Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Cat owners often confuse feline leukemia with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV, also known as feline AIDS). Like feline leukemia, FIV is caused by a virus. However, the similarities end there. The diseases differ in many ways including risk, transmission, and prognosis. What Is FIV?




Much like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), FIV attacks a cat’s immune system, reducing his ability to fight off other infections. An infected cat may be at greater risk of developing other infections because his immune system isn’t as strong as that of a health cat. Thus, he is at greater risk of catching what are called “opportunistic” infections—those resulting from his depleted immune system being unable to fight infections that a healthy cat may be able to fight off.

A cat’s risk of catching FIV is much lower than that of catching feline leukemia because experts do not believe that FIV is spread through routine contact with infected cats but instead through deep bite wounds such as might occur during intense territory battles among male cats.

Pregnant cats infected with FIV may not pass the virus onto their kittens.

Signs of FIV

Many of the signs of FIV look like those for feline leukemia including fever, lethargy, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, skin and respiratory infections. Other problems include dental or oral infections, diarrhea, eye diseases such as cloudiness in the cornea, vomiting, abscesses, poor coat or hair loss, ear mites, ringworm, among others. Some cats show neurological problems or anemia. Viewed individually, some of these infections (like ear mites or ringworm) are normal problems affecting even healthy cats. However, a vigilant cat owner should take note when infections occur at greater frequency, duration or in concert with other infections.

What if My Cat Has FIV?

FIV is not necessarily a death sentence. Unlike feline leukemia, many cats infected with FIV can survive healthily for many years, even to a normal life span. If the cat does succumb to the disease, his death is caused by opportunistic infections or diseases rather than the virus itself.

Additionally, if you have multiple cats, the risk of transmission of FIV to other uninfected cats is low as long as they don’t fight and bite. If they do, you may wish to keep them separate. Though the risk of transmission is low, the only way to truly put a risk of transmission at zero is to keep your healthy cat from contact with infected cats.

If your cat has FIV, you do need to take steps to help him live a long, comfortable life. Because the virus reduces a cat’s ability to fight other, opportunistic infections, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the state of your cat’s health and effectively treat opportunistic infections as they arise. That means taking him routinely for wellness visits to the veterinarian every six months. You may also speak to your veterinarian about the type of healthy diet and supplements that may help boost his immune system.

Protecting My Cat from FIV

The best way to protect your cat from catching FIV is by keeping him away from potentially infected cats. That may mean keeping your cat indoors or allowing him supervised outdoor access. Neutering and spaying cats can often help reduce the territorial battle instinct while keeping such cats from wandering excessively (and reproducing uncontrollably).

Because of the general low risk of transmission, following these precautions can be enough to keep your cat FIV-free; however, you may also wish to consider the FIV vaccine. Talk to your veterinarian about the pros and cons of the vaccine and whether it would be a benefit to your cat.