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What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)?
What is FIV?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a lentivirus, a slow-acting species-specific organism classified as a retrovirus.
These types of viruses, which include both FIV and Feline Leukemia (FeLV), contain an enzyme enabling them
to infect and alter the cat’s genetic blueprint. Therefore, the cat remains infected and contagious for life
although the symptoms may not surface for several months or years. Ultimately, FIV is a fatal disease attacking the cat’s immune system and its ability to ward off infection.
How is FIV spread?
The virus is found in all body fluids of an infected cat, and is especially abundant in the saliva. The main
route of transmission is through bites. It is rarely spread through casual contact. On rare occasions infection
is transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens, however, immediate nursing may provide critical
antibodies to the kittens to ward off infection.
It is estimated that 4% of all household cats and 4% of all feral cats are infected with FIV. A significantly
higher percentage of infected cats are unneutered males due to aggression and biting as the main mode of
transmission. Testing, spay/neuter and segregation is the recommended modes of reducing transmission and
spread of this disease.
How is FIV diagnosed?
Tests are readily available for identifying viral antibodies in the blood of infected cats. ELISA testing is
commonly used and quite accurate. However, false positive results can occur and it is recommended that all
positive results be confirmed using a test with a different format. It is also important to note that a cat
vaccinated against FIV will test positive on an antibody test.
False negatives can occur when exposure is very recent. Cats with high risk or known exposure to an FIV+ cat
should be retested 1-3 months after their last known exposure or risk.
What are signs of the disease caused by FIV?
Unless the lymph nodes are greatly enlarged, the early stage of infection may pass unnoticed. As the disease
progresses the cat’s health may deteriorate with interspersed periods of relative health. Although the
symptoms may not appear for many months or years, eventual signs of immunodeficiency can appear
throughout the body including:
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Poor coat condition and persistent fever with a loss of appetite
Inflammation of the gums and mouth, and chronic or recurrent infections of the skin, urinary bladder
and upper respiratory tract
Persistent diarrhea and a variety of eye conditions
Slow but progressive weight loss
Various kinds of cancer and blood diseases
Seizures, behavior changes and other neurological disorders
562 Camp Horne Road | Pittsburgh, PA 15237 | 412.847.7000 | www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org
How can FIV be prevented?
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All cats should be spay/neutered to prevent aggressive behavior with cats of unknown background.
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Cats should be tested at least once during their lifetime; more often if the cat has been exposed or is
continually exposed to FIV+ cats or cats with unknown medical histories.
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Vaccination against FIV is not recommended as its efficacy rate stands at 67-84% and widely used tests
for determining FIV status cannot distinguish between cats that have been vaccinated and
FIV-infected cats.
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In veterinary and shelter environments, regular hand washing and commitment to a thorough
cleaning/disinfecting protocol is critical.
How should FIV+ cats be managed?
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All cats, including those that have tested positive for FIV, should be kept as indoor pets only. This is
important for both the safety of non-infected populations as well as protecting the infected cat from
exposure to other infectious agents.
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The cat must be isolated from other cats that are not FIV+ to prevent the potential spread of FIV but
also to reduce the risk of contracting a secondary illness.
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FIV+ cats should be spayed or neutered.
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Wellness visits should be scheduled twice a year with a veterinarian to detect any changes in health
or signs of deterioration of the cat.
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A nutritious diet free of raw meat and eggs that can carry bacteria and parasites should be followed.
Sources:
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UC Davis,School of Veterinary Medicine, Koret Shelter Medicine Program
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Cornell University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Feline Health Center
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American Association of Feline Practitioners, 2008 Feline Retrovirus Management Guidelines
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Julie Levy, DVM, PhD
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IDEXX Laboratories
Adopting an FIV+ cat from Animal Friends
Felines testing positive for FIV will be adopted in to homes that are willing to be educated about the health
risks and transmissions of FIV and able to provide appropriate long term care.
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FIV+ cats will be placed into homes with no other cats or into homes with other cats testing
positive for FIV.
FIV+ cats will be placed with families with prior cat owning experience and those with a proven track
record of having a strong vet relationship.
Strong counselor education and adoption addendum will be provided to prospective adopters about the
importance of keeping the cat indoors only and forming an immediate relationship with a private
veterinarian.
Non-infected cats will not be adopted into homes with known FIV+ cats.
562 Camp Horne Road | Pittsburgh, PA 15237 | 412.847.7000 | www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org
More information about FIV is available at:
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/fiv.html
http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_feline_fiv.shtml
http://www.kittytest.com/fiv_FAQ.jsp
www.aafp.com
www.veterinarypartner.com
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=531
2008 Feline Retrovirus Management Guidelines available at www.catvets.com
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_RELEASING_FIV_FELV_POSITIVE_CATS
Information compiled by:
Dr. Porge Nakovich, Animal Friends Director of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Marina Seigert, Veternarian, Animal Friends LCSN Program
Kathleen Beaver, Animal Friends Chief Operating Officer
Ann Ensminger, Animal Friends Director of Operations
Celeste Burbridge, Animal Friends Medical Coordinator
562 Camp Horne Road | Pittsburgh, PA 15237 | 412.847.7000 | www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org