Important Information
About Feline
Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Factsheet

Feline AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is caused by infections with Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). It is a viral disease which affects the immune system of cats, and can be potentially fatal. It is important to have your cat vaccinated against FIV from their very first immunisations as a kitten

What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?

FIV destroys the immune system and leaves the cat extremely susceptible to infections and diseases. As the disease progresses, eventually the immune system will become too weak to fight off other infections, and as a result this eventually leads to death.

How to Recognise FIV: Common Signs and Symptoms

Watch for these warning signs in your cat:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Diarrhoea
• Swollen lymph nodes

How is FIV Spread Among Cats?

FIV is most commonly spread through saliva when biting occurs during cat fights. It can also be transmitted by a mother cat to her kittens across the placenta or through her milk.

Although FIV is related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes human AIDs, no human has ever been reported to be infected with FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus).

Can FIV Be Cured?

Unfortunately, there has been no successful treatment for FIV infections. The best that can be done is to be vigilant in watching for any signs of illness in a cat who has FIV and have each infection treated as they develop.

Caring for a Cat with FIV

It is important to keep your cat indoors at all times, and limit your cats exposure to other cats in order to reduce the risk of catching any infection that their immune system will be unable to fight. If there are other cats in your household, have them tested for FIV and ensure that they are vaccinated against it. If your cats live together peacefully and do not fight, it is unlikely to spread to your other cat.

How to Prevent FIV in Your Cat

• Ensure kittens receive their full vaccination schedule. The FIV Vaccination usually consists of an initial course of 3 vaccinations done 2-4 weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster every year of life.
• Ensure the yearly booster is done regardless of your cats age or if they are indoor or outdoor cats
• Always keep your cats indoors or in secure outdoor play areas

Key Points to Remember:

• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a potentially fatal disease that interferes with the immune system
• FIV leads to Feline AIDS
• It is similar to humans infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) but it is not the same virus
• All cats should be vaccinated against FIV
• FIV Positive cats should be kept separate from other cats in order to prevent the spread of the disease.