We are excited to share that PetSmart has officially opened its adoption centers to FIV+ and FeLV+ cats, and a few of our FIV+ cats are in our PetSmart adoption centers around Atlanta right now! This groundbreaking policy change is a huge step forward in breaking down outdated stereotypes and misconceptions that have long hindered FIV+ cats from finding their forever homes. At Furkids, we have always said that FIV is no big deal, and thanks to PetSmart, even more people will have the opportunity to see the amazing companions that FIV+ cats can be when given the chance. 

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) has been widely misunderstood for years. Aside from a slightly depressed immune system, FIV+ cats are just like any other cat. Studies have shown that there is no significant difference in lifespan between FIV+ and non-FIV cats. These resilient animals can live long, happy lives with proper care! FIV only spreads through severe bite wounds or blood transfusions, meaning that FIV+ cats can coexist with non-FIV cats without issue. 

Furkids Founder and CEO, Samantha Shelton said, “Since Furkids founding 23 years ago, we have been committed to educating the community about the adoptability of cats with FIV and we have worked hard to stand up for their right to live. Sadly, so many cats with FIV have been unnecessarily euthanized in shelters and at veterinary clinics across our country because of the unplaced fear associated with the diagnosis. We are immensely grateful and proud of PetSmart for realizing it is time to end the stigma associated with FIV and for allowing these cats to be made available at all PetSmart adoption centers throughout the country. Together we can end the unnecessary killing of these cats and help them thrive and find their forever home through adoption.”

Since this groundbreaking policy change was made possible at PetSmart adoption centers, Furkids has already realized three adoptions for our FIV cats! Sylvie, a resilient tripod tortie, stole the heart of a young woman who had recently lost her beloved bunny of 13 years. When she saw Sylvie hopping around on her single back leg with her stubby tail - just like a bunny - she knew it was meant to be. Muffin’s adopters spent an hour discussing FIV and how to best take care of an FIV+ cat, and at the end of the discussion, they knew she belonged with them. Then there’s Kodiak, a cat rescued from an overcrowded animal control, who now has the second chance he deserves in a loving home. These three lives - and many more to come - have been forever changed because of this policy shift. 

Furkids has been a proud partner of PetSmart for 23 years, working together to find loving homes for thousands of cats and kittens. We are beyond thankful for this change and can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have on FIV+ cat adoptions and allow for more lives to be saved! If you have ever considered adopting, now is the perfect time to open your heart and home to an FIV+ cat. Visit one of our PetSmart adoption centers and meet them for yourself!

To view all of our adoption center locations, visit https://furkids.org/about-us/location-and-hours/. View all of our adoptable cats at furkids.org/cat-adoptions, and fill out an adoption survey at https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/FKDS/Cat. To read more about FIV and Furkids’ commitment to finding FIV+ cats loving homes, visit furkids.org/fiv.