Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as FIV. Three letters that strike fear in the hearts of cat owners everywhere.
If you have a cat or are thinking of adopting a cat you should take the time to learn about this condition.
FIV is species specific, meaning it can only be transmitted from one cat to another cat. It cannot be transferred environmentally. It is not transferred in faeces or other feline bodily secretions. It is not transferred through grooming. Nor is it transferred from sharing bowls, water or litterboxes.
The virus itself does not make cats sick. It is the weakening of the immune system by the virus that can leave a FIV positive cat susceptible to other viruses or secondary infection.
Jonah (pictured) is FIV positive. He came in to care unable to walk on one of his rear legs due to two massive abscesses and ~9 puncture wounds in his leg. This infection would be hard for any cat to manage and yet Jonah, with the correct supportive care as we would provide to ANY cat was able to heal and recover as well as a non-FIV positive cat. He was also able to socialise with his foster friends who are FIV negative without transmitting the virus.
To transmit the virus there needs to be a deep bite wound. Before that, a fight needs to break out. FIV cats don't seek to fight, they want to be loved by you and their feline friends just like any other cat.
The only thing you need to do to manage FIV is to keep your cat indoors, feed them a high quality diet, maintain their vaccinations and get a yearly health check done with a vet to ensure your cat is in good health. The same as we would do for any of our fur-kids!
Jonah has been adopted into a wonderful and loving home. He is thriving.
Next time you're looking for a new family member don't scroll past the cats with FIV.
p.s. Cats that have been vaccinated for FIV will always test positive
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