If you have a young cat with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), thank you for welcoming one of these kittens into your home!
Although cats with FIV require a little more at-home management and prompt attention to medical issues, most of these cats will live normal lifespans. This quick review of FIV will ensure you’re prepared for managing your FIV cat at home.
What is FIV?
FIV stands for feline immunodeficiency virus. This virus is unique to cats and typically passes through deep bite wounds when cats fight or mate. It’s not commonly spread through mutual grooming or through sharing toys, bowls or beds.
Most cats with FIV will not have symptoms at the time of diagnosis, which involves a simple blood test in-clinic. Over time, a cat may become susceptible to secondary infections like skin infections, bladder infections, dental infections or upper respiratory infections.
FIV prevention
If your young cat doesn’t have FIV, the best way to protect them from the virus is to keep them indoors. FIV is common among stray or community cats, especially tomcats. If your cat is allowed outdoors and gets into an altercation, they could contract the virus. There isn’t currently an approved FIV vaccination on the market.
You should have new cats or kittens tested for FIV, preferably before introducing them to your resident cats. FIV-positive and FIV-negative cats can coexist peacefully, but knowing each cat’s FIV status can help you manage them more effectively in the home.
How to manage FIV-positive cats in the home
If you have an FIV-positive cat, there are a few key things you’ll want to know.
- They should be always kept indoors to prevent spread of the virus to other cats
- They can live with FIV-negative cats with minimal risk of transmitting the disease as long as the cats coexist well together
- FIV cats may be more susceptible to serious infections and cancers. While you may take a wait-and-see approach with an FIV-negative cat showing upper respiratory signs, it’s better to get your FIV-positive cat evaluated since there may be an increased risk of serious illness
- FIV-positive cats are prone to dental disease. Keep up on daily tooth brushing and regular dental cleanings with your veterinarian
- Wellness visits may be recommended every 6 months instead of annually
With appropriate management, an FIV-positive cat can be a long-lived companion. Please note that although FIV is similar to HIV in people, FIV is not transmissible to people or dogs.
Review viral disease testing in cats to learn how VCA checks for FIV and feline leukemia virus.
