It happened again tonight. Seemingly out of nowhere, I stumbled upon a post for an FIV+ kitty up for adoption a few states away. I did my usual thing – I commented with a picture of all five of my cats and stated that they ate together, drank from the same bowls, used the same litter boxes, groomed each other, and even went outside in the catio together. I said that FIV+ cats need a balanced diet, fresh water, low stress environments, regular medical care, and love — like all cats do. I love being a living testimonial that FIV+ cats do not have to live alone. I closed by saying I’m happy to talk with anyone if it helps this sweet cat get adopted.
The post itself was great and stated that FIV cats can live a long, normal healthy life. Love that!!! The problem is when someone in the comments asked what FIV was. “Feline AIDS” was the response. What a huge missed opportunity. This is why I created this blog.
There are entire campaigns built to help stop HIV & AIDS stigmas for humans. I did a quick search and found a fact sheet from the CDC about harmful language when talking about HIV and AIDS and I love that it exists. The very first line on this fact sheet is, “the words we use matter.” Treating HIV and AIDS like they are interchangeable is insulting and promotes misinformation.
It makes fear win. It helps stigma grow. It’s the same for cats.
People who don’t know better, may refer to an FIV+ cat as having Feline AIDS. If you’re new to FIV and reading this, please understand that they are not the same. FIV+ kitties can and do live long, healthy lives and die of old cat things, just like their FIV- counterparts.
FIV is a virus. It’s actually a lentivirus, meaning a very slow-acting virus. FIV+ cats can have sensitive immune systems and may develop dental issues, but FIV- cats do as well. One of my FIV- cats had all of his teeth removed by age 4 because of severe stomatitis. The biggest tip I can say for FIV+ cat owners is to understand your cat’s norms, and when they deviate from it, they may need veterinary care. But this is the same approach I’d give for any cat regardless of FIV status. 😻
Feline AIDS is the condition or conditions that results from years of the virus attacking the cat’s immune system. Using the phrase “Feline AIDS” to refer to a healthy cat who happens to be FIV+ worsens the stigma, adds to confusion, promotes fear and misinformation, and makes it more difficult for FIV+ cats to have a fair chance at a normal life.
But for the people who know better… I need you all to do better. When you know the difference between FIV and Feline AIDS, and you still choose the lazy and ignorant route of “Feline AIDS” when someone asks about it (versus explaining it as I did above), you are contributing to the problem.
Don’t say Feline AIDS because you think that will “make the connection” for those people. You are not helping; you are scaring people.
Don’t say Feline AIDS because you think it sums it up. It doesn’t.
Words matter. Perceptions matter. FIV+ cats matter.
Take the time to educate.
Do better.
Caffeinated Low Tox Cat Mom 