In my travels this summer I have visited a few shelters, since I don’t get to see many kitties on tour. My heart has been breaking for the ones who are quarantined in the FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) room.

There seem to be some myths surrounding the disease that often deter potential adopters. This tune is just a quick primer on the facts about FIV. It’s only transmitted feline to feline and mostly spread through deep bites and scratches. For this reason, it’s often found in unneutered males who are more likely to get in with the wrong crowd.

While the disease can’t be cured, it can be managed. FIV cats can live relatively normal lives up to twelve years of age (according to some of my sources), so you should consider them next time you are ready to adopt!

“This Is a Song About FIV” by Sarah Donner

Lyrics:

Feline immunodeficiency, also known as FIV
Doesn’t mean you can’t still love that kitty
They can still lead healthy lives
So if you’re at the shelter don’t think twice
About adopting one or two or three

FIV means they need attention
You can give them all of your affection
No you can’t catch the disease
Yes, there are ways to treat them

Monitor the cat closely
Keep them indoors so they’re less likely
To get sick or spread infection
A cat that’s immunocompromised
Still deserves to live a life
Feed them healthy food and get them neutered

FIV means they need attention
You can give them all of your affection
No, you can’t catch the disease
Yes, there are ways to treat them

FIV can transmit with their blood and their spit
So keep them calm and do not piss them off
On occasion the momma queen can pass it on to her offspring
But it could just be antibodies, so wait six months to get them tested

FIV means they need attention
You can give them all of your affection
So if you get ’em a chance
You could have a new best friend

SOURCES: Catster, ASPCA, Best Friends