--- title: "Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in cats: what cat parents need to know" id: "7074" type: "post" slug: "feline-immunodeficiency-virus" published_at: "2026-10-05T05:38:18+00:00" modified_at: "2026-10-05T05:38:21+00:00" url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/feline-immunodeficiency-virus/" markdown_url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/feline-immunodeficiency-virus.md" excerpt: "This article provides general information only and isn’t a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 5 October 2026. Hearing that your cat has tested positive for feline..." taxonomy_category: - "Health & wellness" --- [Pet Talk](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/) [Health & wellness](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/category/health-and-wellness/) Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in cats: what cat parents need to know Health & wellness # Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in cats: what cat parents need to know Written by our RSPCA Pet Insurance Team 5 Oct, 2026 - 8 min read *This article provides general information only and isn’t a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 5 October 2026.* Hearing that your cat has tested positive for feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, can be a lot to take in. But here’s the important thing to remember: a positive FIV diagnosis doesn’t mean your cat can’t enjoy a happy, comfortable life. FIV affects the immune system, and while there’s no cure, it can usually be managed well over the long term. In fact, many cats carrying the virus never develop signs of illness at all. In this article, we’ll explain what FIV is, how cats may catch it, the signs to look out for, and what everyday life can look like for a cat living with FIV. **Table of contents** - [What is FIV in cats?](#what-is-fiv-in-cats) - [How do cats get FIV?](#how-do-cats-get-fiv) - [Signs of FIV in cats](#signs-of-fiv-in-cats) - [How is FIV diagnosed?](#how-is-fiv-diagnosed) - [Can a cat with FIV live with other cats?](#can-a-cat-with-fiv-live-with-other-cats) - [Caring for a cat with FIV](#caring-for-a-cat-with-fiv) - [Is there a vaccine for FIV?](#is-there-a-vaccine-for-fiv) - [Pet insurance and your cat’s care](#pet-insurance-and-your-cats-care) ## What is FIV in cats? Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, is a virus that targets a cat’s immune system. It belongs to the same family of viruses as HIV in humans, though FIV can only infect cats, not people or other animals, including dogs. Over time, FIV can make it harder for a cat’s body to fight off other infections. However, some cats carry the virus for years without ever showing signs of illness, while others may eventually develop more serious health problems. FIV is sometimes confused with a similar virus called feline leukaemia virus, or FeLV. They’re different conditions, although some of the precautions overlap, so it’s worth checking with your vet which one (if either) your cat has been diagnosed with. ## How do cats get FIV? FIV spreads mainly through deep bite wounds, when infected saliva gets into the wound during a fight. That’s why cats who spend unsupervised time outdoors tend to be at higher risk, particularly unneutered males, who are more likely to fight over territory. The reassuring news is that FIV doesn’t spread easily through normal, everyday contact. Grooming, sharing food and water bowls, or simply playing together in the same home carries a low risk, especially when cats get along well. FIV can also be transmitted from a mother cat to her kittens or through infected blood, such as via a blood transfusion. However, these considered less common routes of transmission. ## Signs of FIV in cats FIV typically develops in stages, so the signs your cat may show can change over time. Soon after catching FIV, some cats experience a short, flu-like illness, with signs such as a mild fever, tiredness, or swollen lymph nodes, though this stage often goes unnoticed. Many cats then move into a much longer symptom-free phase that can last for years. During this time, your cat may seem completely healthy, even though the virus is still present. If the disease progresses further, signs can include: - Weight loss - A reduced appetite - Gum disease or other mouth infections - Recurring skin, eye, or upper respiratory infections - Lethargy or generally seeming unwell These signs happen because a weakened immune system leaves cats more predisposed to secondary infections. ## How is FIV diagnosed? Your vet can test your cat for FIV using a simple blood test, which can usually be done at the clinic. There are a few things worth knowing before testing: - Antibodies can take a couple of months to develop after infection, so a cat tested very soon after a bite wound may need retesting later. - Kittens born to an FIV-positive mother can test positive temporarily without actually being infected, so vets will often retest kittens later on. - If your cat has been vaccinated against FIV, this can affect some test results, so it’s important to let your vet know your cat’s vaccination history before testing. If your cat tests FIV positive, your vet may recommend a follow-up test to confirm the result before making any decisions about their care. ## Can a cat with FIV live with other cats? In many cases, yes. FIV-positive and FIV-negative cats can live together safely in the same household, as long as they get along and have a stable relationship with one another. Many households successfully care for cats with different FIV statuses. Because the virus spreads mainly through bite wounds, the key is helping your cats live together peacefully and reducing the risk of fights, rather than keeping them completely separate. Ensuring that all your cats are desexing may also help reduce behaviours associated with fighting and territorial conflict. If you’re introducing a new cat to the household, or you’re not sure about another cat’s FIV status, have a chat with your vet about whether FIV testing is recommended before introducing them. Your vet can also advise whether FIV vaccination is appropriate for your cat based on their individual circumstances and risk of exposure. ## Caring for a cat with FIV There’s currently no cure for