What Are the Treatments for Feline HIV?

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a retrovirus. It is slow-spreading and in the same family as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). FIV attacks the immune system, making cats unable to fight off other illnesses. FIV is spread primarily through bite wounds. The virus, on rare occasions, may be transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens. There is no treatment for FIV itself.

  1. Prevention

    • Feline HIV can not be cured, but the virus can be managed through many different methods. According to The Cat Health Guide, the only sure way to protect cats from contracting the FIV virus is to limit their exposure by keeping cats indoors---healthy cats will not pick up the virus and infected cats will not spread the virus.

    Healthy Diet

    • Feed your cat a nutritious, well balanced diet. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, you should avoid giving your cat raw meat, eggs and unpasteurized dairy products. Those foods may carry parasites and bacterial infections that can cause illness in an immuno-compromised cat.

    Regular Health Maintenance

    • FIV-infected cats die from secondary infections that they cannot fight off due to their compromised immune systems. The Animal Health Channel recommends immediate and aggressive treatment if your cat becomes infected with a secondary infection. They will need extra help fighting an otherwise easy-to-treat illness.

      Some vets are now trying to treat cats with FIV by using antiviral medications such as those used for people with HIV. However, studies have not yet proven those medications to be effective.