What is FIV?
It is a disease of cats that weakens their immune system making them more susceptible to illness.
How does a cat become infected?
The major route of transmission is bite wounds that occur during fighting. Mating can also be a route of transmission. It is not generally transmitted through shared food bowls.
Can FIV be transmitted to humans?
No, it cannot.
How is FIV diagnosed?
Through a blood test performed at your veterinarian’s office. This is usually a combo test that also tests for Feline Leukemia Virus.
Is there a cure for FIV?
There is no cure for FIV.
Should I euthanize my cat if he/she tests positive for FIV?
Definitely not! While a small percentage of FIV+ do pass away within a few years of diagnosis, most cats live long healthy lives just like any other cat.
Do cats with FIV require any special care?
FIV+ cats do not require much “extra” care, but the following things are important for an FIV+ cat to live its best life:
- Must be an indoor only cat (living outdoors or going outside exposes your cat to many pathogens and predators and since fighting off infection is more difficult for FIV+ cats, you do not want to put them at increased risk of infection)
- Do NOT feed a raw food diet. Raw food can contain parasites and pathogens that a cat who is immunocompromised cannot fight off.
- Regular veterinary care – annual check-ups are important for FIV+ cats as well as maintaining them on flea/mite/intestinal parasite prevention. Since they are more susceptible to upper respiratory infections, establishing a good relationship with your vet will enable you to stay on top of illnesses before they worsen.
- Spay or neuter your cat to prevent aggressive territorial behavior and mating – the two main routes of transmission of FIV.
Does a FIV+ cat need to be the only cat in the household?
Almost always no! Casual non-aggressive behavior does NOT spread FIV. Cats in households with stable social structures are at little to no risk of transmission. Sharing of litter boxes, food bowls, mutual grooming, and play fighting is not associated with transmission. Only aggressive fighting where deep puncture wounds occur and mating put cats at a higher risk of virus transmission.
Is there a vaccine for FIV?
At this time, there is no vaccine to prevent this disease.