
02/25/2025
Vet Tip Tuesday!
What is FIV?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a common infectious disease found in cats all around the globe. It's a disease that affects the immune system, making it difficult for infected cats to fight off infections. There is no cure, but it is possible for an FIV positive cat to live a fairly long and happy life, as long as they aren't also positive for feline leukemia (FELV), a disease we discussed last week (see post from 2/18/25).
FIV is transmitted through bite wounds of an infected cat. Simple acts such as sharing water bowls or friendly grooming is not an efficient route to transfer the virus.
Since this virus is spread via bite wounds, un-neutered males that are allowed outdoors are at the highest risk of contracting FIV due to their nature to fight over territory. In rare occasions an infected mother could transmit the disease to her kittens through nursing. If a female contracts FIV during pregnancy the risk of transmission to her kittens is increased. However, mating is not effective in transferring FIV among cats.
These are the three phases of infection with FIV:
1. The acute phase, generally occurring within 1-3 months post infection. It affects the lymph nodes, you may see enlargement of their lymph nodes, followed by fever, decreased appetite and listlessness.
2. The asymptomatic phase comes next and can last for months to several years. The cats do not show any outward symptoms or illness, but the virus is slowly replicating itself within the cells of the immune system. Some FIV infected cats may show changes in their bloodwork and some may stay in this stage without ever progressing to a more detrimental disease.
3. Progressive phase - during this state, an immunocompromised cat can start developing secondary infections, which can become life threatening due to their inability to fight off disease. Chronic or recurring illness such as dental, eye, skin, urinary and respiratory tract infections are common. Other signs include weight loss, neurologic (seizures) and behavioral changes. FIV positive cats are also more likely to develop cancer and immune-mediated blood disorders than healthy cats. Once these cats have hit this stage of critical illness their survival expectancy is decreased to a just few months.
There is no vaccine currently. Preventative measures such as keeping your cats indoors and spaying and neutering can help stop the spread of FIV. You should test all new kittens and cats for FIV/FELV before introducing them into your home or to any of your existing cats. It is a simple blood test that can be run in your vet's office same day. Contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment today!