Feline Aids Species: cats

Feline Aids is caused be Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and it's here whether we like it or not.

In a range of published infection studies Queensland showed the number of FIV positive cats to be 28%..... that's more than 1 in 4 infected.

And it is these infected cats that can pass it on to your cat.

Feline Aids is exactly the same as human Aids only it is transmitted differently.

FIV is concentrated in the saliva of the infected cat and is transmitted when the cats saliva enters another cat's bloodstream. Just one bite during a fight or mating is all it takes to pass the infection from one cat to another. It's as simple as that (pregnant queens can also pass it on to their unborn offspring).

Which cats are most at risk of FIV?

All cats are at risk but un-neutered, free roaming male cats are at the greatest risk.

Prevention of FIV

• De-sex your cats, it will take away the urge to fight and mate
• Avoid letting your cats roam free. Domestic cats that rarely go out are more likely to get into a fight as they are not 'street savvy' and will get into trouble before they know it
• Vaccination

Vaccination, the obvious answer

If your cat or cats live entirely indoors and are never exposed to any other cats you probably think you needn't get them vaccinated, but there is always the risk of strays coming to your garden and the possibility of them having contact with your cats.... is it worth that risk?

The initial series of vaccinations is 3 injections 2 weeks apart followed by an annual booster. Cats that are vaccinated are also micro-chipped to record that they have been FIV vaccinated.

What if my cat has a test and is FIV positive?

Don't worry it's not a death sentence but it does require more from you as an owner. Your cat will need to be kept indoors at all times and in the best of health, FIV, as the name says, affects their immune system leaving them vulnerable to all viurses, infections and parasites.

He will have to be up to date with his vaccinations, worm and parasite treatments. He will need a good quality diet that your vet will recommend and he will need a good quality diet that your vet will recommend and he will need to have regular health checks.

If you think your cat is NOT at risk CLICK HERE and take the quick questionnaire. You might be surprised at the results.