It helps if you are more clear about AIDS in people.

AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a set of symptoms caused by HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

FIV is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV and FIV are similar, but not transferable between species. FIV cannot be cured, but a cat that tests positive for FIV may never get sick from it or may sicken and die next month. We can’t forecast if or when symptoms may manifest.

Symptoms of FIV (courtesy of PetMD):

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fever
• Anemia
• Weight loss
• Disheveled coat
• Poor appetite
• Diarrhea
• Abnormal appearance or inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis)
• Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
• Inflammation of the mouth (stomatitis)
• Dental disease
• Skin redness or hair loss
• Wounds that don’t heal
• Sneezing
• Discharge from eyes or nose
• Frequent urination, straining to urinate or urinating outside of litter box
• Behavior change

These symptoms are very general, and a cat with FIV may manifest only a few of these. These also can be symptoms of many other problems, so further testing is required.

If you have a cat that tests positive for FIV, the general rule is that this must be an indoor-only cat. Please don’t let your cat outside to spread the virus further - primarily through fight wounds.