Whether it’s your own cat or one which you’re considering adopting, finding out a cat has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can seem daunting. But while there is no cure, cats with the virus can lead long and happy lives with the right care, says Sarah Elliott, Central Veterinary Officer for Cats Protection.
What is FIV?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a slow progressing disease which is thought to infect about four percent of cats in the UK. The virus attacks the white blood cells in a cat’s bloodstream, weakening their immune system and making it harder to fight off common illnesses.
What are the symptoms of FIV?
Because FIV has a long incubation period, it can be months or even years before symptoms appear. When they begin, initial symptoms include painful gums, chest infections, eye problems and digestive disorders. As the disease progresses, infected cats may become repeatedly ill with cat flu, take longer to recover from infections, lose weight and develop tumours.
Do cats with FIV have to be put to sleep?
No. Cats with FIV can lead long, happy lives, although owners will need to make a few simple adjustments. Many infected cats will live normal lives for a long time and die from something else before developing any FIV symptoms.
How long will a cat with FIV live?
No two cats are the same, and the virus will affect cats differently depending on their overall health. But because FIV has a long incubation period, it can be many years before cats show any symptoms. This means many cats can live long lives and die from other causes before becoming ill with FIV.
Is FIV the same as HIV?
No, FIV and HIV are not the same. FIV is a virus which is similar to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), although FIV cannot infect humans and HIV cannot infect cats. FIV only affects cats so it cannot be passed to dogs or other animal species.
How is FIV spread?
The virus is present in blood, saliva and other bodily fluids and is most commonly spread through fighting or mating. It can also be passed from a mother to her kittens, either during pregnancy or through her milk. As a fragile virus which can’t survive long outside the body, FIV cannot easily be spread on your hands, surfaces, clothing or bedding.
Is there a vaccine for FIV?
There is no vaccine available in the UK and there is no cure for FIV. However, you can help prevent your cat from catching it by ensuring they’re neutered. Neutered cats are less likely to fight, roam far from home or engage in mating behaviours, all of which increase the risk of them becoming infected with FIV or other illnesses.
How do I look after a cat with FIV?
Cats with FIV will need to be kept as indoor pets to reduce the risk of them picking up infections and prevent them from spreading the virus to other cats. This means they should not be introduced to a household where there are other cats.
It’s important to keep cats with FIV as healthy as possible – by feeding a good diet and keeping up to date with vaccinations, worm and flea treatment. Remember, cats living an indoor-only lifestyle will need plenty of activities, games and toys to encourage exercise to keep them in shape.
What treatment is there for FIV?
While there is no cure or reliable treatment for FIV itself, your cat may need treatment if and when symptoms begin to show. This can include antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs for secondary infections or anti-viral drugs. Speak to your vet to come up with the best plan on how to look after your cat.
How do I know if my cat has FIV? How is FIV diagnosed?
If your vet suspects your cat has FIV they can perform a blood test to detect if there are antibodies to the virus in the blood. In some cases the test may need to be repeated, as false positives can occur. Should your cat test positive for FIV, your vet will give you advice on how to care for them and any treatment they may need.
Why should I adopt a cat with FIV?
As they need to be kept indoors, cats with FIV make ideal pets for people living in flats, or without suitable outdoor access.
Some people also find it hugely rewarding to take on a cat with a health condition, which may otherwise struggle to attract a new owner. If you’re thinking of adopting a cat with a health condition, get as much information as you can from the rehoming charity or previous owner and obtain quotes for suitable pet insurance to cover your cat.
Can my FIV positive cat go to a cattery?
As the virus can only be spread by bodily fluids, most catteries are happy to look after FIV cats. However, you should make sure your cat is up to date with their vaccinations before their stay and inform cattery staff of your cat’s condition.
Love cats? Check out our pets section for advice on cat care from How to take your cat to the vet without stress to how to stop them scratching furniture
Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity - to find more tips from the charity about humane ways of keeping cats out of your garden, visit cats.org.uk