Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a viral infection that affects cats’ immune systems. It is similar in behavior to the human HIV virus but is species-specific — meaning it only affects cats and cannot spread to people or other animals.
Cats with FIV can live for many years and often show no signs of illness for a long time, but they may be more prone to infections later in life because their immune system becomes weakened over time.
– Most commonly spread through bite wounds, especially in outdoor or intact male cats that fight.
– Rarely spread through casual contact such as grooming, sharing food bowls, or litter boxes.
– Can also be passed from mother to kittens (though this is uncommon).
Initial Screening (In-Hospital Test)
A small blood sample is tested using an ELISA “snap” test, which looks for antibodies to FIV.
Results are usually available the same day.
This test can also be sent out to the lab as part of a screening profile.
Confirmatory Testing
If the screening test is positive, we often recommend sending a second blood sample to a reference lab for a confirmatory test (such as a Western blot or PCR).
This is especially important in kittens under 6 months, as they may have maternal antibodies that cause a false positive.
– A positive test means the cat has been infected with the virus at some point.
– FIV is not a death sentence — many infected cats live normal lifespans, especially if kept indoors and monitored closely.
– The virus progresses very slowly, and some cats never show signs of illness.
– Keep indoors to protect them from infections and to prevent spreading the virus to other cats.
– Routine veterinary exams (at least every 6 months) for early detection of illness.
– Prompt treatment of any secondary infections or health issues.
– Good nutrition, parasite prevention, and dental care are important.
– Minimize stress and maintain a stable environment.
– Spay/neuter to reduce aggression and roaming behaviors that can spread FIV.
– With good care, many FIV-positive cats can live as long as non-infected cats.
– The average lifespan depends more on general health, environment, and access to veterinary care than on the virus itself.
– FIV is not contagious to people or other species.
– Casual contact with other cats rarely spreads FIV, but bite wounds can.
– Many FIV-positive cats are happy, healthy companions for years.
