What is FIV?

FIV stands for feline immunodeficiency virus. It attacks a cat’s immune system, making FIV+ cats more likely to get infections.

• Cats with FIV may appear normal for years.
• Over time, their weakened immune system allows normally harmless bacteria and viruses to cause serious illness.
• Most FIV+ cats can live normal lifespans if they are not also infected with feline leukemia virus.

How is FIV Spread?

The main way FIV spreads is through deep bite wounds, usually during fighting.

Other, less common routes include:

• Transmission from mother cat to kittens during birth or through milk.

Important: Casual contact like sharing food bowls or snuggling does not transmit FIV.

Medical Conditions Associated with FIV

FIV+ cats are at higher risk for certain medical problems. Common signs include:

• Poor coat condition
• Persistent fever
• Loss of appetite
• Slow but progressive weight loss
• Inflammation of gums (gingivitis) or mouth (stomatitis)
• Chronic or recurring infections of the skin, eyes, urinary tract, or respiratory system
• Persistent diarrhea
• Various eye conditions
• Anemia
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Certain cancers and blood disorders

Note: Early stages of FIV may show no signs at all. Cats may experience periods of illness interspersed with relative health.

How is FIV Diagnosed?

FIV is usually diagnosed with a screening test performed in a veterinarian’s office, taking about 10 minutes.

• Important: Vaccination for FIV can cause a positive test result.
• Because of this, many veterinarians do not routinely give the FIV vaccine.

What Does a Positive Test Result Mean?

• Kittens under 6 months may test positive due to antibodies from their mother but may not be infected. Retest until age 6 months.
• Vaccinated cats may show a positive result, since the test detects antibodies produced by the vaccine.

FIV in Multi-Cat Households

If one cat tests positive:

• Test all cats to determine who is infected.
• Isolation is not always necessary unless fighting is likely.
• Prevent fights over food, space, affection, and toys.
• Neuter or spay all cats to reduce aggression.
• Keep FIV+ cats indoors only to protect both the cat and the community.

Tip: Cats will adjust to being indoor-only; resist giving in to fussing.

Caring for an FIV+ Cat

To support an FIV+ cat’s health:

1. Feed a nutritionally complete diet. Avoid raw or uncooked foods.
2. Schedule wellness visits every 6 months.
3. Monitor health and behavior closely. Report changes to your veterinarian promptly.
4. Control parasites (fleas, worms, mites). Consult your vet for appropriate products.

Expected Lifespan

• FIV+ cats need twice-yearly veterinary checkups.
• Full blood panels and urinalysis are recommended annually.
• Small changes in weight or health should be taken seriously.

With proper care, many FIV+ cats can live for years.

Introducing a New Cat After an FIV+ Cat

• There is no waiting period, as FIV does not survive long outside the body.
• Clean surfaces with dilute bleach if the FIV+ cat had secondary infections.
• Test any other cats for FIV status before introducing a new cat.

Can Humans Get FIV?

No. FIV only infects cats.

Immune-Suppressed Owners or Cats

• Immune-suppressed cats or humans are more susceptible to infections.
• Avoid having multiple immune-suppressed individuals in one home.
• An immune-suppressed cat can increase exposure risks for an immune-suppressed human, and vice versa.