Keeping your cats indoors has so many advantages, one of which is the control of Feline AIDS which is caused by infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
FIV causes a potentially fatal viral disease that interferes with the immune system of a cat. The virus lives in the blood of the infected cat and is carried in its system throughout its life. Healthy cats contract the infection through being bitten by an FIV positive cat.
As cats are territorial, it is common for them to get into fights hence how they contract FIV. We always recommend you keep your cat indoors, but however if your cat does go outside its best they are protected against FIV.
What can I do to
prevent feline AIDS?
There is no treatment or cure for an FIV infected cat. However a vaccine is available that can aid in the prevention of infection with FIV. Given 2-4weeks apart your cat will require 3 needles to be fully vaccinated. Annual vaccination is then required.
It is recommended that cats over 6 months of age are tested for FIV prior to vaccination.
Cats infected with FIV may remain healthy for a number of years. While some infected cats show no sign of disease, others may display initial symptoms. Initial symptoms can include a fever in your cat, loss of appetite, lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Eventually the immune system becomes too weak to fight off other infections or diseases. As a result, the cat will die from one of these subsequent diseases.
Is it present in our area? 
Australia has one of the highest FIV infection rates in the world. Studies show up to 32% of cats test positive to FIV infection. Queensland has around 28% of positive FIV cases, which is pretty high.
