FIV, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is an often misunderstood disease. This virus attacks the immune system, making a cat more susceptible to disease and infections. FIV infected (or 'positive') cats are often unnecessarily euthanized.

FIV is often confused with the human disease HIV, or AIDS. It must be emphasized that FIV is a disease ONLY of cats, it can not be transmitted to humans, dogs or any other non-feline. It is also not easily transmitted (very different from Feline Leukemia, with which it is often confused). FIV is shed in the saliva, and is usually transmitted by bite wounds when cats fight. It may rarely be transmitted by a mother to her kittens when biting the umbilical cord or grooming the kittens. However, it is primarily considered to be a "fight and bite" disease found in cats who roam outdoors.

While FIV is certainly not a trivial diease, it is not an instant death sentence as many people assume. With a healthy diet and a vigilant owner who keeps up with dental care (an infected tooth is an easy path to illness for all cats) and does not neglect sneezes or other signs of illness, an FIV infected kitty can live a nearly normal life span. They just need someone to love them who doesn't mind that they are not 'perfect'.

If you think you could be that Special Someone to one of our FIV cats, please consider these:

Remember, Snowflake is an all volunteer 501(c) 3 organization, and your contributions are tax-deductible.