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Our adult cats are tested for FIV and FeLV. But what exactly is FIV? And what does it mean if a cat tests positive?

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What is it?

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as feline AIDS. Worldwide, it is an important cause of illness in cats. It was first discovered during an investigation into a major outbreak among feral cats in the United States. Cats with the disease showed symptoms similar to those of humans with AIDS caused by HIV infection. Although the diseases are very similar, they are species-specific. FIV is only contagious from cat to cat and is NOT contagious to humans or other animals.

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Unfortunately, FIV cannot be cured. Cats infected with this virus will carry it for life.

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What are the symptoms?

FIV attacks the cat’s white blood cells, which weakens its immune system. This usually happens gradually, so clinical symptoms often only become visible in middle-aged or older cats. Cats do not die from the virus itself but can become ill more easily from other infections due to their weakened immune system.

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The first stage (acute phase) occurs in the first 2 to 4 months. During this time, the cat may be tired, have a decreased appetite, sometimes fever, and/or swollen lymph nodes. This phase often passes, making the cat appear healthy again (phase 2).

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In phase 3, the cat may suffer from various infections. The symptoms depend on the infections involved, but common signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, inflammation of gums and eyes, and diarrhea. If a cat shows several of these (or other) symptoms, it may indicate a weakened immune system, and testing for FIV is recommended.

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How is FIV tested?

FIV can be detected using a Snap test. However, this test can sometimes give a false positive result. If a cat tests positive with us, we perform a more extensive blood test to confirm the diagnosis. It is not advisable to test kittens under 6 months old because they may carry antibodies and test positive even if they are not infected.

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What is the treatment?

Since FIV cannot be cured, the focus is on keeping the immune system as strong as possible. Quality food, minimizing stress, and providing a healthy environment are very important. Raw meat, eggs, and unpasteurized milk should be avoided. Cats must also be well protected against fleas and ticks. Your veterinarian can advise whether vaccination is more harmful than helpful; often, vaccination is not recommended.

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Because of the risk of infection, FIV-positive cats should live indoors to protect both themselves and other animals. It is also essential that infected cats are not bred. They should be neutered or spayed to reduce the stress caused by the mating season. Most cases of FIV occur in unneutered male cats that roam during mating season and fight more with other males than neutered cats do (another good reason to neuter your pet!).

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Did you know...?

The chance of a cat contracting FIV from sharing food bowls or living together peacefully is almost zero. If you have an FIV-positive cat living peacefully with FIV-negative cats, it is recommended not to change this arrangement. The stress caused by rehoming the infected cat often poses a greater risk than the chance of transmission.

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An FIV-positive cat can still live a long and happy life. A positive FIV test is not necessarily a death sentence. Remember that this cat is just as loving, cuddly, and cheerful as any other cat.