I'm feeling really torn and could use some advice. I live with a roommate who has a cat that's FIV positive, and I've got two cats that are FIV negative. We all love our cats dearly, and my roommate feels bad about her cat being isolated. She thinks it's fine for the cats to interact, but I've read so many conflicting things online about the risks. My heart breaks seeing her cat alone all the time, but I'm terrified of putting my own kitties at risk. We try to keep them separated, but sometimes her cat manages to sneak into my cats' space, and it honestly stresses me out. I just want to do what’s best for all the cats without creating tension between my roommate and me. Has anyone else been in this situation? How did you handle it while keeping everyone happy and safe? Any advice would be appreciated!
Hello there, and thanks for reaching out with your question. It's important to consider how best to manage interactions between FIV-positive and FIV-negative cats in your household.
FIV, or feline immunodeficiency virus, is mainly spread through bite wounds. Casual, non-aggressive contact—like grooming or sharing food and water—is unlikely to transmit the virus. If your roommate's FIV-positive cat is friendly and doesn't display aggressive behavior, the risk of transmission is low. However, each cat has its own personality, so it's crucial to monitor their interactions closely.
You might want to start with supervised play sessions. This way, you can observe any signs of aggression and intervene if needed. Make sure there are enough resources like litter boxes, food, and water bowls for each cat to minimize stress and competition.
One thing to keep an eye out for is any sign of illness among the cats, such as sneezing, coughing, or unusual lethargy, which could suggest an infection. For the FIV-positive cat, a healthy diet and regular vet checkups will help manage their health.
If you have more questions or feel uncertain about managing your multi-cat household, consider scheduling a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. We're here to provide personalized advice and ease any concerns you might have!
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