Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in Cats

A calico cat, possibly affected by FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), rests against a textured wall, showcasing its striking fur patterns while conveying a sense of peaceful solitude. Hilltop / Cat Health

What Cat Owners Need to Know

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a viral infection that affects a cat’s immune system. The virus is similar in many ways to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), although it only infects cats and cannot be transmitted to people.

Many cats with FIV live long and comfortable lives, especially when the condition is properly managed with good veterinary care and a safe indoor lifestyle.

Understanding how FIV works and how it is transmitted can help cat owners provide the best care for affected cats.

What Is FIV?

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that attacks the immune system and gradually reduces the body’s ability to fight infections.

After infection, many cats enter a long asymptomatic phase where they appear healthy and may show no obvious signs of illness for years. Some cats may remain healthy for most of their lives, while others may develop infections more easily because of their weakened immune system.

The goal of veterinary care for FIV-positive cats is to maintain overall health and prolong this healthy period for as long as possible.

How Do Cats Get FIV?

The most common way FIV spreads between cats is through deep bite wounds, usually during fights between cats. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (…

Because of this, FIV is most commonly diagnosed in:

• male cats

• outdoor cats

• cats that fight with other cats

Transmission through casual contact—such as sharing food bowls, grooming, or sleeping near each other—is very unlikely.

Mother cats rarely transmit the virus to their kittens.

How Is FIV Diagnosed?

FIV is usually diagnosed using a screening blood test performed at the veterinary clinic.

If the screening test is positive, veterinarians often confirm the diagnosis using a second test such as:

• PCR testing

• Western Blot testing

Once confirmed, the cat is considered infected with the virus.

Special Considerations for Kittens

Kittens younger than six months can sometimes test positive for FIV even if they are not infected.

This occurs because kittens can receive antibodies from their mother through nursing, which may temporarily cause a positive test result.

For this reason, kittens that test positive should be retested after six months of age to confirm their true status.

Can Cats With FIV Live With Other Cats?

In many stable households, FIV-positive cats can live safely with other cats as long as there is no fighting or aggressive behaviour.

Transmission requires deep bite wounds, so cats that coexist peacefully have a very low risk of spreading the virus. However, introducing new cats into the household may increase the risk of fighting and should be carefully considered.

Caring for a Cat With FIV

Cats diagnosed with FIV often live normal lives with proper care.

Important management strategies include:

Keep Cats Indoors

Keeping an FIV-positive cat indoors reduces exposure to infections and prevents spreading the virus to other cats.

Avoid Raw Diets

Raw foods can contain bacteria or parasites that may be harmful to cats with weakened immune systems.

Maintain Parasite Control

Regular flea, worm, and parasite prevention is important for overall health.

Regular Veterinary Check-ups

FIV-positive cats should generally be examined twice per year, and annual blood testing is often recommended.

Early detection of illness allows prompt treatment and better outcomes.

Treatment Options

There is currently no cure for FIV, but treatment focuses on managing infections and maintaining quality of life.

In some cases, medications originally developed for HIV treatment—such as AZT (zidovudine)—may be used to manage certain complications, including neurologic disease or severe oral inflammation. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (…

Most cats, however, do not require antiviral medication unless symptoms develop.

Can Humans Catch FIV?

No. FIV cannot infect humans.

The virus is species-specific and only affects cats.

Monitoring Your Cat’s Health

Owners of FIV-positive cats should watch for signs that may indicate infection or illness.

Important signs to monitor include:

• weight loss

• persistent infections

• poor appetite

• oral inflammation

• behavioural changes

Because FIV affects the immune system, early veterinary care is especially important.

FIV Care for Cats in Kalamunda

If your cat has been diagnosed with FIV, the team at Hilltop Veterinary Hospital in Kalamunda can help monitor your cat’s health and provide guidance on long-term management. With proper care, many FIV-positive cats live long and happy lives.

Concerned About Your Cat’s Health?

If your cat is showing signs of illness or you would like to discuss FIV testing, book a consultation with Hilltop Veterinary Hospital so our veterinary team can help.

Explore More Pet Health Advice

For more veterinary guidance on common cat health issues, preventative care, and early signs of illness, explore our Pet Health Advice library.

The information provided in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Every pet’s medical situation is unique. If your cat is showing signs of illness or you have concerns about FIV, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.