What is FIV?
FIV is a virus that affects only cats, The initials stand for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. This basically means that the effect of the virus is to reduce the cat’s immune system, making it more susceptible to infection – put simply, it can’t fight off infection as well as a non-FIV cat.
«« Back to top


How serious is FIV?
In itself, FIV is not serious, it is the other infections that the cat may pick up, which can cause the problem in an FIV cat, due to the weakness in the immune system.
«« Back to top


How is FIV transmitted?
Through biting, is the simple answer, the virus needs to actually enter the blood stream, so the vast majority of transmissions are through biting in fights.
«« Back to top


What are the symptoms of FIV?
FIV does not in itself have any obvious symptoms, but often a cat which shows symptoms of other infections, proves to have the FIV virus. Signs of suffering from any general malaise problems can (but not necessarily) be indicators of an infected cat. So a young, otherwise healthy cat that shows signs of gum disease, for instance, may be showing signs of infection. But gingivitis (inflamed gums) is also common in uninfected cats, so don’t jump to conclusions!
«« Back to top


Can FIV be cured?
Sadly, no. Once your cat has FIV, it will always have FIV.
«« Back to top


Does my FIV cat have to be put to sleep?
No, just the same as with a non-FIV cat - not unless it has developed another infection, from which it is suffering so badly that it cannot be helped - which is not likely unless your cat picked up the FIV infection several years ago.
«« Back to top


What can I do to help my FIV cat?
Look after it carefully, is the simple answer. You need to keep a careful eye on your FIV cat to notice any sign of ill-health, and investigate sooner, rather than later. Any problem, such as not eating, should not be left for long without getting a vet’s opinion. We illustrate with not eating, as gum infection is often an early problem with an FIV cat. (The mouth is a particularly sensitive area, and has to cope with all manner of bacteria from food - both given and caught - so is often the first place where problems arise in any cat - whether FIV or not).
«« Back to top


How long will my FIV cat live?
Potentially, as long as any other cat. Surprisingly, there is no proven shortening of life expectancy with FIV cats, although you do need to keep on top of any infections it may pick up, as neglected illness will not help! It is not FIV that causes the problems, but the secondary infections it may pick up. So if you are vigilant, your cat should live a normal length of life.

It should be said that it may be that your cat was only diagnosed as FIV because it was already suffering from secondary infections. This could then be a warning sign that decline has already started, which may ultimately reduce life expectancy. But, if any infection is treated and you keep a careful eye on it to detect any other infection at an early stage, it could well still live a long and reasonably healthy life.

As a matter of interest, we have a number FIV cats in our sanctuary that have been with us for several years; some came to us in a very poor state, but after initial treatment, became fit again and remain so. Visitors to our sanctuary often comment on how happy and healthy all our FIV cats look!
«« Back to top


Is my FIV cat a threat to other cats in the neighbourhood?
Potentially, yes. If your FIV cat was to fight with and bite another cat, it would probably pass on the virus to that cat.

You need to consider a number of factors regarding this.
Your cat may well have had FIV for some time, in which case, the neighbourhood cats would already have been in contact with it. Indeed, it may have been from the neighbourhood cats that it was infected in the first place!

Remember, it is your FIV cat that is also in danger - from other cats who might be carrying diseases - you need to consider protecting your FIV cat from other cats.

You have a number of options for protecting your FIV cat from other cats that may be carrying infection. In extreme cases, you may consider keeping your FIV cat as an indoor cat. The decision to do this will depend on your cat’s temperament, many cats that have known the freedom of the big outside, would be most disturbed at suddenly being prevented from going out; although others may be quite content to laze around the house all day (and night)!
Another option is to create an enclosed garden area for your cat to be able to be outside, but also protected.
Some might suggest (we would not) that you allow your cat to continue with its freedom, on the principle that FIV is very common (if frequently undiagnosed) in most areas, and just keeping one FIV cat in might seem a little pointless with all the others still roaming freely around you. However, with this option you would be putting your FIV cat at risk from the others.

In our case, we have chosen to create a large enclosed garden area for our FIV cats – a kind of adventure garden that has trees, shrubs, overgrowth and undergrowth, piles of rocks, planks, logs and all sorts; quite a little jungle! We keep them enclosed to protect them from other cats that may be carrying infection. We also give them a diet of good quality cat food. They are just as fit, healthy and happy as our non-FIV cats that have full freedom during the day (we always try to keep them indoors at night; the most dangerous time for cats to be out).
«« Back to top


Is my FIV cat a threat to my other pet cats?
It depends. For how long have the cats been with the FIV cat? If it has been for some time, then continuing the relationship is probably not changing the situation. If the FIV is a recent addition, do they fight at all? If they do, it is probably already too late; if they don’t, then they might as well stay together.

Remember, even if your other cats do pick up FIV, it is still not the end of the world, you just have to be more vigilant with keeping an eye on all your cats for signs of infection, which needs earlier treatment than with non-FIV cats.
«« Back to top


If one of my cats has FIV, should I have the others tested?
Not necessarily. What would you do if they were tested and proved to be FIV? You already seem to have an FIV cat, so what difference if you have more than one?
«« Back to top


Can humans or other animals catch FIV?
No, FIV is specifically a feline virus and cannot be transmitted to other species.
«« Back to top««


How can I prevent my cat from getting FIV?
There are measures you can take which will reduce the likelihood of your cat catching FIV, but, unfortunately, there is not yet a vaccination available to prevent the transmission of the virus (there is a vaccine available in the US, click for our thoughts).

Because FIV is transmitted through being bitten by, or biting, an already infected cat; the only sure way to protect you cat is to keep it away from all other cats. Although some cats are kept as indoor cats, this is not at all easy, or indeed, desirable in most cases, so we need to look at other ways of reducing the risk.

FIV is transmitted though bites.
There are three main reasons why a cat will fight and bite another:
1 For territory
2 For food
3 For mating
Reasons 1 and 3 are most likely to occur with un-neutered males. So, if your cat is male, you should have him neutered, this will reduce the likelihood of him straying too far, and also reduce the likely fighting over both territory and females.

If your cat is female, you should have her spayed, as, when cats mate, the male often holds the female with his teeth, and this can transmit the virus.

Reason 2 (for food) is easily catered for - by providing regular, good quality meals.

A cat that is neutered and regularly fed is less likely to become infected with FIV. If it is already infected, it is less likely to pass on the virus through more fighting. So neuter and feed your cat for the prime protection.
«« Back to top