Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Welfare and Management

FIV causes progressive immune dysfunction in cats but affected cats can live normal lifespans with good management. Indoor housing protects both the FIV-positive cat and other cats.

Key Facts

FIV affects approximately 3-4% of UK domestic cats
It is transmitted primarily through deep bite wounds during cat fights
Outdoor male cats are most at risk from territorial fights
FIV-positive cats progress slowly, often living 5 or more years after diagnosis without clinical signs
Secondary infections from immune suppression cause most clinical illness

Welfare Considerations

FIV-positive cats experience welfare compromise primarily from secondary infections that their impaired immune system cannot adequately control. The virus itself advances slowly, and many cats live for years without clinical signs. Indoor housing or enclosed garden access prevents transmission to other cats and protects FIV-positive cats from additional infections. Prompt treatment of secondary infections with antibiotics maintains quality of life. FIV-positive cats should not be euthanised solely on the basis of the diagnosis.

What You Can Do

Keep FIV-positive cats indoors or in an enclosed garden to prevent transmission
Treat secondary infections promptly in FIV-positive cats
Neuter tom cats to reduce fighting and FIV transmission risk
Advocate against euthanising asymptomatic FIV-positive cats based on diagnosis alone