What is FIV and Understanding Symptoms in Cats
What Cat Parents Need to Know
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can sound a little scary—but with the right care, cats with FIV can live long, happy lives. At Partners Animal Hospital Asheville, our goal is to help you understand what FIV is, what signs to watch for, and how to support your cat’s health if they’ve been diagnosed.
What Is FIV?
FIV is a virus that affects a cat’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections. It spreads primarily through bite wounds, which means it’s more common in outdoor cats, especially unneutered males who may get into fights.
It’s important to note: FIV is not contagious to people or dogs, and it doesn’t spread easily between cats who get along and don’t fight.
Symptoms Can Be Subtle
Cats with FIV can stay healthy for years without showing symptoms. But because their immune system is weakened, you might notice:
- Recurring infections (especially in the mouth, eyes, or skin)
- Weight loss
- Poor coat condition
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Dental issues
- Overall tiredness or changes in behavior
If your cat has any of these symptoms, or just seems “not quite right,” a simple blood test can check for FIV.
What If My Cat Has FIV?
A diagnosis isn’t a reason to panic. Many FIV-positive cats live normal lives with just a few adjustments:
- Keep them indoors to reduce the risk of infections and spreading the virus to other cats
- Stick to regular vet visits to catch issues early
- Feed a nutritious, balanced diet—no raw food, which can carry bacteria
- Stay on top of preventive care like vaccines and parasite protection
Most importantly, give them the same love and attention you always have. FIV doesn’t change who they are—it just means we’ll work together to support their immune system as best we can.
Think Your Cat Might Be at Risk?
If your cat spends time outside, was recently adopted, or is showing signs of illness, we recommend testing for FIV—especially if they haven’t been tested before.
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About Us
At Partners Veterinary Group, we believe in energizing our team members through shared values, while helping them create value for our clients and patients. Knowing we can help make pets’ and people’s lives better motivates us to continually strive for excellence and love what we do.
Our team consistently works to build educational, supportive, and cooperative work environments that cater to positive experiences and professional growth. We’re constantly evolving, creating innovative ways to deliver cutting-edge medicine to our patients. We equip our teams with tools to enhance their skills and improve their knowledge.