Question:
What are some of your experiences with multi-cat home with one cat FIV positive? I have three cats (Scuba, Hoover, and Rugby): one (Rugby)was recently tested FIV positive...they are all indoor cats but each came to me in different circumstances so how Rugby got infected is unclear. But regardless, I am keep them together (as oppose to putting Rugby to a FIV shelter (or other options) because I understand that the chance of the disease transmission is low among friendly cats, and I just can not abandon Rugby just because he is sick. I also decided against testing Scuba and Hoover because I decided that knowing either way would not change anything in terms of their staying with me.
So, could someone share a similar experience about transmission? About longevity? etc.
Answer:
I have no personal experience to share, but a co-worker of mine brought in her outdoor kitty and he came up fiv positive. I listened in on some of the things the doctors told her.
Basically, its transmitted through bite wounds. Even if you have "friendly" cats, they can still hurt each other with play, in a moment of panic, etc. Our doc has 11 cats, one of which is fiv positive but he had such bad teeth that they were all removed anyway, so he is no threat to her other cats.
There is an fiv vaccine, though its not known how useful it really is against the disease. Plus, if you vaccinate your cat against fiv, and its tested for the disease the test can come up positive. Because of this, you MUST microchip your cats. If they ever get out and are brought to a vet, test positive for fiv and aren't microchipped, they'll be put down.
As far as transmitting the disease to your other cats, I'd be concerned if I were you. Maybe you could keep them apart unless you were there to watch them? You know your cats better than I do, just a suggestion until you get it all cleared up.
Also, he may be happy and healthy now, but his immune system can deteriorate quickly leaving him vulnerable to all sorts of infections and illness. Just understand that if you live with an fiv positive cat, you may have to make a hard decision for his quality of life sooner than expected.
I admire you for not giving him up or having him put down. It takes a lot of courage. Please keep us updated. We're all here if you need us
Jessie
"There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast."
Answer:
Thanks for the response.
Having them together is crucial to the quality of life for all three of them (and me too, as an aside). I guess I am making the choice for them that their happiness (of having each other around) out-weighs the (small) risk of trasmission.
Rugby (the infected cat) is as contend and healthy as he ever has been in the 2 years since the SPCA. The other two? Well, they are as spoil as two brats can ever be. So for now, we are okay. Will be watching them closely.
Answer:
I really would recommend testing all your cats for FIV if one of them is positive, even if its just to know for sure. There is no vaccine for FIv in the UK, and it can be transmitted between cats who are friendly with each other. And never let them outside!
Ems
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Answer:
See if your Vet carries Interferon. This drug helps to boost the immune system.

Answer:
Can't you get a false positive if your cat had been given the vaccination?
Is it possible that Rugby was given the vaccination before you acquired him?
Just a thought.