FIV Cat

FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) is a widely misunderstood condition. Many people think that it’s easily spread, makes cats very sick, and that they have a lower life expectancy, so they are not often adopted. This is far from the truth!

WHAT DOES FIV+ MEAN

When a cat tests positive for FIV, it means they either carry the virus or have been vaccinated for it at some point. The vaccine leads to a positive test for the disease, which is why this vaccine isn’t recommended, among other reasons. FIV is not spread through casual contact, such as shared food/water/litter, mutual grooming, or playing. It is most commonly spread through deep, vicious bite wounds, typically inflicted by intact toms fighting on the streets over food, females, or territory. If a cat has been spayed or neutered they are unlikely to fight in this manner, and if the population is stable (no serious fighting), FIV+ cats can live with non-infected cats. (It was previously thought that FIV+ pregnant queens could pass the virus to their kittens, but this has since been disproved according to one study. Kittens with an FIV+ mother may test positive for up to 6 months, however, due to the presence of maternal antibodies, which dissipate over time).


LIVING WITH FIV+

FIV+ cats can live as long and healthy a life as non-infected cats. This doesn’t mean they will never become ill; they are, after all immunocompromised, so illnesses can be easier to catch and harder to fight off. They have the same needs as any other cat: high quality nutrition, a clean, stress-free, strictly indoor environment, regular veterinary visits (two times per year), and lots of love. If they should become ill, they are generally treated earlier, longer, and more aggressively than non-immunocompromised cats (meaning they need to see the vet at the very first sign of illness and may be on a stronger medication or on medication for a longer period of time).


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Scroll to Top