The Ins & Outs of FIV
FIV – three letters that, when strung together, can have devastating consequences for a cat. Though a serious disease, FIV is unfortunately misunderstood more often than not. Because of common misconceptions, many FIV+ cats are overlooked at the shelters and unnecessarily euthanized. FIV is NOT the death sentence that so many believe it to be – an FIV+ cat can actually live a normal and healthy life. Please read on to learn more…
What is FIV?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, or FIV, is a lentivirus that weakens the immune system of cats, very similar to HIV in humans. A lentivirus is a one that has a long incubation period – meaning that a cat may be infected with FIV for a long time, even years, before the cat actually exhibits any symptoms or is affected by the virus. Like HIV, FIV attacks a cat’s immune system, making it difficult for the cat to fight off infection. A simple cold, if left untreated, could possibly progress into something more serious.
How does the virus progress?
FIV progresses through three different stages. The first stage, the acute stage, occurs right after transmission. When a cat has been infected, they may initially seem lethargic and experience some loss of appetite. Fever and swollen lymph nodes may even occur, however none of these symptoms last long. A newly infected cat may appear to be a bit under the weather for a few days, and then seemingly recover.
The next stage, the asymptomatic stage, is the stage in which the infected cat shows no outward symptoms. This stage is of variable length. In some cats it may only be a few months but in others it could be several years. Factors that may affect the length of the asymptomatic stage include the cat’s age, diet, stress level, and overall health. If a cat isn’t fed well and lives in an environment where it is frequently exposed to other illnesses and diseases (i.e: a stray or feral cat), then the asymptomatic stage probably won’t last as long as it would for a cat that is fed a well-balanced and nutritious diet, lives in a comfortable and stress free environment, and is not exposed to other illnesses.
The third and final stage of the virus is known as feline acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or feline AIDS. This is the stage in which the cat’s immune system is severely compromised, making them much more susceptible to other illnesses and diseases, which may eventually lead to death. This stage is obviously the worst stage, HOWEVER (and this is a BIG however), many FIV+ cats NEVER reach this stage. If an FIV+ cat is given proper care (healthy diet, stress free environment, treated for any sicknesses along the way), then they may live out their entire life without ever leaving the asymptomatic stage or developing AIDS.
If FIV+ cats can supposedly live normal, healthy lives, why do they always seem so sickly?
When a stray or feral cat is picked up and tests positive for FIV, they are usually in pretty rough shape, which leads many people to believe that FIV+ cats are sickly and unhealthy. These cats’ main problem is not that they are FIV+, but that they are stray or feral. Most stray and feral cats are not eating well-balanced and nutritional meals. They are exposed to all kinds of contagions that make them sick. They live in high-stress environments where they have to fight other cats for food, shelter, and territory. This lifestyle is not the healthiest for any cat, much less a cat with a weakened immune system. It is easy to jump to the conclusion that FIV+ cats are sickly when all of the FIV+ cats that a shelter or animal control picks up ARE sickly and unhealthy. However, with a proper diet, a stress-free environment, and a safe home, these sickly FIV+ cats can become happy and healthy FIV+ cats.
How is FIV transmitted?
First, let me point out that FIV is a FELINE-ONLY disease. An FIV+ cat cannot pass it to any other species – human, dog, rabbit, etc. It can only be passed on to other cats. The primary mode of transmission is via deep bite wound. Contact must be made between the FIV-infected saliva and the bloodstream of the other cat. FIV is not transmitted through casual contact. FIV+ cats and FIV- cats can usually* safely share food and water dishes and groom each other.
*The FIV virus cannot survive long at all outside of the host. Once the virus dries (usually within seconds), it is dead. That combined with the fact that a cat’s mucous membrane is a strong and effective barrier (meaning that even if the virus were to enter a cat’s mouth, it is unlikely to cross the mucous membrane and will die in the stomach), make the transmission of FIV through shared food, water, and grooming extremely rare. Even when a pregnant mother is FIV+, she will rarely pass it along to her kittens (the placenta protects them in utero, and the mucous membrane protects them when they are nursing).