FIV, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to help your cat stay happy and healthy. Good everyday care can make a real difference to your FIV positive cat’s health and wellbeing over time. Vets generally recommend: - Keeping your cats safely contained to your property, or providing a secure, escape-proof outdoor space. This is recommended for all cats and, for cats living worth FIV, can also help reduce their risk of injury and exposure to infections, while helping to prevent transmission of the virus to other cats. - Booking a vet check at least once or twice a year, even when your cat seems well, so any problems can be picked up early. - Staying on top of [dental care](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/cat-dental-care/) , parasite prevention, and [nutrition](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/wet-versus-dry-food-for-dogs-and-cats/) , since these all help support a healthy immune system. - Providing appropriate physical and mental stimulation through environmental enrichment and play, while helping your cat feel relaxed, safe and settled. An FIV-positive diagnosis on its own isn’t considered a reason for euthanasia. Every cat’s experience with FIV is different, and the way FIV affects them may vary depending on their individual immune response, lifestyle, and the stage of the disease. However, research suggests that many cats with FIV may have a life expectancy similar to that of cats without FIV, provided they receive appropriate care. An FIV diagnosis also shouldn’t rule a cat out as an adoption candidate. Many FIV-positive cats can make wonderful companions and are just as deserving of a loving home as any other cat. ## Is there a vaccine for FIV? Yes, an FIV vaccine is available in Australia, but it isn’t considered a routine, or ‘core’, vaccine for every cat and doesn’t form part of the standard [pet vaccination schedule](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/pet-vaccination-schedule/) recommended for most cats. Vets typically only recommend it for cats at higher risk of exposure to FIV, such as cats who have contact with cats of unknown FIV status or who may be at increased risk of exposure to the virus. It’s worth chatting with your vet about whether FIV vaccination is appropriate for your cat, based on their lifestyle and risk of exposure. ## Pet insurance and your cat’s care An FIV diagnosis can mean more regular trips to the vet, from the initial test through to ongoing health checks, monitoring and treating any secondary infections that come up. By taking out pet insurance for your cat, you may be able to claim back a portion of your eligible vet bills, based on your policy’s terms and conditions. With [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) , you can also customise your cat’s cover to suit their needs and your budget, choosing the annual cover limit, benefit percentage, excess, and optional extras that work for you. And with every policy contributing to vital [RSPCA animal welfare initiatives](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-insurance-with-purpose/) , it’s protection with purpose. For your own cat and thousands of others across Australia. To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your cat, click [here](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/cat-insurance/) . Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote [online](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . ### **Disclaimer** As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the [Product Disclosure Statement](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/) to make sure this cover suits your needs. **References** [1] RSPCA Australia. *What are Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/health-issues/what-are-feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv-and-feline-leukaemia-virus-felv](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/health-issues/what-are-feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv-and-feline-leukaemia-virus-felv) [2] Australian Veterinary Journal. *Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in domestic pet cats in Australia and New Zealand: Guidelines for diagnosis, prevention and management.* Available from: [https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/74267/1/74267.pdf](https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/74267/1/74267.pdf) [3] National Library of Medicine. *Feline immunodeficiency virus: current insights into pathogenesis, clinical impact, and advances in treatment and vaccine development*. Available from: [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12509431/](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12509431/) [4] RSPCA Victoria. *Busting the myths about FIV – Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.* Available from: [https://rspcavic.org/busting-the-myths-about-fiv-feline-immunodeficiency-virus/](https://rspcavic.org/busting-the-myths-about-fiv-feline-immunodeficiency-virus/) [5] Cornell Feline Health Centre. *Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).* Available from: [https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv) ## FAQs ### Is FIV in cats contagious to humans or other pets? No. FIV only affects cats, so it can’t be passed to people, dogs, or other animals. It can, however, spread between cats, most commonly through deep bite wounds. ### Can cats with FIV still live a good quality of life? Yes. Many cats with FIV can live long, happy lives with the right care and support. Every cat is different, and the way FIV affects them may vary depending on their individual immune response, lifestyle, and the stage of the disease. However, research suggests that many cats with FIV may have a life expectancy similar to that of cats without FIV provided they receive appropriate care. ### How do cats get FIV? FIV is most commonly spread through deep bite wounds, usually when cats fight. Cats who roam outdoors are more likely to get into fights, which puts them at higher risk of getting FIV. ### Can a cat with FIV live with other cats? In many cases, yes. Cats with and without FIV can often live happily together if they get along and aren’t fighting. If you’re unsure what’s right for your cats, have a chat with your vet. 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