FIV is a cat-only disease. This immunodeficiency virus (like all immunodeficiency viruses) is very species specific - so specific, in fact, that the virus domestic cats have is different from the kind the big cats have.

You cannot catch FIV from your pet.

Unless your FIV kitty bites another cat, the virus cannot spread. FIV can never be spread casually. Casual includes litter boxes, water and food bowls or snuggling and playing. It is even unlikely for an FIV mother to give FIV to her kittens. FIV can be spread only through blood transfusions, badly infected gums, or serious, penetrating bite wounds. A neutered cat, in a home, is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, if properly introduced.

With the truth about FIV in hand, there is no reason that Gabriel and Neptune (two of our resident FIV+ cats) should not be in a loving home with other cats. FIV+ cats can live quite long and quite normal lives. Cats seem to live a long time with this virus often with no symptoms at all.

Of course, there is no guarantee that an FIV+ cat will not develop clinical disease; but there's no guarantee that any cat won't get sick from something sooner or later!

Meanwhile, it seems that the life span of FIV+ cats is quite long and that they have a lot to give us. FIV should not be a death sentence or a stigma that prevents a delightful feline from coming into your home. It's time to end the fear and misinformation about this virus and to spread the truth about FIV so that these healthy cats can find the homes and the love they deserve. 

See the following link for more information about FIV and living with FIV+ cats:
FIV: Catching a Bad Case of Rumors

Cornell Feline Health Center: Information on FIV