11/05/2026
🐈 Let’s talk FIV! 🐈⬛
There have been multiple studies within Australia, which reveal shocking statistics as to how far the average household, outside cat travels. Along with the environmental impacts this has, it also means cats allowed to roam outside are at significant risk of contracting FIV - Feline Aids.
A study in Adelaide on over 400 household cats, showed that the median area roamed was just over a hectare, with some roaming over 20 hectares at night. That is equivalent to over a 250m radius from your house. How many houses are within that radius? Or even more relevant, how many other cats are within that radius?
"The Cat Fight" - We all know it, have probably heard it on the streets from time to time. Not only does this subject your lovely puss to the risk of injury, but these injuries are the primary route of submission for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) - Feline Aids.
This virus impairs a cat's immune system and leaves them open to secondary infections and conditions which can then be life threatening.
Although we advocate for keeping cats indoors, with appropriate enrichment to keep them happy and fit, we understand in some situations, this may not be possible. We urge those owners of outside, or inside/outside cats to consider vaccinating against FIV alongside the core vaccine to reduce the risk to your beloved cat. Protection from a kitten is ideal, as this is a non-curable disease, and vaccination is only recommended in cats not yet carrying FIV.
Contact the clinic for more information.
Some relevant links and references:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-20/cat-tracking-program-makes-owners-re-think-pet-behaviour/7431248
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-07/cat-tracker-reveals-the-unknown-adventures-of-felines/8248306
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv.