Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV Ab) Rapid Test

What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that attacks a cat's immune system, similar to how HIV affects humans. The virus progressively weakens the immune system over time, making infected cats more susceptible to secondary infections and certain cancers. FIV is species-specific and cannot be transmitted to humans or other non-feline animals. The virus is primarily spread through deep bite wounds, which typically occur during aggressive fights between cats. This makes outdoor, unneutered male cats at highest risk due to their territorial behavior. Less commonly, the virus can be transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens during birth or through nursing, though this is relatively rare. Casual contact, such as sharing food bowls or grooming, is not considered a significant transmission route.

What are the Symptoms of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?

FIV infection is typically described in stages (acute, asymptomatic, and progressive), with symptoms varying depending on the phase. However, not all cats will advance through every stage. Many remain in the asymptomatic phase for most of their lives and never develop severe illness:

Acute Stage (Initial Infection - weeks to months):

• Mild fever
• Lethargy
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Loss of appetite
• Often goes unnoticed as symptoms may be subtle

Subclinical/Asymptomatic Stage (may last years):

• Cat appears healthy with no obvious symptoms
• Virus is replicating but immune system is compensating
• Can last months to several years

Progressive Stage (Advanced Infection):

• Chronic or recurrent infections (respiratory, skin, urinary tract, gastrointestinal)
• Severe gingivitis and stomatitis (mouth inflammation)
• Chronic diarrhea and weight loss
• Poor coat condition
• Chronic eye infections or inflammation
• Neurological symptoms (seizures, behavioral changes, dementia)
• Lymphoma and other cancers
• Severe secondary infections due to compromised immunity

Prevention and Vaccination

Preventing FIV infection focuses on reducing exposure risk:

• Keep cats indoors: This is the single most effective prevention method, as it eliminates exposure to infected cats through fighting
• Test and isolate: Test all new cats before introducing them to your household. Keep FIV-positive cats separated from FIV-negative cats
• Spay and neuter: This reduces aggressive territorial behavior and roaming
• Supervise outdoor time: If your cat goes outside, use a secure enclosure or supervised leash walks

Vaccination considerations:

• An FIV vaccine (Fel-O-Vax FIV) was previously available in some countries but as of 2025, the FIV vaccine has been discontinued in the U.S. and many other regions, but it remains available in some countries such as Australia and Japan.
• The vaccine was controversial because it could cause cats to test positive on standard FIV antibody tests, making diagnosis complicated
• Current prevention strategies rely primarily on behavioral management rather than vaccination

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for FIV, infected cats can live long, quality lives with proper management:

1. Regular veterinary monitoring: FIV-positive cats should have checkups at least twice yearly to catch secondary infections early
2. Supportive medications:
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antifungal medications for fungal infections
• Anti-inflammatory drugs for stomatitis and gingivitis
• Immunomodulatory drugs (like interferon) may be prescribed in some cases
• Antiretroviral drugs (similar to those used for HIV) have been tried experimentally but are not standard treatment
3. Nutritional support: High-quality, balanced diet to maintain body condition and immune function
4. Stress reduction: Minimize stress to help preserve immune function
5. Indoor-only lifestyle: Prevents exposure to additional infections and protects other cats from transmission
6. Dental care: Regular dental cleanings and management of oral disease, which is common in FIV-positive cats

FAQs About Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Q: Can humans or dogs catch FIV from infected cats?

A: No, FIV is species-specific and only affects cats. It cannot be transmitted to humans, dogs, or other non-feline animals.

Q: How long can FIV-positive cats live?

A: With proper care, FIV-positive cats can live for many years after diagnosis—often 5-10 years or more. Some cats live normal lifespans, especially if diagnosed during the asymptomatic stage.

Q: Should I euthanize my cat if they test positive for FIV?

A: No. An FIV diagnosis is not a death sentence. Many FIV-positive cats live long, healthy lives with appropriate care and management. Euthanasia should only be considered if the cat is suffering from untreatable complications.

Q: Can FIV-positive and FIV-negative cats live together?

A: This depends on the cats' temperaments. If they are not aggressive and don't fight, the risk of transmission is very low. However, many veterinarians recommend keeping them separated to eliminate any risk, especially if the negative cat is not already bonded to the positive cat.

Q: How is FIV diagnosed?

A: FIV is diagnosed through rapid blood tests that detect antibodies against the virus, such as the FIV Rapid Test (FIV Ab Rapid Test) from MeLCo-MED, which provides reliable results in 5 to 10 minutes with 96.5% accuracy. This test can be performed using whole blood, serum, or plasma samples. It is recommended to confirm positive results with a PCR test, particularly in low-risk cats or kittens under 6 months of age, who may carry maternal antibodies.

Q: Can an FIV-positive cat have kittens?

A: While possible, it's not recommended. There is a risk of transmission to kittens, and breeding can stress the mother's immune system. All FIV-positive cats should be spayed or neutered to prevent reproduction and reduce fighting behavior.

References and Additional Information

1. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine - Cornell Feline Health Center: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv

2. VCA Animal Hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-infection

3. International Cat Care (icatcare.org): https://icatcare.org/articles/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv

4. Nehring M, Dickmann EM, Billington K, VandeWoude S. Study of feline immunodeficiency virus prevalence and expert opinions on standards of care. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2024;26(7). doi:10.1177/1098612X241245046

5. Hosie MJ, Addie D, Belák S, Boucraut-Baralon C, Egberink H, Frymus T, Gruffydd-Jones T, Hartmann K, Lloret A, Lutz H, Marsilio F, Pennisi MG, Radford AD, Thiry E, Truyen U, Horzinek MC. Feline immunodeficiency. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg. 2009 Jul;11(7):575-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2009.05.006. PMID: 19481037; PMCID: PMC7129779.

6. Möstl K, Addie DD, Boucraut-Baralon C, Egberink H, Frymus T, Gruffydd-Jones T, Hartmann K, Hosie MJ, Lloret A, Lutz H, Marsilio F, Pennisi MG, Radford AD, Thiry E, Truyen U, Horzinek MC; European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases. Something old, something new: Update of the 2009 and 2013 ABCD guidelines on prevention and management of feline infectious diseases. J Feline Med Surg. 2015 Jul;17(7):570-82. doi: 10.1177/1098612X15588448. PMID: 26101308; PMCID: PMC11148927.

7. Guideline for Feline immunodeficiency virus: https://www.abcdcatsvets.org/guideline-for-feline-immunodeficiency-virus/