About FIV & FIV Testing

Jen's Adoptable Cats Inc. is joining reputable rescues across the country and will no longer be routinely testing cats for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and here is why:

FIV Does Not Change Life Expectancy

We know more about FIV than ever before.  We now know that the lives of cats with FIV is NOT shortened in anyway.  Regular veterinary care is important for all cats, including those with FIV.

FIV Is Not Easily Spread

FIV is NOT spread amongst cats who are spayed and neutered.  

Play-fighting and the sharing of food and water DO NOT spread FIV.  

FIV is ONLY spread via:

•  very deep bites wounds where a saliva to blood transfer occurs (almost exclusively between unaltered male cats fighting for territory)
• male cats biting female cats on the back of the neck during mating
• when a female queen bites the umbilical cord of her newly born kittens. 

FIV Cats Do NOT Need To Be Kept Separate From Other Cats

 The American Association of Feline Practitioners no longer recommends housing FIV cats separately.  It is completely safe to have spayed and neutered cats with FIV in the same home as cats who do not have FIV.

False Positives and Negatives Do Happen

Kittens receive antibodies via their mother’s milk.  If their mother is FIV positive her kittens can test positive for those antibodies until they reach 8 months old, resulting in a false positive result. Subsequently, cats and kittens may falsely test negative if they are tested within 30 days of their initial exposure.  

They Are Unfairly Overlooked

FIV and black cats have something in common.  Both are unfairly passed over for adoption and spend longer waiting for homes.  For FIV cats the wait is often much longer than it is for black cats.  While they are just as adoptable as cats without FIV, misinformation and outdated beliefs cause them to be unjustly blacklisted.  Removing the stigma allows these wonderful cats the opportunity to find loving homes while making room for other adoptable cats who are waiting to be saved. 

Many Shelters and Animal Welfare Groups Support Ending Routine Testing

Groups such as Maddie’s Fund and American/Austin Pets Alive (who are paving the way for research in shelter medicine) have long supported the end of routine testing for FIV. 

Sadly, the majority of the veterinary community has not made a great effort in keeping up with the continued education needed to advise their clients appropriately on this subject. We hope that you will take the time to learn more about FIV and why we are no longer testing our rescued cats and kittens for FIV unless medically warranted. We applaud the veterinarians who are currently advising their clients appropriately on this subject.    We hope to live to see the day when the veterinary community no longer routinely tests for FIV. 

***Jen's Adoptable Cats will continue to test for FeLV.  FeLV is much more easily spread between cats and does shorten life expectancy***