FIV - Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

The longest feline resident that we have at the shelter, Stanley, is FIV+.

A lot of people overlook her (yes, Stanley is a girl, similar to a boy named Sue) because of her diagnosis. There are a lot of myths about FIV that are not grounded in research or facts and I want to take a moment to educate the public on what FIV is.

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and it is a virus in cats that attacks their immune system.

You likely have several questions, so let me do my best to answer them.

Is FIV the same as HIV in humans?

No, while the viruses are from the same family of viruses, HIV only infects humans and FIV only infects felines. You and your family are not at risk. Now, they do affect cats in a similar way that they attack the cats immune system.

Is this “cat AIDS”?

AIDS and FIV are not the same, just as HIV and AIDS are not the same in humans. While FIV is a virus (immunodeficiency virus), AIDS is a medical condition (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). This medical condition typically develops at late stages of the virus and your cat may never develop the clinical/medical signs known as feline AIDS.

How is it transmitted?

The virus is mainly transmitted through saliva when it enters the bloodstream.

This is typically through a bite wound. On rare occasions, an infected mother may transmit the infection to her kittens. Sexual contact is not a significant means of spreading FIV.

Can an FIV positive cat live with my cats?

It seems that casual and non-aggressive contact, such as sharing water and food bowls or mutual grooming are not an efficient route of the virus spreading. Cats seem to be able to live together fine as long as they do not fight, which may cause wounds that can invite the virus in.

How can I prevent my cat from getting FIV?

The best way is to SPAY or NEUTER YOUR CAT.

While the disease is not typically spread through sexual contact, unaltered animals are much more likely to fight. Having your cat fixed will help to prevent this. It will also lead to them wandering off less and can prevent other diseases, just as having your cat spayed before her first heat cycle reduces her chance of developing breast cancer to less than 0.5%. It will also prevent pyometra and other diseases. Oh, and it will prevent unwanted pregnancy!

*mic drop*

How do I know if my cat has FIV?

Your veterinarian can do a simple blood test to confirm for you. Even if your cat is not showing signs of illness, you may discuss with your vet during a checkup so that you are fully informed about your cats health.

What should I do if my cat tests positive for FIV?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for FIV, and it is impossible to predict the survival of your cat, they likely can live normal and healthy lives for years if managed appropriately.

I am not a vet, so make sure to consult your vet for their professional recommendations. The best recommendations that I can give though, are to keep your cats inside and protected from infection. Typically secondary infections of your cat, due to their weakened immune system, are the biggest threat. Indoor cats that are protected from infection have the best chances of living a normal life. Also keeping your cat fed well and at a healthy weight can help your cat.

Is FIV really that prevalent?

I can only speak from my knowledge, but in our area, we do see several cases. Typically the cats do not show any signs and it is only discovered during routine testing. Part of the goal of our TNR (trap-neuter-return) efforts with feral cat colonies is to reduce the spread of the virus, in addition to preventing unwanted litters of kittens.

Should I adopt an FIV positive cat?

That is a decision that you have to make for yourself, but here are some things to consider:

• First, will all of the cats in my household be indoor-only cats? This is important to assist in preventing your FIV positive cat from getting a secondary infection.

• Second, if my FIV positive cat does get sick, can I afford the vet? While they likely will live a healthy life, if they do get sick, they should see a vet.

• Lastly, if I currently have cats, are they fixed and do they get along with other cats? You should only bring an FIV positive cat into your home if your other cats are fixed and if they can be socialized with a new cat without fighting. This will help to protect your cat.

If you would like to learn more about FIV, you can find great information on Cornell University’s

website. It is what I used as a source for this column.

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv

I always like to end with a quote. I could not find any about FIV, so I found this one from Princess Diana about HIV:

“HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug. Heaven knows they need it.” I think it is very relatable to shelter cats with FIV, so here is my version:

“FIV does not make a cat dangerous. Pick them up, cuddle them, kiss their little foreheads and consider adoption. Heaven knows they need it, and you probably do, too.”

Kegan is the president of the Greene County Humane Society Board of Directors.