🐾 Vet-Approved 2025 Guide: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in Cats—Diagnosis, Care & Living Well 🐱🧬

By Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a chronic viral infection affecting cats worldwide. Similar to HIV in humans, FIV weakens a cat’s immune system over time. However, many FIV+ cats live long, happy lives with the right care and monitoring 🧬🐱💖

🔍 What Is FIV?

FIV causes progressive immune suppression, making cats more susceptible to infections and illness. Like HIV, there is often a long asymptomatic period before illness develops.

🐾 Good news: Many FIV+ cats stay healthy for years, and some never develop significant symptoms with proper care 🛡️

🩺 How Is FIV Diagnosed?

• 🧪 In-house screening test (ELISA) detects antibodies
• 🔬 Confirmed with PCR or Western Blot testing
• 👶 Kittens under 6 months may test positive due to maternal antibodies—retest after 6 months

🚨 The FIV vaccine (now discontinued) can cause false positives on antibody tests—PCR is needed to distinguish real infection from vaccination

😿 How Is FIV Spread?

• 🐾 Bite wounds during fights (most common route)
• 🐱 Mother-to-kitten transmission is rare
• 🍽️ Casual contact like grooming or sharing bowls is very unlikely to spread FIV

Important:

Isolation of an FIV+ cat is NOT necessary unless they tend to fight with other pets.

🏠 What Should I Do Now?

1️⃣ Keep Your Cat Indoors Only

• 🚪 Prevents transmission to other cats
• 🛡️ Reduces exposure to infections
• 😿 If your cat becomes stressed indoors, consider enrichment or a secure outdoor catio

2️⃣ No Raw Diets

• 🥩 Raw meat may contain pathogens that are dangerous for immunosuppressed cats
• 🛒 Stick to reputable, commercial cat food brands

3️⃣ Parasite Control Is Essential

• 🪱 Prevent fleas, worms, and mites year-round
• 🧴 Ask your vet about safe, effective products

4️⃣ Rethink Vaccinations

• 💉 Some evidence suggests vaccines may activate FIV, but data is limited
• 🏡 If your cat stays indoors, it may be safe to reduce vaccines—discuss with your vet

5️⃣ Consider Antioxidants or Immune Support

• 🧪 Supplements like Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) may support immune health
• 🧬 More research is needed, but antioxidants may offer general benefits

💉 What About FIV Medications?

AZT (zidovudine/Retrovir®) may help with:

• 🧠 Neurological symptoms
• 👄 Severe oral inflammation (stomatitis)

💊 Monitoring is essential, as AZT can cause anemia. Other HIV meds are NOT recommended for cats due to toxicity.

🧑‍⚕️ Routine Care & Monitoring

• 📆 Twice-yearly vet check-ups
• 🩸 Annual bloodwork and urinalysis
• ⚖️ Watch for subtle changes—especially weight loss

Small issues can become big problems quickly in FIV+ cats. Prompt action is key ⏱️

👨‍👩‍👧 FIV+ Cats and Human Health

FIV is not transmissible to humans. However, households with immune-suppressed individuals should avoid owning immune-compromised pets, as both can shed opportunistic pathogens in higher amounts.

📲 Need Help with FIV Care?

FIV isn’t a death sentence—many cats thrive with the right plan. Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 for expert guidance on managing your FIV+ cat’s diet, care, and health monitoring.

🐱❤️ With a little extra attention, your FIV+ cat can live a long, happy, and comfortable life!