Introduction to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. It’s a lentivirus, meaning that it progresses very slowly,gradually affecting a cat’s immune system. It is passed through blood transfusions and through serious, penetrating bite wounds – mainly by stray, intact tom cats. You can’t get FIV from a cat. In fact, the only thing about FIV that you can catch is a bad case of the rumors. Casual, non-aggressive contact does not spread FIV. As a result, cats in household with stable social structures where housemates do not fight are at little risk for acquiring FIV. We encourage people to introduce the cats properly and monitor initial interactions between them, just as they would with any new cat.