This is a virus that affects only cats and causes a syndrome of immune deficiency.  Cats can be infected for many years without having symptoms, but the average life expectancy for cats with FIV is about 5-6 years from the time of diagnosis.  Just as with HIV in people, the virus causes failure of the immune system, leading over time to chronic infections that usually necessitate euthanasia.  FIV is most prevalent in feral cat populations, so outdoor cats will have the greatest risk of contracting FIV.

Cats are exposed mainly through fighting, which is why this infection is found in higher percentages in feral cat populations.  The virus is transmitted through the saliva during the bite. 

No.  This is a virus that affects only cats.  Immune suppressed people, however, are susceptible to the secondary opportunistic infections that are common in FIV positive cats and should discuss concerns with both their medical doctor and veterinarian.

We have a great screening test for FIV which can be run in the clinic.  If this test is positive, it is likely your cat is infected with FIV, but there is another test we can send to the lab to confirm the infection. 

In stable cat households with minimal fighting ,the risk of transmission is very low.  FIV is usually not transmitted by routine grooming or sharing food bowls, litter boxes, or toys.  If you have cats, however, that commonly fight or bite, then the risk of transmission is higher.

A vaccine exists for FIV but will cause cats to turn up positive on both tests for FIV.  Since we have no way of determining if the vaccine is causing the positive result or an actual infection is, at this time we do not recommend vaccinating cats for FIV.

The virus itself has no cure.  However, we can do many things to ensure your cat has a healthy immune system and can fight off the virus as long as possible.  Keeping your cat current on vaccinations, providing a nutritious diet, and maintaining good preventative health care such as dental cleanings, parasite control, and regular checkups all are important for FIV positive cats.  We also highly recommend to keep FIV positive cats indoors only, for two reasons.  One, it will prevent your cat from transmitting the infection to other cats outdoors, and two, your cat will be exposed to less diseases and parasites, giving your cat a longer life.  Antioxidants, immune stimulating medications, and AZT can all be used at appropriate times to help treat the symptoms and secondary problems from FIV. 

As FIV progresses and the immune system becomes weaker, there are several common secondary problems that cats can get that will need treatment.  These include:

• Dental disease - bacterial mouth infections and gingivitis are very common and routine dental care is an important part of keeping an FIV positive cat healthy.  Please have your cat checked if you notice excessive salivation, bad breath, or a decreased appetite.
  
• Urinary tract infections - frequent urination or urinating outside the litter box can be a sign of a UTI
• Skin infections - bacteria normally found on the skin can cause infections in immune suppressed cats.
• Respiratory infections - sneezing, eye or nasal discharge, coughing, and other respiratory signs can mean there is an upper or lower respiratory tract infection
• Cancer - FIV positive cats have a slightly increased risk of lymphoma and other cancers
• Neurological disease - a small percentage of cats may develop seizures, trouble walking, or behavioral changes