What You Need To Know About Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a chronic virus that kills and damages the cells in a cat’s immune system. FIV is not the same as Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV), and many infected cats can go on to lead long, mostly healthy lives with proper care and attention.
How Is FIV Caused?
FIV can only be contracted by cats and is most commonly transmitted via bite wounds or blood. Interestingly, while any feline can be susceptible, un-neutered, outdoor males are at the highest risk due to their penchant for picking fights with others. It’s uncommon for FIV to be spread through mating or sexual contact among cats and the disease is rarely spread through casual contact like communal bowls, litter boxes, sneezing or grooming.
In the case of kittens, it is possible for infected mothers to pass FIV antibodies to nursing youngsters. Because of this, kittens can test positive for the virus several months after birth but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily infected. In order to truly know their FIV status, experts recommend testing kittens for FIV every 60 days for a minimum of six months. On the flip side, adult cats can test positive for FIV anywhere between two to eight weeks after exposure. A blood test is the best way to determine if a cat or kitten is FIV positive.
How Is FIV Treated? While there is no cure for FIV, there are a few best practices for caring for an infected cat beginning with keeping them indoors. As mentioned above, FIV attacks a cat’s white blood cells and immune system and keeping them indoors is one of the best ways to decrease their exposure to secondary diseases. Similarly, keeping infected cats indoors protects other cats from becoming infected, making it a win-win for the feline population!
Another thing owners can do to keep their FIV diagnosed cat comfortable is feed them a nutritious, well-balanced diet with some vets recommending staying away from raw diets as they can contain bacteria or parasites that can be harmful to sensitive immune systems. Speaking of vets, experts say cats with FIV should visit the vet every six months to undergo regular testing and monitoring of their health. Pet owners should watch infected cats closely and take note of any concerning signs or symptoms that might need to be shared with the vet.
Common FIV FAQs
Can cats with FIV live in the same home as cats without FIV?
Yes, infected cats can live in the same home as non-infected cats without significant risk of transmitting FIV.
Is FIV fatal?
Not typically. While FIV is not usually fatal, infected cats can be more susceptible to contracting diseases that can be.
Can humans contract FIV?
No, humans cannot contract FIV.
Is there a cure for FIV?
No, there is not a cure for FIV at this time.
Can I spread FIV to other cats after interacting with an infected cat?
No, FIV is most commonly spread through bite wounds or blood. It is extremely uncommon for FIV to spread via casual contact.
Is FIV the equivalent of cat AIDs?
Similar to AIDs, FIV is a virus that attacks a cat’s immune system. Unlike AIDs, FIV is not contracted through sexual contact and cannot be passed to humans.