Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Welfare and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that compromises immune function in cats. Positive cats can live long, healthy lives with appropriate management and regular monitoring.

Key Facts

FIV is transmitted primarily through bite wounds and is not transmissible to humans
FIV positive cats can live for years before showing immune compromise if managed appropriately
Indoor-only management of FIV positive cats prevents virus transmission and reduces infection risk
Regular health monitoring including blood counts detects early immune compromise
FIV positive cats should not receive live vaccines that could cause disease in immunocompromised individuals

Welfare Considerations

FIV diagnosis no longer requires euthanasia or severe welfare restriction. With appropriate management, FIV positive cats can experience good welfare for many years following diagnosis.

What You Can Do

Do not automatically euthanise FIV positive cats - consult a veterinary specialist for management guidance
Keep FIV positive cats indoors to prevent transmission to other cats and reduce their infection exposure
Schedule regular health monitoring including blood counts for all FIV positive cats