Companion Animals

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Welfare and Long-Term Management

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus affecting cats worldwide. Welfare-positive management allows FIV-positive cats to live long, good-quality lives.

Key Facts

FIV affects approximately 2-4% of healthy cats in the UK and up to 15% in some stray populations
Transmission occurs primarily through deep bite wounds — entire male cats are at highest risk
Most FIV-positive cats live for many years without clinical illness if managed appropriately
FIV is species-specific and poses no risk to humans or other animals including dogs

Welfare Considerations

FIV-positive cats face unnecessary euthanasia due to misconceptions about prognosis. The virus causes immune suppression, but most cats remain asymptomatic for years. Welfare-positive management includes indoor-only housing to prevent bite wound transmission to other cats and reduce exposure to environmental pathogens, regular veterinary monitoring, prompt treatment of secondary infections, and good nutrition. Quality of life is normal in the asymptomatic phase.

What You Can Do

Never euthanise an FIV-positive cat based on diagnosis alone — prognosis is often excellent with management
Neuter all cats to reduce bite wound transmission and fighting behaviour
Keep FIV-positive cats indoors to protect them from infections and prevent virus transmission
Ensure regular veterinary monitoring including blood counts to detect secondary infections early