Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system in a similar way to the HIV virus in humans (Both viruses are species specific and you cannot therefore catch HIV from an FIV positive cat).

FIV is transmitted primarily by biting and so un-neutered toms, paricularly those that are known fighters have a higher risk of being FIV positive.

Because queens are held by the scruff when being mated by the tom, the virus can pass through mating. Kittens though not infected in the uterus, can be infected through queen's milk.

FIV is not thought to be transmitted through grooming but is likely to be passed when play fighting.

Feline Infectious Peritonitous -FIP

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus - FIV

Feline Lukaemia Virus - FeLV

Cat Flu

Feline Enteritis

Initial infection of the virus will cause a transient illness during which time, some cat's will become immune to the effects of the virus (they will still be able to pass the virus on to others however). The cat may then live a realtively normal life for many years, showing no signs of illness. Eventually however, the virus will suppress the immune system and the cat will become prone to infections that it cannot fight off. Death will eventually be through such infection.

There is no cure for FIV and at the present time no vaccination. The best preventative against eh disease is neutering.