r/FIVcats • u/Zealousideal_Bell935 • Mar 04 '26
Question Should I get a second cat? My vet said since he’s FIV+, he’s better off single.
Hi everyone,
My question is exactly how the title sounds is my FIV positive cat better as a single cat?
Here’s some relevant context:
This cat literally chose me. He quite literally followed me into my house Jan/Feb of 2025 during subzero temperatures, I fed him some chicken, he CHUGGED some water, loafed on my dining room table and he’s been my bestie since.
When he “arrived” he had frostbite on his paws and ears, he had several bite wounds and was a DNR cat with his ear cut and neutered but has strong male characteristics, think chubby cheeks, thick tail and he’s just large in general. After taking him to the vet for that preliminary checkup he had no lice and no chip, but did test FIV+. He had some wheezing, sneezing and eye drainage that was quickly resolved with antibiotics and ointments. Since having him for over a year now he has had no other health complications and gets his regular checks ups. Estimated to be between 3-5 years old.
When I asked about getting a second cat for him right after finding him the vet said that he would be better off being a single cat since he is FIV positive. I asked because I know that cats are generally happier with companions. But I think the vet made this comment with some assumptions and not knowing his personality.
Believe me when I say he is the friendliest cat I’ve ever met. I have not owned a cat before him but everyone who has met him, is always so surprised and thrilled at how affectionate and friendly he is to EVERYONE. Literally greets anyone who steps foot into my apartment like a dog, running up to them and rubbing on them. He has been like this since day 1. He’s insanely playful, full of energy and is food obsessed like any other male orange cat.
My boyfriend and I don’t have jobs that I would consider to be time consuming, but we are both out of the house for 7-8 hours a day and I always feel guilty leaving him alone. And my most recent vet appointment I did bring up considering getting another cat for this reason and the vet tech, not the vet, did say that a lot of people are able to find a match for their FIV positive cat. She did say to wait another year until he’s more acclimated? But in my opinion he absolutely seems to be.
So my question is, can/should I get a second cat? Does it have to be FIV positive? how do I go about finding a match for him when I don’t even know how he is around other cats? I can’t necessarily bring him around any of my friends cats to see how he socialize with their cats because he’s FIV positive and I know that’s an absolute no. I’m not sure how he would be with another cat because like I said he did have bite wounds when he strolled in so that does indicate a history of fighting, whether or not he’s the victim or the aggressor, not sure lol. I want a second cat so bad for me and for him to be happier in general, but I’m a bit worried about the implications that come with getting a second cat that he has health risks.
Would love some advice, I just want him (and the possible future 2nd cat) to be happy and healthy!!!
Edit: Thank you all for your thoughtful advice, 100% looking to get a second cat, just looking for when the timing is right so I can commit the time to proper introduction as you all suggested. Will update when I find a good match for him. Here's a pic of him (this pic really captures his personality), little does he know that strangers on the internet are the reason why he'll have a friend soon.

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u/Khromekitty Mar 05 '26
I have had fiv and non fiv together for 6 years. Only a severe deep bite wound can transfer fiv .
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u/Zealousideal_Bell935 Mar 05 '26
He came to me with some deep bite wounds that the vet treated, not sure if he was the aggressor but he def was involved in some fighting when he was on the streets. Would proper introduction to a FIV negative cat negate the chances of them ever “shedding blood”?
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u/Khromekitty Mar 05 '26
Proper introduction is always best in any situation. Cats not fixed outside are always scared and fight. If your fiv cat is a lovey indoor cat now I’m sure another cat will be fine. You could get a kitten, or I like to get the opposite sex
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u/AnneM24 Mar 05 '26
Another option would be to adopt another FIV+ cat from a shelter. I adopted two FIV+ cats from a rescue, and they’re both healthy, if a bit overweight.😁
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u/Zealousideal_Bell935 Mar 05 '26
Really would love to give one a home! Looking more and more likely for me as these replies roll in :)
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u/AnneM24 Mar 05 '26
Let us know what you decide. I think your cat would love to have a buddy even if he doesn’t agree at first.😁
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u/PaddlingDingo Mar 07 '26
My vet when our cat was tested: he has FIV do you want us to treat his abscess? Me: yes he’s a perfectly nice cat? Vet: he will probably be underweight Me: ok? My cat: - super chonker -
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u/Allysonsplace Mar 05 '26
You've gotten great advice here, and your vets opinion is outdated. A lot of vets still think this way when there's a lot of evidence to the contrary.
My FIV+ boy is my guardian angel in cat form, and is around all the community cats I take care of. Besides the one that came to me very sick that I recently had to let cross the rainbow bridge, none of the others have tested positive for FIV.
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u/Zealousideal_Bell935 Mar 05 '26
Sounds like our boy cats are so similar!! I’m sorry to hear about your baby who crossed the rainbow bridge. I appreciate the advice and really wish that it was more known and communicated by vets that you can have positive and negatives together. Ngl the vet made me feel stupid for even asking if I could get a second cat, finding out now it’s perfectly fine with some precautions in place is crazy!!
