What is FIV?
By Christina Britto, DVM
Brentwood Pet Clinic
FIV stands for “Feline Immunodeficiency Virus." An FIV-infected cat develops a decreased immune defense which can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and certain cancers. Our feline friends contract FIV from deep bite wounds from infected cats, and very rarely it is passed from mothers to their kittens.
Veterinarians should routinely screen all kittens for FIV at six months old. Kittens who test positive should be re-tested to confirm diagnosis with the more specific Western Blot test, which is sent out to a lab. If confirmed, an FIV cat can lead a happy life with a loving owner. FIV is not transmissible to humans or other species, so an FIV cat would fit perfectly in a home with dogs and humans that are not immunocompromised. Once diagnosed, it is important that the cat is kept indoors only, both to prevent the spread of the disease, and exposure to outside pathogens. It is also recommended FIV cats be evaluated by their veterinarian every 6 months -- and sooner if they don’t feel well!
A few brief points about FIV
courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society
1. The Feline Immuno-deficiency Virus is a slow virus that affects a cat's immune system over a period of years.
2. FIV is a cat-only disease and cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.
3. FIV cats most often live long, healthy, and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all.
4. FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread casually - like in litter boxes, water and food bowls, or when snuggling and playing. It is rarely spread from a mother to her kittens.
5. The virus can be spread through blood transfusions, badly infected gums, or serious, penetrating bite wounds. (Bite wounds of this kind are extremely rare, except in free-roaming, unneutered tomcats.)
6. A neutered cat, in a home, is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, if properly introduced.
7. Many vets are not educated about FIV since the virus was only discovered 15 years ago.
8. FIV-positive cats should be kept as healthy as possible. Keep them indoors and free from stress, feed them a high-quality diet, and treat any secondary problems as soon as they arise.
