Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

What is FIV?

FIV is similar to HIV and causes AIDS-like illness in cats.

How is FIV spread?

Infected animals carry the virus in blood and salivary secretions; however, casual and nonaggressive contact does not appear to be a means of spread for the virus.

How do I know if my cat has FIV?

Blood tests are available to determine if your cat is positive for FIV.

A positive test indicates that the cat is carrying the virus at the time it was tested.

A negative test means that the cat has no detectable virus antibodies in its blood at the time it was tested.  A negative test does not mean that the cat is immune to the virus.

How can I prevent FIV?

In 2002 a vaccine was developed to aid in the prevention of FIV.  It consists of a series of three doses followed by annual boosters.  Cats must be tested prior to receiving the vaccination or they will test positive for the virus after infection (because the test detects antibodies).