Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (Feline AIDS)

What Is FIV?

Feline Immunodefiency Virus (FIV) is an infectious disease caused by a retrovirus similar to the HIV virus in humans.  FIV attacks the cells of the immune system, leading to Feline AIDS (Feline Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).  FIV infected cats are prone to bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoal infections.  These infections may cause serious illness or even death.

How Does FIV Spread?

Outdoor, entire, fighting cats are more likely to contract FIV, as it primarily spreads through bite wounds.  On rare occasions infection is transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens, usually during passage through the birth canal or when the newborn kittens ingest infected milk.  Sexual contact is not a major means of spreading FIV.

What Are The Signs Of FIV?

The health of a FIV positive cat may deteriorate progressively and they may suffer from recurrent illness. Cats can sometimes appear healthy for years after the initial contraction of FIV.  FIV is a lifelong disease, and as yet there is no cure.

Does My Cat Have FIV?

If cats have been at risk to contracting FIV, i.e. been bitten or in a fight, they will need to wait 60 days before being tested.  SDVC offers in-house FIV testing.  Kittens should be 6 months or over before being tested. If your cat has been vaccinated against FIV, it will show up positive on our in-house test - please let your vet know this, so other tests can be arranged.

What About Vaccinating Against FIV?

A FIV vaccine is now available!  Initially, a course of 3 FIV vaccinations will need to be given 2-4 weeks apart, followed by yearly boosters, which can be given with annual vaccinations.  Please call SDVC on 3288 1574 for more information.