CATS · OWNER EDUCATION
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
A feline viral infection that can affect immune function, with testing and long-term care interpreted according to exposure history and individual health.
THE SHORT VERSION
Understanding supports better veterinary conversations.
Feline immunodeficiency virus affects cats and is most commonly associated with specific exposure patterns such as bite wounds. A positive test is not the same as a prediction of immediate illness.
What is this condition?
Feline immunodeficiency virus affects cats and is most commonly associated with specific exposure patterns such as bite wounds. A positive test is not the same as a prediction of immediate illness.
Which animals can be affected?
Risk factors, examination findings and management can differ between species and individual patients.
Why can it happen?
- Exposure to infected feline blood or saliva, especially through fighting or bite wounds.
- Outdoor access and unknown history can increase exposure opportunities.
- Age and test type influence interpretation.
What might an owner notice?
- Some infected cats remain outwardly healthy for extended periods.
- Recurring infections, oral disease, weight loss or nonspecific illness may occur.
- Individual signs vary and are not diagnostic by themselves.
How is the problem investigated?
- Antibody screening interpreted alongside age, history and prior testing.
- Confirmatory or repeat testing when recommended.
- Physical examination and additional laboratory work based on symptoms.
What might treatment involve?
- Consistent preventive veterinary care and prompt treatment of identified illness.
- Individualized household and lifestyle counseling.
- Monitoring of oral health, body condition and associated medical problems.
This is an overview, not a prescription or a recommendation for a specific individual animal.
What can owners do at home?
- Maintain routine checkups and track appetite, weight and behavior.
- Discuss safe introductions and indoor management.
- Report recurrent infections or oral discomfort promptly.
Avoid actions that could make care less safe.
- Do not give human medications, leftover prescriptions or supplements without veterinary approval.
- Do not stop, increase, decrease or double prescribed medication without contacting your veterinary team.
- Do not delay assessment if symptoms are worsening, the animal stops eating or an emergency sign appears.
What can the longer-term outlook involve?
Many cats can maintain good quality of life with appropriate monitoring and veterinary care; prognosis varies with overall health and concurrent illness.
Can risk be reduced?
- Reduce fighting and uncontrolled outdoor exposure.
- Test new or at-risk cats when the veterinarian recommends it.
When should you arrange care?
- Call for recurring illness, oral pain, weight loss or questions about test interpretation.
Seek emergency veterinary care if you notice:
SEEK EMERGENCY VETERINARY CARE- Difficulty breathing, collapse, severe weakness or other acute systemic illness.
Sources behind this guide
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: feline health topicsPrimary veterinary or veterinary-university guidance ↗American Animal Hospital Association veterinary guidelinesPrimary veterinary or veterinary-university guidance ↗Content last reviewed: August 23, 2026. Review status: veterinary-informed; independent veterinarian review not yet completed.