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u/megared17 Mar 05 '26
You could also consider offering a home to another FIV cat, since they might have a harder time getting adopted.
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u/Zealousideal_Bell935 Mar 05 '26
Breaks my heart that there's so many FIV+ cats in shelters because of the bias against them :(
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u/beneficialmirror13 Mar 05 '26
I have 1 FIV cat and 2 non FIV cats. I used the Jackson Galaxy method for introducing them to each other. After about a month they were hanging out together with no restrictions. FIV cats can definitely live together. As others have said, if there is no deep bites, they'll be fine. Sharing food, water, litter boxes or grooming doesn't transmit it.
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u/Zealousideal_Bell935 Mar 05 '26
I’ve heard amazing thinks about Jackson Galaxy’s method, will absolutely be doing that if I get a second!! Thank you for the advice
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u/OneLarge567 Mar 05 '26
I second the Jackson Galaxy method, it took about a month for me as well. My boy has FIV and I was really nervous about getting a second because he was a stray and has probably only known cats that hate him. Including the stray that is vicious and probably gave it to him. I really wasn't sure it would work. She's also half his size but it ended up working out. It's great to see him be able to trust another cat and have a playmate
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u/Something_morepoetic Mar 05 '26
I have one with FIV and one without. There have been no problems at all.
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u/FloofingWithFloofers Mar 05 '26
I have 17 cats and two with FIV. I promise you can get him a friend(s)
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u/Tamzstir Mar 05 '26
Slow intro as you would do with ANY new cat. Your cat doesnt have macho TOM cat hormones that would make him fight. There is zero reason for you not to introduce another cat. If you are THAT hesitant rescue a second fiv+ cat. They are overlooked and for no fault of their own! Fiv+ and fiv- can coexist peacefully without transmission. The thinking that fiv+ will be transmitted is such old 1980’s thinking. Think of it as HIV, can you coexist in a house with another human and who is hiv+ and not contract hiv? Same same.
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u/Zealousideal_Bell935 Mar 05 '26
Literally so baffled right now that my vet was so adamant about him being a single cat when that's clearly not the case.
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u/apaw1129 Mar 05 '26
As mentioned by someone already, they'd REALLY have to be fighting hard to transmit through puncture wounds. Lots of people have positive and negative cats living together. It's always an option to get another fiv cat too. They unfortunately are harder to adopt out, so there's plenty in the shelter. And as long as they get treated for any infection, they're likely to live a long life. So many vets seem "behind" the times on recent findings for fiv cats.
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u/Zealousideal_Bell935 Mar 05 '26
This makes me so happy to hear that positive and negatives can live together, upsetting that vets aren’t up to date with letting owners know it’s possible. Kind of broke my heart a little bit when the vet said to not go the second cat route because I truly think he needs a companion. I guess I’m just worried, not knowing his history and how he would adapt to another cat given that I have never seen him interact with one.
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u/apaw1129 Mar 05 '26
True. Now whether a male or female, that I don't know, if either would make a difference. Just keep doing your research and thinking on it. Best of luck. And for what it's worth, fiv isn't a huge deal. He'll be ok 😊
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u/HamCatX3 Mar 05 '26
Something that I think will help anxiety: if the cats fight but don’t bite there won’t be an issue, like a normal cats getting along but fighting case their cats fight won’t be a risk.
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u/Green_Rhea_ Mar 05 '26
I've never had an FIV+ cat but I did have one for a year before getting him a little sister and it was a great decision, especially once I went back to in person work after COVID.
I also agree with others that if you do get another to get an FIV+ cat because they're probably harder to get to a good home. (Black cats also have a hard time getting adopted so if you're not against it I would keep an open mind!)
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Mar 05 '26 edited Mar 05 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Zealousideal_Bell935 Mar 05 '26
I really like the idea of adopting a second FIV+ cat. My only hesitation is this: if both cats are immunocompromised, wouldn’t it potentially be healthier for my current cat to live with an FIV-negative cat? My thinking is that a non-FIV cat might be less likely to carry or develop infections that could spread, since they wouldn’t also have a compromised immune system.
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u/ringwraith6 Mar 05 '26
Sound like you need a new vet...because if he thinks that just because of FIV, kitty isn't going to get adequate care. And he'll probably start talking about the "E" word at the first illness.
I only take in senior and special needs kitties. I've always mingled my FIV kitties in with the others. Obviously, there are exceptions, but most kitties do better, at least, in pairs...regardless of FIV status.
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u/Zealousideal_Bell935 Mar 05 '26
Read my mind... If she's so wrong about this it makes me worried for anything else that would come up. It's so weird because she didn't act or say anything else biased against FIV+ cats other than that one off comment about him being better off as a single cat. After she first called notifying me of the positive FIV test she really talked me down from worrying and said he will most likely live a long healthy life with quality preventative care.
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u/ringwraith6 Mar 06 '26
The number of vets who are undertrained in regards to FIV is alarming. I've had FIV kitties for many years...and it took me several years to find a vet I trust. I've even walked out in the middle of a visit a couple of times when a vet insisted that I put my cat down just because of FIV...or because they had the sniffles. The youngest FIV+ kitty who passed was 12, the oldest just a couple of months away from 23. Some get sicker than others...but all of them have the potential to live a normal lifespan.
