What is FIV?
WHAT IS FELINE AIDS?
Feline AIDS 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 their system throughout their life. Infected cats may expose healthy cats with which they come in contact, most often by biting. Cats infected with FIV may remain healthy for up to 10 years. While some infected cats show no sign of disease, others may display such initial symptoms as...
- swollen lymph nodes.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may occur such as...
- weight loss
- sores in and around the mouth
- eye lesions
- poor hair coat
- chronic infections
- anemia
- chronic skin infections
- chronic urinary bladder infections
- jaundice
- upper respiratory tract infections.
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 infections.
HOW IS THE DISEASE CONTRACTED?
FIV is spread from cat to cat primarily through bite wounds, as the virus is shed in high levels through saliva. Outdoor cats are at higher risk for contracting the disease. The spread of FIV through watering bowls or grooming is unlikely. An actual bite wound is an integral part of the disease transmission. Although rare, it is possible for a mother to pass the infection on to her unborn fetus.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT FELINE AIDS?
Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease in at-risk cats. There is no treatment or cure for an FIV infected cat. A vaccine is available that can aid in the prevention of infection by FIV. Talk with your veterinarian about the best vaccination program for your cat.
Along with vaccination, other health management measures include...