
Aug 31, 2010 @ 4:34 pm
- Fanatastic organization! Thanks for doing this lens. I have featured it on The Best of Pet Rescue on Squidoo.
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Reply
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Kristin
Aug 26, 2010 @ 5:19 pm
- So glad to find this organization! My sweet baby Chewy passed away last week from a bladder infection on top of the virus. We had no idea that he had this virus until it was too late. Our Chewy would have been 3 in October... I have been so devastated by his loss, but I really want to do something to honor his life/memory. I live on the east coast and would love to know if you are aware of any organizations out this way that save FIV positive cats?
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Reply
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Frankster
Aug 27, 2010 @ 7:47 am
- HI Kristin, I'm so sorry for your loss of Chewy. Letting go of a cat can be so hard especially with one so young. I do not know of an FIV organization in your area. We are just getting started and hope to gather names and create a database of groups across the U.S. that do rescue FIV cats. You might contact your local shelter to see if they know of a person or group that does what we do. If you don't find one you could make a donation in Chewy's name to them. If you can't find one,you could make a donation in Chery's name to FIV Cat Rescue via the Donate button above. Our wish list of needed items is also above, Your donation would be tax deductible and you could request what it is to be use for. Any donation would be appreciated and all funds are used 100% for the FIV cats. No volunteer, officer or director receive any compensation.
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Erica Petty
Aug 23, 2010 @ 3:57 pm
- My mother passed away last week and I'm having a difficult time finding homes for her two sweet FIV kitties. We're currently in Tampa, FL where she lived, but I have to fly back home to Little Rock on Thursday. If there is anyone who can help me find them homes please let me know. Thx so much.
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Reply
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Frankster
Aug 23, 2010 @ 9:33 pm
- Hi Erica. I'm sorry to hear about your mother. I do not know of any groups in Florida but FIV Cat Rescue is fairly new and we are just building up our network. You might try Best Friends. I know they have facilities for FIV cats but are in Utah. They may be able to point you in the right direction however. Good luck to you.
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Photo: SnoBall our FIV Mascot
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