05/26/2026
Awesome!
IT IS TIME TO PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH…and teach our little corner of the world more about FIV. When all is said and done, everyone will understand why CRASH’s LANDING is stepping up and revamping our game plan. It’s all very exciting! For years we have promoted the cohabitation of FIV+ cats with those who are not affected by the virus, and here is why:
•FIV is ONLY transmitted from one cat to another by deep puncture wounds. It is NOT spread by casual contact, so grooming, sharing food bowls or toys, using the same litterbox, play-fighting, snuggling, or being on the receiving end of a sneeze poses absolutely NO threat. Intact males living outdoors are the most likely candidates to catch the virus since they are apt to fight with other males. Studies have shown that friendly, altered FIV+ cats are HIGHLY UNLIKELY to spread the virus in a home (or safe and comfy shelter) environment simply because hormones have taken a hike, and the need for territorial aggression has fallen to the wayside. Plain and simple: happy, indoor cats have no need to fight for their lives.
•FIV+ cats, just like all newly adopted cats, benefit from slow-and-steady introductions into a household (or a free-roaming shelter like Big Sid’s). When stress levels are low and there is no perceived threat to contend with, smooth transitions pave the way to harmonious living in a cozy clowder. Cats are cats, and the truth of the matter is that if they don’t get along and are going to engage in knock-down, drag-out battles, no matter what the viral status, steps must be taken to slow their roll and figure out a way for them to coexist peacefully.
•FIV is a slowly progressive virus that CAN compromise a cat’s immune system, reducing its ability to fight off illnesses. It has a long latent period, and with its slow progression it is feasible that it may NEVER affect the cat. In fact, the most common causes of death in FIV+ cats are the same disease processes that affect all senior cats - old age illnesses, so to speak.
•When FIV complications arise it is most often in cats who have been outside fending for themselves for far too long, or in shelter situations where close quarters allow for the easy spread of highly contagious viruses (like those that cause upper respiratory symptoms). In other words, even though Big Sid’s is a FABULOUS fortress for our FIV+ kitties, there is NO need to house them indefinitely, behind closed doors, and in close quarters with others solely of their kind.
•FIV as a virus is very fragile and cannot survive living in the environment, as it is killed by air, heat, light, and common household disinfectants. The virus, present in an infected cat’s saliva, HAS TO BE directly injected into the bloodstream of a non-FIV cat to transmit it; again, only from a deep BITE from a FIGHT.
•FIV rarely infects kittens. Although we don’t house cats under 6 months at our rescue, it is worth noting that IF a kitten under 6 months tests positive for FIV, it is ONLY the antibodies for the virus that are present, NOT the actual virus itself. These will dissipate over time. Every single kitten that tests positive NEEDS to be retested at 6-8 months before diagnosing for this matter.
•FIV has no vaccine to protect against it, and there are no specific treatments necessary EXCEPT GOOD CARE and AN INDOOR LIVING SITUATION. Providing a FIV+ cat with a high-quality diet, a low-stress environment, semi-annual to annual veterinary exams, treatment of medical issues promptly, and of course, LOTS OF LOVE are key to a happy, healthy, long life – same as a non-infected cat.
•Dr. Jen’s alma mater, Purdue University (Boiler Up!) conducted a long-term study that supported all the above information; they were pioneers in disproving ‘truths’ surrounding this hot topic. The definitive conclusions: a mixed (positive and non-positive) population can cohabit safely while partaking in normal day-to-day interactions, and positive moms do not pass the virus down to their kittens.
•FIV is NOT feline AIDS, just as HIV is not AIDS in people. FIV is SLOWLY progressive; it COULD, though rarely does, allow a disease to progress unchecked. FIV+ CATS ARE NOT SICK CATS.
•FIV has a stigma surrounding it. Sadly, some of those working within the veterinary field are not well-versed and are ill-informed. We feel it is our job to shatter the stereotypes and correct the misinformation, so we are stepping up to the plate.
•We have been operating CRASH’s LANDING and BIG SID’s SANCTUARY since October of 2002 and July of 2004, respectively. Although we have been able to accept 966 FIV+ or FELV+ cats into our rescue (as of 12/31/22) and have successfully adopted out over 50% of our Sid’s Kids (520 as of 12/31/22), WE COULD HELP SO MANY MORE FIV+ CATS. We need to increase placement of these highly adoptable, healthy cats, and even though our promotion has been top notch, it is time to change their narrative. Afterall, these cats didn’t ask to be put outside where they contracted FIV; their viral status is NOT THEIR FAULT.
With our 20 years of experience, and with a veterinarian as the head of our operation, we are thrilled to announce that we are revamping our entire housing situation at our rescue. Ok, we are more than excited, we are also VERY PROUD of the bold decision we have made to further enhance the lives and advance the journeys of our furry residents! As we make these positive changes that alter our shelter dynamic and propel us all towards a brighter future, we invite you to come along for the ride!
•CRASH’s LANDING will house the population that will now be referred to as ‘THE GALLERY’ and will be comprised of all our adoptable cats, regardless of FIV status. This area will be devoted to the ‘exhibition’ and promotion of those we consider to be our very own little works of art!
•BIG SID’s SANCTUARY will represent those cats that test FELV (feline leukemia virus) positive. This side will now be referred to as ‘THE CLUBHOUSE’ and it will house an exclusive population of cats: those with FELV, the odd cat-out with both FELV and FIV, those we have deemed as ‘Purrmanent Residents’ (who have behavioral issues that excludes them from the adoption pool), and on rare occasion, a kitty who has a terminal illness but is still living the good life.
This is a BIG change. But it is a major, long overdue step in the right direction. With our new and improved mission, we can hopefully educate and inform, reframe mindsets, repair preconceived notions, and ultimately save even more cats in need in our little corner of the world. We are up for the challenge, and are so excited!
