Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is transmitted from cat to cat by bodily fluids, such as bites, scratches, the womb, or mating.
It is similar to HIV in humans, where it attacks the immune system, but cannot be transmitted to humans. FIV and HIV are both lentiviruses. However, humans cannot be infected by FIV (FIV+), nor can cats be infected by HIV.
Although contagious to other healthy household cats, spread via sharing water bowls and through mutual grooming is rare. It is best to have your other cats immunized and tested for the virus to prevent infection.
If your FIV cat is treated for any secondary infections, it should live a longer life. I personally had an FIV cat that lived until at least 15 years old.
With normal infection control procedures in your salon and keeping non-family cats separated, there is no reason why an FIV-positive cat can’t be professionally groomed.
Learn more about FIV at https://adelaidevet.com.au/pet-library/fiv-and-your-cat-feline-immunodeficiency-virus-0
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