Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Cat FIV Management Advances

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a lifelong infection that suppresses immune function in cats. Modern management strategies allow FIV-positive cats to live long, good-quality lives.

Key Facts

FIV affects approximately 2-5% of cats in the UK
FIV is transmitted primarily through bite wounds between cats
FIV-positive cats are often unnecessarily euthanised due to misconceptions
With appropriate management, FIV-positive cats can live 10-15 years
Indoor housing or indoor-outdoor management reduces transmission to uninfected cats

Welfare Considerations

FIV-positive cats euthanised on diagnosis miss years of potential good quality life. Modern management emphasising indoor housing, regular health monitoring, and prompt treatment of secondary infections allows most FIV-positive cats to live normal healthy lives until old age. Raising awareness among cat owners and vets about realistic prognosis is an important welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Never automatically euthanise an FIV-positive cat without discussion with a specialist
Support FIV-positive cat rescue organisations that provide appropriate housing
Vaccinate uninfected cats and prevent bite wounds by neutering and monitoring