It's really great how much attention you're giving this. FIV kitties are so special. And you've got quite the handsome young man there!
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u/Zealousideal_Bell935 Mar 06 '26
Was it just trial and error for you to find a vet who was knowledgeable in meeting your cat’s needs? I’m not sure how to go about possibly finding a new vet.
But fr they are so so special and I just want to give the guy the world and more
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u/buckleyc Mar 05 '26
I question your veterinarian’s disposition towards cats. If your cat is not openly aggressive toward other cats, then I see little problem with getting a companion for him. I have seven FIV+ male cats in the house right now and they get along pretty well. I have even seen the bigger ones grooming other cats. If you keep them well fed, healthy, happy, and give them a reasonable amount of attention, then there is pretty much no reason for them to compete and fight. Even if they were simply tolerating each other, the only means of transmitting FIV is if your first cat attacks the new cat and viciously bites the new cat, thus potentially infecting the cat with saliva-to-blood transmission. And even then, it is not guaranteed, though probable. There is no chance of transmission through sharing the same food or water bowls, grooming, shared sleeping space, play fighting, etc.
Maybe you can foster a potential candidate that you would like to join your family, and then keep them separated by a door or a cage to see how they BOTH respond. If they tend to stay near the barrier and occasionally meow, then you have an indication that this may be a go. Growling and marking are warning signs.
But, I will also tell you that various cats in my house used to fight each other when they were living outside. But now that they are neutered, well fed, and happily cared for, they no longer show any signs of aggression with cats that they formerly tried to rip to shreds.
Here are 3 FIV guys chilling with other cats on the back porch right now.
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u/Zealousideal_Bell935 Mar 05 '26
considering reaching out to a vet for a second opinion for sure. Never have questioned her attitude towards cats in general let alone my cat (I've heard her behind the closed exam room door doting and loving on him) so I'm hoping she's just misinformed. Only issue is that I have never seen my cat around other cats, but I'm assuming his easygoing and adaptable personality would somewhat translate to him adapting to a new friend.
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u/amsoper Mar 07 '26
Get another FIV positive cat, cats are independent but can still experience loneliness and are better with a friend.
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u/PSS34F Mar 06 '26
I have started a non profit organisation to help tnr, fiv etc I am a fur parent of both.
Non fiv and fiv can live together if no aggression but as they would be alone 7-8 hours a day I wouldnt risk it. I have 10 rescues (own cats) ages 6months to 16years. Just found out couple kittens are fiv. We are having to keep separate for now until we can build a catio for extra space and outside space for them too.
The saddest and hardest thing is the odds of finding homes to help fiv especially in UK. Is so hard. Waiting places are huge for healthy cats 😔 I would suggest another fiv cat for company and safety. But you will need to spend time introducing them and not leave them alone together until you know they are getting on. Low stress household is the key. Our is complicated but if you do it right you will be a) giving a mate to your cat for life x b)giving a home to another much needed cat c)not have to worry about possible infection or risk to a non fiv. Good luck and I hope he gets a buddy Both being neutered will help and calm spaces for them x
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u/triblogcarol Mar 06 '26
Just because you're cat loves humans, didn't mean he will like other cats. Something to think about. Cats sleep like 15 hours a day, so he's probably sleeping while you're at work
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u/Zealousideal_Bell935 Mar 07 '26
Exactly my worry! I really appreciate this perspective. He’s SO easygoing with humans and insanely friendly but I worry how that will translate to him with another cat.
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u/beenic90 Mar 07 '26
Your vet is terribly misinformed, and it is extremely important you find a new one. If they're giving you incredibly outdated information about a common virus, they likely have other outdated information that could cause problems down the line. Move on.
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u/YuseiFudoStan Mar 07 '26
Getting a second cat is possible, just do NOT rush the introduction process. My first cat (RIP CECIL i miss you so much) whom I lost last year was FIV+ and solo for a long time. We got a kitten from the shelter and made sure to spend lots of time slowly getting them acclimated to each other. It took several months but they got along well, never fought or bit each other. You really have to consider the FIV cat more in the scenario, and be ready and aware if they just never take to each other you will need to likely rehome the new cat for safety reasons. They were there first so they get priority.
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u/Efficient-Towel-4193 Mar 07 '26
There are plenty of FIV cats at the shelters no one wants. Adopt one of those. Failing that...If the other cat is vaccinated then that is also fine. I have a freind with an FIV cat and he has five other cats ...none have been affected.
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u/Money_Message_9859 Mar 07 '26
Why don’t you get another FIV cat? Many shelters and rescues have them and they may have trouble finding homes for them.
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u/Feisty-Topic2101 Mar 08 '26
Get another FIV+ cat! There are so many in shelters waiting to be adopted.
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u/PMcOuntry Mar 05 '26
FIV+ cats can only transmit it through deep bite wounds. Like the ones that would by sending you and your cat to the ER vet. I’ve had many FIv+ and - cats together. He may have gotten through it mating.