FIV in Cats

What is FIV?

FIV was first discovered in California in 1986. Its similarity to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus - also known as AIDS) caused great alarm among cat owners. Many FIV positive cats were unnecessarily put to sleep or abandoned in shelters.

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and is the common name for the disease caused by this virus. The virus damages the cat's immune system, leading to a series of secondary infections that may become fatal.

It is like another virus, FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) in that both viruses attack the immune system and cause similar symptoms. However, these are different viruses - infections of FeLV and FIV are unrelated.

It is now fully understood that FIV is not infectious to humans, the same way that HIV is not infectious to cats. These are species-specific viruses, as has been proven by the many FIV positive cats that lead comfortable lives with their human companions for many years.

Who's at Risk?

According to Cornell Feline Health Center, approximately 1.5 to 3 percent of domestic cats in the US are infected with FIV. It appears that infection rates in maintained colonies of neutered feral cats are similar. FIV exists all over the world, probably with similar rates of infection.

FIV is transmitted mainly by direct cat bites. It is prevalent among cats that are involved in catfights and experience piercing wounds. Unaltered males (toms) that are allowed to free roam are at serious risk, as they tend to get involved in fights while competing for territory and females.

Close contact between cats and even the sharing of food and water bowls or a litter box is not a common mode of infection. In some cases, FIV positive cats live long and happy lives with FIV negative cats in multi-cat households. However, there is always a risk of the infected cat transmitting the disease directly through biting.

Symptoms of FIV

Days and sometimes weeks after initial infection, the cat becomes ill, displaying various symptoms that can include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and a low white cell count. Following this episode, the cat appears to have recovered, but in fact remains FIV positive for the rest of its life.

Because FIV attacks the body's immune system, FIV positive cats are less resistant to disease. These cats may suffer from a variety of medical complaints often affecting the mouth, gums, bowels, respiratory system, and urinary tract. They are also prone to seemingly unexplained attacks of fever and weight loss.

Symptoms are similar to those exhibited by FeLV positive cats, since both diseases suppress the immune system. Diagnosis can only be made through an FIV test, in which the cat's blood is checked for the presence of FIV antibodies.

This test can produce false results, especially when applied to young kittens, or if the disease is in its very early or very late stages. Performing another FIV lab test and reviewing the cat's medical history help the vet formulate the final diagnosis.

Treatment of FIV

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the virus itself. Yet, a cat diagnosed as FIV positive may not necessarily display any secondary symptoms. Some FIV positive cats continue to lead healthy lives for years after the initial infection. The virus weakens the cat's defense against disease but does not eliminate it altogether.

To help maintain the health of an FIV positive cat you should minimize exposure to disease and assist the cat's immune system to function better.

Here are some general rules for protecting FIV positive cats from disease. Some are true to all cats, but are crucial when it comes to keeping an FIV cat healthy:

• If possible, let the cat be a single cat in the household. Healthy cats are often carriers of disease germs that their immune system prevents from turning into a full-blown infection. The FIV positive may get infected and become ill.
• Do not let your cat roam outdoors.
• Make sure that your cat gets the best nutrition possible.
• Keep your cat free of external and internal parasites. Parasites often weaken the body by taking away vital nutrients and may also harbor disease.
• Do not feed your cat uncooked meat or fish. Raw meat may contain parasites and potentially harmful germs.
• Try to keep the cat's environment as stress-free as possible and give him or her plenty of love and attention.

Prevention of FIV

The best way to prevent FIV infection is to keep your cat from getting into catfights. Neutering and keeping your cat indoors significantly lower the risk of an FIV infection.

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