The FIV vaccine was discontinued in North America (around 2015-2017) because it offered only limited protection, caused false-positive FIV tests (making diagnosis difficult), required frequent boosters, and had potential links to cancer (sarcomas), while keeping cats indoors or neutering them proved a safer, more effective prevention method against the bite-transmitted virus.
Currently there is a non-core vaccine available for FIV; however, there is controversy surrounding the vaccine due to the fact that inoculated cats test positive with FIV because current FIV antibody tests cannot distinguish between the disease and the vaccination antibodies.
The vaccination led to false positives for FIV. More cats live their lives indoors, so there is significantly less risk of infection. The FIV vaccination only offered limited protection against the virus, and needed frequent boosters to stay effective.
FIV is primarily transmitted through bite wounds, where an infected cat's saliva enters another cat's bloodstream. It is highly unlikely that FIV would be transmitted through food or water bowls. Casual contact, such as sharing food, water, or grooming, generally does not result in transmission of FIV.
Although the FeLV vaccine is not considered a core vaccine in adult indoor cats, it is highly recommended for cats that spend time outdoors. Your veterinarian can discuss the pros and cons of vaccinating your cat against this disease based on her specific lifestyle and risk of exposure.
At the very least, owners should be instructed in relation to the “3-2-1”-rule: incisional wedge biopsies or total removal and histological examination of any mass is warranted if the mass is still present three months after vaccination or if the mass becomes larger than two cm in diameter or if the mass is increasing ...
Yes, cats with FIV can live successfully with other cats! FIV does not spread between casual contact between an FIV+ cat and a non-infected cat, so they can be housed together as long as they are coexisting peacefully (and not fighting). FIV+ cats can also live with other FIV+ cats.
While FIV is related to HIV in humans, there's no way that the cat virus can cross between species and infect people. FIV only affects cats, cannot be transmitted to non-felines.
New Cat? Set Realistic Expectations! You can expect that it will take your cat some time to get used to the new routines and environment. The 'Rule of Three' means that you can gauge the time it might take for your cat to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months.
How common are FIV and FeLV? FIV has been found to be common among companion cats in Australia aged two years or older with outdoor access; ~15% nationwide (9 to 20% depending on the location). FeLV is less common; ~2% nationwide (1 to 4% depending on the location) [1,2].
Spaying and neutering will eliminate the risk of spreading FIV to kittens or through mating and will reduce the tendency of cats to roam and fight if they do get outside.
Since FIV in cats is usually transmitted through bites, the best form of prevention is to keep cats from fighting by keeping them indoors. It's also important that any cat who has been diagnosed with FIV not be let outdoors so they can't spread the disease to other cats.
Dr. Levy finds little evidence to support the notion that FIV can be transmitted by fleas and other such blood-sucking parasites.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is yet another nasty cat disease caused by a retrovirus. FIV is transmitted through the introduction of infected bodily fluids into the tissues. Most often this happens through a bite wound, making outdoor male cats who are prone to fighting at the highest risk.
Vaccinated cats will test positive for FIV on common screening tests — making it hard to tell if they're truly infected. This can cause major issues for cats who move homes, end up in a shelter, or need a definitive diagnosis down the road. That's why we do not recommend the FIV vaccine for most cats.
At least one such study has been conducted (and I was one of the guinea pigs), and no evidence of infection was found in anyone, even those who'd been bitten by FIV infected cats or accidentally injected with virus.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
Black Cats and Dogs Have Lower Adoption Rates
Research verifies that black dogs and cats have a lower chance of being adopted. It's a tragic fact that they tend to stay in shelters longer and are more likely to be euthanized due to shelter overcrowding than animals of other colors.
Cats are naturally solitary animals and are often happy without the company of their own species. They are territorial animals who don't like conflict with other cats. Introducing a new cat to an existing cat in the household takes time and patience – but don't worry, we have advice for this!
To say "I love you" in cat language, use slow blinks, offer gentle head/cheek rubs (scent glands), let them initiate contact, provide interactive play, and simply share calm presence, mimicking their natural affection signals like grooming and trust-building.
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.
FIV is not contagious to humans or other animals.
Sharing food or water bowls, litter boxes, or grooming one another does not spread FIV. It's mainly transmitted through deep bite wounds during serious fights—often among unneutered male cats.
One of the biggest aggravators of poor health in any animal is stress, and the stress of keeping a cat indoors against its nature could have health implications. For these reasons we would suggest that, from a health point of view, access to the outdoors, for at least part of the time, would be best for FIV cats.
FIV cannot be transmitted to humans or dogs. Cats with FIV have a lowered immune system, but this does not mean that they will get sick more often. They do not require special medical care or medications because of FIV alone.
FIV - It's No Big Deal!
FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) is a feline only illness and cannot be passed on to humans or canines. Kitties with this condition can live long and wonderful lives if kept indoors, spayed or neutered, and fed a good quality diet.