Feline AIDs

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is closely related to the human virus HIV and causes Feline AIDs, an infection which destroys the immune system of cats.

FIV is an important disease in New Zealand cats; along with Australia we have one of the highest incidences in the world, probably due to the outdoor lifestyle of most of our cats.

FIV is not a risk to people but is easily spread between cats during fighting, as infection usually results from a bite from an infected cat.

Which cats are most at risk?

Any cat which is involved in cat fights, especially un-neutered male cats. Approximately 21.5% of wild cats in NZ are infected with FIV. When testing is done on sick domestic cats, 27% are infected.

Signs of Infection

Initially there may be a fever and enlarged glands for a period but then the virus remains in the body for many years, often with no other signs. Eventually the immune system is destroyed and affected cats develop infections from bacteria or other viruses that are very difficult to treat, leading ultimately to death.

There is now a vaccine against FIV available in New Zealand. So why haven’t we been routinely vaccinating against FIV?

· Cost of Initial Protection To be effective a course of three vaccinations two to three weeks apart must be given, but then only an annual booster is needed.

· FIV Test Needed First We need to know the cat hasn’t already been infected with FIV before we start vaccinations. (This step is often missed in kittens less than 3 months of age, as they usually haven’t been in any cat fights.) This is now easier than before, as we now have a test available in our clinic which gives results within minutes.

So what’s stopping you?

Contact us if you feel your cat should be protected against FIV.