How is FIV tested?
A simple blood test known as the Elisa Test (aka Snap Test or Combo Test) can be done in-house at a vet’s office. It actually tests for both FIV and FeLV and only takes a few minutes. This test is a good general indicator of whether or not a cat has been infected, although it can sometimes give false positives. If a cat tests positive using an Elisa Test, it is suggested that the results be confirmed with another test, such as the Western Blot. With a Western Blot test, a blood sample needs to be sent to a specialty laboratory to be tested. It may take a week or two to get the results, but this test is considered to be very reliable.
Things to consider before testing for FIV:
1) It takes up to 60 days for the virus to show up in a blood test, so if you believe your cat has been bitten or exposed to FIV, be sure to wait at least 60 days before testing. Otherwise, you may get a false negative result.
2) Kittens born to an FIV+ mother will most likely test positive for several months after birth. This is because FIV antibodies are passed along to nursing kittens. However, the actual virus is rarely passed on. If a kitten tests positive before 6 months of age, it is recommended to re-test them every 60 days until they are at least 6 months old.
Can FIV+ cats live with FIV- cats?
The short answer is yes, as long as all of the cats are introduced properly, are not aggressive, and get along well. As FIV is transmitted through deep bite wounds, unless one of the cats is aggressive and bites, the likelihood of FIV being passed on is extremely rare. I will be covering this topic more in depth in a later post in the series.
Should FIV+ cats be kept indoors or outdoors?
As with all cats, FIV+ or not, this is a question of hot debate. With FIV+ cats though, there are several other factors that lead most to agree that they should be kept indoors only. One reason being that an FIV+ cat could transmit FIV to other cats they come in contact with while outside. Sure, maybe YOUR cat isn’t aggressive and would never bite another cat, but you can’t predict the behavior of the other cats that are free roaming outside. Also, with a weakened immune system, it is best to limit the number of contagions an FIV+ cat is exposed to. The outside world has many more bacterias, viruses, and other contagions than the safety of an indoor home.
How can FIV be prevented?
As FIV is mainly transmitted through fighting, one of the best ways that FIV can be prevented is by spaying/neutering. Most cases of FIV are found in stray, un-neutered males. These males have large territories that they maintain by fighting other cats who encroach on that territory. Neutering a cat causes them to be considerably less likely to fight for territory, and it removes the need/desire to fight for females as well. And if the cat is well fed, they won’t need to fight for food either.
There is also a vaccine. However, there are several downsides to this vaccine that make it a less viable option. Please read our post The FIV Vaccine: What You Need to Know for more information.
If you would like to read more about FIV, Catwork is a wonderful source of information. Catwork is a sanctuary in the UK that has been home to more than 80 FIV+ cats since it opened in 1996. Their site is full of helpful information on FIV, as well as their sanctuary in general. I definitely recommend checking it out. They even have a booklet that can be downloaded from their website. This booklet was a HUGE help to me when we first rescued Sassy.
If you have any other questions about FIV, please feel free to ask in the comments or shoot me an email. I’d love to help in any way possible!
Brian Frum says
That was a terrific post and seriously should be required reading for all cat parents and those thinking about adopting a kitty. Bravo!
MADI AND MOM says
thank you for this most informative post.
Mom had a laugh at Sophie eating shoes.. Sophie and I would make a pair…after I sniff them to death I lick them
Hugs madi
The Florida Furkids says
Excellent post and lots of great info.
Thanks for helping us celebrate Raz’s Gotcha Day.
The Florida Furkids
da tabbies o trout towne says
guys…way awesum post two day….hi sassy !!! ewe noe if ewe rotate yur bottom foto ewe iz a magicain extraordinaire !! ♥♥♥
The Island Cats says
Thanks for sharing this info about FIV. Many humans really don’t know enough about FIV and how cats who have it can live a relatively normal life.
