It is estimated that about 3% of seemingly healthy cats are actually positive for FIV. Most cats are not tested before they are adopted and most owners have no reason to suspect their cat has this virus. Many, many healthy cats have happy, full lives without anyone knowing they have the virus.

Unfortunately, cats that have tested positive are overlooked by those looking to adopt. Even though they are healthy and active cats, fear prevents folks from giving them a chance. 

Sadly, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions that surround Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and the cats that have it.  Hopefully by dispelling these myths, we can encourage folks to consider adopting or fostering a FIV+ cat.

3 Myths about FIV

• FIV+ cats are highly contagious and they cannot live in a home with FIV- cats. 
• FIV+ cats are doomed to live short and unhealthy lives. 
• FIV+ cats aren’t worth the effort, they are just going to spend their entire lives sick.

All three of these statements are absolutely not true. Correct information about FIV and its impact on a cat’s life could put a potential adopter’s fears to rest.

The Truth about FIV

FIV is transferred only by saliva to blood or blood to blood contact.

What that means is sharing a litter box, food bowl, minor scuffles or grooming each other, does not pass FIV from one cat to another.  A significant puncture wound or multiple wounds would have to occur for an infected cat to transfer FIV to an uninfected cat.  This type of fight is pretty rare–almost unheard of– amongst spay/neutered cats living in a home or kennel environment.

Many FIV+ cats live long long healthy lives.

Often, owners only discover their cat has FIV late in life when the cat has developed a secondary infection. Many live 17, 18, 19 years before there is any indication of an immune system compromise.  Because most shelters don’t test for FIV and unless a cat has symptoms of the secondary infections, most people don’t think to test their cats. That means, many FIV cats live long healthy lives amongst non-FIV cats mates.

Keeping FIV+ cats healthy is quite easy.

The way to insure a healthy FIV+ cat stays healthy is to provide routine vet check ups, feed them a quality, premium food and quickly seek medical care if symptoms of infection or illness occur.  So, if your FIV+ cat remains indoors, eats well and is well cared for… your cat and its immune system will stay strong for a very long time. Just like an FIV- cat!

All cats deserve a chance to live full, happy lives.

Cats thrive with the love and companionship that a home provides them. Because FIV does not necessarily mean a short and illness filled life, these cats would benefit from a home environment just like FIV- cats. And we know their adopters would benefit from the love of a special cat or two!

Our FIV+ Cats

At Lange Foundation’s Halfway Home Kennel, we have a spacious area dedicated entirely to our FIV+ cats. They receive the same loving care we give every one of our animals. Come and meet some of our FIV positive cats. All are loving, wonderful, and silly little felines waiting for you take them home!

If you are interested in adopting or fostering one of our FIV+ cats, please let us know! We would love to chat and help you make the right decision.

You’ll find outdoor cats in most neighborhoods across the country. They may be: strays (lost or abandoned pets), ferals (fearful of people and not suitable as pets), or pets allowed outside by their owners (which we do not recommend – indoor cars are safer). Many times people “rescue” outdoor cats who actually belong to someone. It is important not to rescue a cat unless you are certain they are a stray or if they are in danger. Understanding the complex issues related to outdoor cats will help us to reduce their overpopulation and keep cats and wildlife safer.

The term “feral” is sometimes used to refer to an animal that does not appear friendly when approached by humans, but the term can apply to any domesticated animal without human contact. Hissing and growling are self-defense behaviors.

If you find a feral cat, it’s possible that they belong to a colony. A colony is a group of feral cats that may be fed and cared for by kind people. In that case, the feral cat may not need to be rescued. After spaying/neutering, vets typically tip (clip) the ear of a feral cat before they are re-released. 

• The Humane Society of the United States – Feral Cat FAQ
• Fixnation – Operates a free full-time spay/neuter clinic for homeless cats, serves as a one-stop shop for TNR, and provides low-cost spay/neuter for tame cats.
• Stray Cat Alliance – The Stray Cat Alliance/Feral Cat Alliance: Building a No Kill Nation One Stray at a Time.
• Feral Cat Caretakers Coalition – FCCC’s mission, in the interests of feral cats everywhere, is to support feral cat caretakers, gain recognition of the beneficial role that caretakers perform, implement the trap, neuter and return (TNR) method of population control, and promote the adoption of long-term, caretaker-based solutions regarding feral cats.
• Catnippers – Best Friends Animal Society’s program for feral cats. Caretaker support and spay/neuter clinics.
• Sue Freeman’s Guide to Rescue Cats – Resource Lists, Information, and Common Sense for cats, including feral cat information.

Lost an animal?

Make sure your pet has identification tags on it at all times. They should also be microchipped for additional security. All information should be up-to-date.

Put up as many “Lost” posters as you can, in the area your animal was lost and beyond. Dogs especially can travel miles from home. Notify all public and private shelters as well as any veterinary clinics in your area. Your flyers should be clear, concise, and have your contact information. Post ads online. The more people see your information, the better of a chance you have of finding your lost animal.

Found an animal?

Always assume any found animal is lost, not stray. Even if an animal is underweight and dirty, there’s always a chance that they are a beloved pet that has been lost for some time. Check for identification like a tag, tattoo, or microchip. Any vet office should be willing to scan for a microchip for free.

