
Health Matters: FIV in Cats
Health Matters: FIV in Cats
Contents
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What is FIV?
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How FIV is spread
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Recognising the symptoms
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Diagnosing FIV
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Living with FIV
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The role of diet
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Top 5 Takeouts
What is FIV?
FIV, or feline immunodeficiency virus, is a slow-acting viral infection that weakens a cat’s immune system over time. It’s often described as the feline version of HIV in humans, though it cannot infect people. Once a cat is infected, the virus attacks the white blood cells that help defend against infection. This means affected cats may become more vulnerable to illnesses that healthy cats can typically resist.
FIV is not an immediate death sentence. Many cats with FIV live long and happy lives, especially with the right care, a safe home environment and a good diet.
How FIV is spread
FIV is most commonly passed on through bite wounds, usually from fighting. This is why unneutered male cats that roam outdoors are at greater risk, as they are more likely to get into territorial fights.
It can also be passed from an infected mother to her kittens, although this is less common. The virus is not spread through sharing food bowls, litter trays or mutual grooming, which means FIV-positive cats can sometimes live with FIV-negative cats if there is no fighting.
Recognising the symptoms
FIV can be tricky to spot, as symptoms may not show for months or even years. When they do appear, they often include:
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Recurring fevers
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Weight loss
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Poor appetite
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Persistent mouth and gum disease
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Chronic eye problems
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Repeated infections (such as skin, respiratory or urinary)
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Diarrhoea
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Behavioural changes or lethargy
Because these symptoms are also linked to other illnesses, FIV is often diagnosed only after other causes have been ruled out.
Diagnosing FIV
A blood test can confirm whether a cat has FIV. If your cat is unwell or has been in a fight, especially if they’re an unneutered male, it’s worth asking your vet to test for FIV. It’s a simple test, and early detection helps you make better decisions about care.
Sometimes a second test is needed to confirm the diagnosis, especially in kittens. Maternal antibodies may cause a false positive result up to 6 months of age.
Living with FIV
An FIV-positive cat can still live a long, comfortable life. The key is to reduce their exposure to infections and stress. Here’s how:
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Keep your cat indoors or provide a safe, enclosed outdoor space to limit contact with other cats.
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Neuter your cat if they are not already, as this reduces the drive to roam and fight.
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Visit your vet regularly so any developing health issues can be caught early.
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Treat infections promptly as your cat may struggle to fight them off naturally.
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Avoid vaccinations unless essential, as unnecessary vaccines can place strain on an already compromised immune system.
There is no cure for FIV, but many cats live for years without major issues if they’re well looked after.
The role of diet
Nutrition plays a big part in keeping an FIV-positive cat strong and healthy. A balanced, species-appropriate raw diet supports the immune system and helps maintain good body condition.
At Poppy’s Picnic, our meals are naturally rich in taurine, vital amino acids and omega oils that support immune health and healing. Avoid highly processed foods, as these can strain the digestive system and cause inflammation.
A fresh food diet will also encourage a healthy gut microbiome, which is closely linked to immune response. Add probiotics if your vet recommends them, and ensure your cat always has access to fresh, clean water.
Top 5 Takeouts
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FIV is a virus that weakens the immune system so infected cats need extra care to stay healthy
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Bite wounds are the main way FIV spreads so neutering and indoor living reduce the risk
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Many cats with FIV live full lives if kept in a low-stress, infection-free environment
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Nutrition is vital and a raw, species-appropriate diet can support immunity and overall wellbeing
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Keep up with vet check-ups and act early if signs of illness appear