FIV Cats

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

What is FIV?

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus only affects cats. The virus reduces the number of white blood cells in the body leading to a compromised immune system. This can leave a cat susceptible to infection from other diseases and lessen the cats’ ability to fight them off.

Cats remain infected for life and as yet there is no vaccine for FIV in the UK. Carriers of the disease will not show signs of infection. It is often only when the cat becomes ill with another disease that the cat shows signs of poor health.

How is it diagnosed?

FIV can be diagnosed by a simple blood test done at the vets. This blood test shows up antibodies of the disease, which develop four to six weeks after infection.

It is possible for results to show as false positives, as a cat can carry the antibodies but not the actual virus. It is always advisable to re-test a cat that tests positive again after three months, with a more conclusive test.

How is FIV transmitted?

FIV is primarily spread through blood and saliva. It can be transmitted through bites during fighting. It is uncommon for it to be sexually transmitted, although infection could result if the male punctures the scruff of the female while mating takes place.

What cats are most likely to get FIV?

The most likely cats to be at risk of exposure are known fighters, as the virus is injected directly via a bite from the saliva of an infected cat into the blood stream of an uninfected cat. Entire males are a high risk group as they often fight for territory and mating rights. Older cats can be more susceptible as their immune system is compromised due to age

The virus does not live for long outside the body, so the risk of infection via food bowls and litter trays is minimal, although it is still possible as the virus is present in the saliva. It is also unlikely to be transmitted by people fussing an infected cat and then fussing another cat.

Transmission is possible between a nursing queen and her kittens in the womb or via infected milk; although it is possible that on testing the kittens may show positive results but not carry the actual virus, so a re-test should be done once the kittens are six months.

What are the symptoms of FIV?

There are no symptoms of FIV itself, but an infected cat may well become infected with another disease, which due to the FIV it is not able to fight off.
An infected cat may have a history of re-occurring illnesses, most of which respond to treatment if caught early enough.
A common thing to look for is gum infections.

What is the life expectancy of a cat with FIV?

What measures can you take to minimise the risks of you cats becoming infected with FIV?

Neuter both male and female cats by the age of 6 months.
If your cat is happy to be kept in at night, this may prevent infection as this is the time they are most likely to fight.
Cats may also fight for food, so ensure your cat is well fed.

Offering care and support to an FIV positive cat.

Always keep your cats up to date with their vaccinations and worming treatment.
Treat any health concerns promptly.
Protect your cat from contact with other cats and possible spread of viruses and infections by building an outside run for your cat to spend time in.

What is Wood Green’s policy for FIV positive cats?

At the Shelter we routinely test un-neutered stray cats and any other cats that are high risk. I.e. fighters or in a poor condition, for FIV.

If a cat tests positive we will seek confirmation by sending a blood sample away for more intensive testing.

We offer on-going advice and support to anyone interested in taking an FIV positive cat from us. We will explain exactly what to expect as the owner of a cat with FIV.

Wood Green’s homing requirements for cats with FIV.

We require anyone who is considering adopting a cat with FIV from us to build an outside run or to ‘cat proof’ their garden. Enclosing your garden seems like a big inconvenience, but in fact can be done relatively easily.

We would recommend that you install a six foot fence around your entire garden. Then attach heavy duty angled brackets to the top of the fence and have heavy duty wire fitted through them, with chicken wire attached to the wire. This creates a safe garden for your FIV cat to go in, as it will not be able to climb over the fence so is protected from spreading infection to neighbouring cats.

Alternatively, an easier and cheaper way to create a safe outside space for FIV cat is to build an outside run.

The cheapest way is to make an aviary like structure out of wooden frames and chicken wire. This should provide the cat with a chance to perform as much natural behaviour as possible, such as climbing, jumping, hunting, stretching and keeping their claws in good condition.

Always ensure there is a sheltered area for your cat in case it’s caught out by nasty weather

Put the run in a part of the garden where the cat can have some sunshine and some shade, and also see what is going on around it, as cats are inquisitive animals!

Easy ways to keep your FIV positive cat entertained in his run

Fix shelves at different heights for your cat to jump on.
Fix feathers on string and ribbon to the side of the run that will blow in the breeze and that your cat can hunt.
Use old branches and tree stumps for your cat to sharpen its’ claws on and climb. You can even create a climbing frame for them!
Provide toys for your cat to play with.
Hide dried food around the run so your cat can forage for it, or supply a treat ball. This will help keep your cat entertained and alert. Always provide your cat with fresh drinking water.

Alternative homing options

If the cat is happy to live as an indoor only cat, we will home it as such, but only if it used to this lifestyle or we think it would be happy with this lifestyle. We would need to do a home visit in this instance to ensure that the cat would receive suitable stimulation and care.

We will also re-home FIV positive cats to homes that are extremely rural and where there are no other houses or cats nearby, as the risk of infection to other cats is minimal the FIV cat can lead a more normal life. We would need to do a home visit in this instance to ensure the area is suitable and that there are no other cats within the immediate area.