Legally, you should notify your area animal shelter and provide them with a description of the found animal. The shelter can require you turn the animal over to them if you have it with you. Any pet owner looking for their lost pet will most likely check with area shelters first so you should provide a description to the shelter.

A good idea is to post flyers around the area you found the animal. You should also post online on craigslist and other classified ad boards. On flyers and online, you should post a general description of the animal, location, date and time of discovery. When people contact you, they should be able to describe the animal and provide proof of ownership.

• LostPet.com is committed to reuniting lost pets with their loving owners.
• Helpmefindmypet.com has created a proactive approach to locating and returning lost pets. By enrolling your pet you can be sure that the moment you lose your pet thousands of local pet professionals, owners, and lovers are alerted.

It could happen to anyone with a pet: You’ve always managed to give your pet the medical care she deserves, but because of unexpected circumstances, you’re faced with vet expenses that are far beyond your ability to afford them

No owner wants a pet to suffer because medical care is out of reach. Financial aid is out there, and there are steps you can take to cover an emergency vet bill.

The inclusion of a service, organization or program in this listing is not an endorsement or recommendation. We have no affiliation with any of the organizations or programs listed. We strongly suggest you evaluate each group and review carefully their policies and requirements before applying. Please also note that some of these programs require that the request be made prior to the animal being treated, and that most programs are limited in the amount they can grant for a specific request. Generally, grants are between $25 – 500, so it’s important to check with several sources and to also try to raise funds yourself.

• Actors and Others for Animals – pet food, spay/neuter assistance, assistance for necessary veterinary care
• Amanda Foundation – free spay/neuter and vaccine.
• AngelDogs Foundation – mobile spay/neuter and outreach/educational services
• Animal Assistance League of Orange County – pet food, transportation and veterinary care assistance
• Animal Health Foundation – veterinary care assistance
• Care Credit – zero/low interest credit card to finance veterinary costs
• Cats in Need (of Human Care) – spay/neuter assistance
• Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance emergency financial assistance for cats
• FixNation – spay/neuter assistance for cats
• Friends of Long Beach Animals – spay/neuter assistance
• Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley – low-cost spay/neuter
• IMOM – veterinary care assistance, spay/neuter
• LA Animal Services – spay/neuter, vaccination, and microchip assistance
• Orange County SPCA Animal Rescue Fund – assistance for veterinary care including spay/neuter
• Pasadena Humane Society – spay/neuter assistance
• PAWS/LA – pet food and supplies, veterinary care assistance, grooming, spay/neuter, veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners, and other services
• Pet Assistance Foundation – spay/neuter assistance for dogs, cats, and rabbits
• Pet Orphans of Southern California – veterinary care assistance
• The Pet Fund – veterinary care assistance
• The Pet Rescue Center’s Pet Pantry – pet food, litter, and flea treatments for unemployed, senior, or disabled pet owners
• The Sam Simon Foundation – free surgery for non-orthopedic procedures; free spay/neuter operations, including vaccinations, flea control, deworming, nail trims, and antibiotics
• Red Rover – veterinary care assistance, support to escape domestic violence
• SEAACA – veterinary care assistance, spay/neuter, vaccination assistance
• SpayCalifornia – A state-wide referral network/database to connect people throughout the State of California with participating programs and veterinarians offering low cost spay/neuter services.
• Spay4LA – free spay/neuter, low-cost vaccines and microchips to spayed and neutered pets
• SNP LA – low-cost spay/neuter, vaccines
• Spay Neuter Animal Network (SPAN) – spay/neuter assistance
• Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation – pet food, spay/neuter assistance, emergency veterinary assistance
• Voice for the Animals Foundation – veterinary care assistance

There are many reasons why people consider giving up their pets, including unexpected financial difficulties, moving to a new home, conflict between pets in the household, the upcoming birth of a child, death in the family, busy work schedules, and frustrating pet behavior problems.

Although these problems may be challenging to overcome, they are often easier to resolve than you think. It’s important to thoroughly consider alternatives to re-homing before making your final decision.

Taking your pet to an animal shelter is much better than abandoning your pet somewhere to fend for itself – a harsh, lonely death sentence for most animals and illegal in most states. However, your dog will likely find the shelter environment stressful and there is always the risk of euthanasia.

A good alternative is to try finding a new home for your dog/cat yourself. This solution will be easiest on your pet and provide peace of mind for you since you’ll know that your dog is in good hands.

One suggestion is to put a listing with good pictures and detailed descriptions on our Courtesy Listings and/or craigslist.com. We recommend asking for an adoption fee. You do not have to collect the fee or you can ask them to donate to the shelter or rescue, but the fee helps weed out those only looking for a free animal. Prospective adopters should be screened to ensure your pet will go to a home as loving as yours.

You can print flyers with the same pictures and info and post them at petshops, vet offices, and public spaces. If you email us a flyer we would be happy to post it at our Halfway Home Kennel.

Utilize your family, friends, coworkers, and social network. Check with them to see if anyone is looking for a new pet. Post on your facebook, twitter, instagram, etc.

Another recommendation is to go on petfinder.com, put in your zip code, and bring up a list of rescues in your area you can contact to see if they are accepting animals.