Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: An Overview

Dog Breeds

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), also sometimes called “feline AIDS,” is one cause of immune system disorders in domestic cats.

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Definition

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), also sometimes called “feline AIDS,” is one cause of immune system disorders in domestic cats. FIV is thought to share many features with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS in people. The feline and human viruses are species-specific, which means that HIV cannot cause infection in cats, and FIV cannot cause infection in people. Infection with FIV ultimately suppresses the cat’s immune system, allowing any number of secondary infections to flourish.

Causes of FIV Infection

Feline immunodeficiency virus is transmitted through the saliva and blood products of cats - most commonly through bite wounds and deep scratches. FIV disease is most common in adult, sexually intact, free-roaming males. There is no reliable evidence that the virus can be transmitted through sexual contact between cats, but infected females can pass the virus on to their kittens.

Prevention of FIV Infection

FIV infection in indoor cats is uncommon. The best way to prevent it is to keep naïve cats away from infected cats, which frequently are free-roaming neighborhood strays. For high-risk (outdoor) cats known to be FIV negative, there is a commercially available vaccine, although vaccinated cats will probably always test positive on the screening test for FIV. Reducing the stress in a cat’s environment may help ward off secondary infections associated with FIV infection. Affected cats that have not yet been neutered or spayed should be altered to reduce the stress associated with fluctuating hormone levels and to prevent the urge to mate. Neutered tom cats are less likely to fight with other cats. Cats with FIV infection should have a quiet, calm and safe indoor living environment with high-quality food, abundant fresh water and plenty of toys and activities to keep them healthy in both body and mind.

Special Notes

Unfortunately, there is no cure for feline AIDS. Antibiotics can help to control secondary bacterial infections as they occur, but the underlying immunosuppressive disorder will remain. Cats infected with the feline immunodeficiency virus should be kept indoors and away from other cats, so that the infection does not spread.

FIV infection is fairly easily diagnosed by blood tests. If you are considering adoption of a cat, consider getting it tested for its FIV status before introducing it to your home. Talk to your veterinary health care team for more information about FIV.

FIV infection is slowly progressive. Antibody-positive cats can remain happy and healthy for many years. Cats that have developed clinical signs usually will have chronic or recurrent health problems due to immunosuppression that at some point will require medical attention.

Symptoms and Types