Austin Towers says
That was a very informative post! There was stuff we didn’t know! Thank you xox
Tamago says
This is such a great post and thank you for sharing all the detailed information! I was aware of false positive but didn’t think about false negative. Have to keep that in mind.
I hope more FIV+ kitties will have chance to have forever homes and live happy lives, like beautiful Sassy xoxo
Kitties Blue says
Emily, This is an excellent, well-done post with great information. Thank you for doing this series. I look forward to the next post. We got home a couple hours ago. Astrid is being very shy and Misty May isn’t talking to us, but everyone else seems okay. So happy we got to spend time together in Atlanta. Love to all with special kisses for Sampson from Astrid. XO, Janet
Clooney says
What an excellent, informative post, thank you for explaining everything in such detail and depth, we hope that posts and information like this will help more cats with FIV get homes.
Sometimes Cats Herd You says
Wonderfully informative post. There is so much scary misinformation about FIV, much of it entirely well-intended. We’re glad to hear more levelheaded explanations being spread around.
The head peep enjoyed getting a chance to meet you in Atlanta this past weekend and was sorry she didn’t get to visit more during the brief, whirlwind visit at BarkWorld.
Cathy Keisha says
The guy who used to live upstairs from the peeps in the big house had 6 cats, one of whom had FIV. He outlived some of his brothers. Great article.
Summer says
This is an amazing post! Thank you for all the work you did on it.
The Swiss Cats says
That’s a great and informative post ! We shared ! Purrs
Nerissa's Life says
A VERY informative piece. A MUST-read, for sure.
Purrs,
Nissy
Crepes says
awesome info! We support FIV adoption, for sure. I mean, I don’t have FIV, but if my best friend did, that would be ok with me. Tree house by us even waives the adoption fee for FIV kitties. We hope more find homes and are glad awareness is being raised! – Crepes.
Timmy Tomcat says
Thanks so much for a really informative post on FIV. Our Mr Buttons had this when we took him in as a foster and we never knew until his adoptive parents returned him after he tested positive. Getting the medical facts out to prospective adopters may help turn the tide so we see more cats with this condition finding their forever homes.
Cannot wait to see your next post
Thanks
Timmy Dad and Family
Simon says
Thank you this FIV+ series. I took one of my cats (a former stray/alley cat–history unknown, but now indoor only) to the vet a few weeks ago to be neutered. His FIV test came back positive. I have been gathering information since.
Question:
If another one of my cats bites the FIV+ cat, can the virus be transmitted to the cat who is the biter? The FIV+ cat is quite friendly and non-aggressive, but some of the others are not so chill and will occasionally react with tooth and claw.
Thanks for any information or help.
meowmeowmans says
Thank you for such an EXCELLENT post about FIV! It is so important to get this factual information out. Sharing now. 🙂
Everycat says
Thank you for a wonderful post about cats with FIV. It’s great to see that you know about Catwork too. My ape has been down to see them and the cats are so happy, loved and healthy. That little book has gone all around the world.
Sassy is a total saucepot and she’s lucky that she came to your porch!
Luff
Mungo
(FIV+)
PS: There is also the IFA test and PCR tests which can be used as confirmation as well as the Western Blot 🙂
LP says
Great post Emily! Lots of info that needs to get out there. We hope the more educated people become about FIV, the more affected kitties can find homes 🙂
the critters in the cottage xo
Pawesome Cats says
Great post, love the coincidence that we’ve both been talking about FIV this month. Sassy is adorable!
Deztinee Izabella says
Pawsum posty. Weez luv dat yous helpin’ udders to unnewstand this pawful but manageable disease.
Luv ya’
Dezi
The Daily Pip says
I love this! I think FIV is so misunderstood. I’m going to pin and tweet!
Mara says
Hello, recently my 9 years old cat was diagnosed with FIV so he was under antibiotics for 10 days but he doesn’t wan to drink or eat, please let me know if there is anything that I can give my baby to open his appetite.