Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
What is FIV?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV is an infection that weakens the immune system in cats. FIV+ cats more susceptible to experience illness caused by other diseases and infections.
The FIV virus is mainly transmitted through bite wounds. FIV can also be transmitted during mating, blood transfusions, and from a mother cat to her kittens in the initial stages of the infection, however these are much less common. Casual contact between cats through shared bowls, toys, and sleeping areas are unlikely to result in the transmission of FIV.
FIV is commonly diagnosed using a screening blood test, which is then followed up by a Western Blot test. Once the Western Blot test is positive, a cat is then considered to be infected with FIV.
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy for an FIV+ cat is lower than average, however many FIV+ cats can still live a long, normal life. If you have an FIV+ cat or are planning to adopt one, speak with your veterinarian for information on how to optimize your cat’s health.
Living with an FIV+ Cat
Proper care and management of an FIV+ cat is crucial to them living a happy and healthy life.
Keep Your Cat Indoors
Keeping your infected cat indoors helps prevent the spread of infection. Having your cat live inside further protects their immune system by minimizing their exposure to other potential infectious diseases.
Monitor Their Diets
Providing a nutritionally balanced diet helps keep cats healthy. Raw diets are no recommended for FIV+ cats. Uncooked foods, especially meats, can include parasites and other bacteria that can cause adverse effects in FIV+ cats.
Spay and Neuter
Aggression in cats significantly decreases after being spayed or neutered. This reduces the tendency of cats fighting, and transmitting the virus through bite wounds. Having your FIV+ cat spayed or neutered also stops the risk of the virus being spread from mother to kitten.
Monitor Their Behavior and Health
FIV+ cats are more susceptible to other viral, bacterial, and fungal infections than other cats. It is important to monitor you cat for any symptoms of illness such as lethargy, fever, weight loss, and/or decreased appetite. If you cat begins to show any signs of sickness or displays a noticeable change in behavior, see your veterinarian.
Living with More Than One Cat
If you live in a multiple cat household and one receives a positive diagnosis for FIV, it is important to have all of the remaining cats in the home tested. Cats who test negative should still be tested yearly if they are continuously exposed to an FIV+ cat. In households with a stable social structure where cats do not fight or bite one another, isolation of an FIV+ cat is not necessary. However, it is important to not introduce any new cats into the environment as this can likely lead to fighting between cats and potential virus transmission.
Interested in Adopting an FIV+ Cat?
FIV+ cats are very much adoptable and can be a great addition to any household! If you’re interested in adopting a FIV+ cat it is recommended that they go to a home as single cat or be homed with another FIV+ cat.