Buzzards Bay Veterinary Associates - Feline Immunodeficiency Web Page

BBVA Buzzards Bay Veterinary Associates

230 Main Street * Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 * Tel: 508-759-2521 * Fax: 508-759-6782

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

“Feline AIDS”

Outdoor male cats

are at high risk for this disease

which is spread by the bite of an infected

cat or via sexual transmission.

What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?

Feline Immunodeficiency virus or FIV is an infectious disease caused by a virus closely related to HIV in humans. FIV can not be transmitted to humans and HIV cannot be transmitted to cats. The virus decreases in the cat’s immune function which can lead to severe infections or cancer. FIV is considered to be fatal but with good veterinary care and some precautions, many FIV positive cats can be expected to live for several years.

How do cats get FIV?

Cats get FIV from infected cats. Kittens can get FIV from their mother before they are born, but the most common form of transmission is from fighting with other cats. The virus dies quickly in the environment and can only be spread by blood to blood or bodily fluid contact. The disease is also spread via sexual transmission. Non-neutered, stray male cats are at high risk for getting this infection and could potentially spread it to non-spayed female cats via mating.

How is FIV diagnosed?

Three drops of blood is all that is needed to diagnose FIV using a quick, in-hospital test. Cats that go outdoors unsupervised should be tested for this virus annually. New cats coming into a home should also be tested. Once exposed to an infected individual, FIV will not show up on a blood test for 30 days. Because of this, it is advisable to re-test any new cat to your household 30 days after the initial test. On occasion, young kittens may test positive for FIV because of their mother’s antibodies. It is recommended that these kittens are re-tested when they are at least six months of age.

How can FIV be prevented?

FIV is easily prevented by keeping your cat strictly indoors and testing new cats before introduction into the household. Currently there is no acceptable vaccine for the disease.

How is FIV treated?

FIV can not be cured, but good health care and nutrition goes a long way toward making an FIV positive cat’s life long and happy. Cats with FIV should be fed a good quality cat food and all raw foods should be avoided . Cats with FIV need to be kept strictly indoors as they are more susceptible to germs and parasites outside and can spread FIV to other cats. Cats with FIV are at high risk for any type of infection but are especially prone to dental infections. Routine physical exams aim to identify early infections before they turn into life-threatening systemic bacterial infections. Some cats with FIV will require extensive dental care and may even require many dental extractions. Parasite prevention is critical for FIV positive cats. Dedham Veterinary Associates recommends monthly treatment with Revolution® to prevent fleas, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites. Some experts feel that certain drugs used for HIV positive humans, such as interferon alpha, can be of benefit to FIV positive cats. This is very safe but has not been absolutely proven to be beneficial.

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