As a cat parent, having a basic understanding of your cat’s care and health is incredibly valuable. This includes everyday needs such as diet, dental care, and coat maintenance, as well as an awareness of health issues that may arise throughout their life. Being informed helps you recognise potential problems early, allowing for timely veterinary care, which can greatly improve outcomes. Just as important is knowing which preventive measures you can take to reduce health risks and support your cat’s long-term wellbeing. In this article, we take a closer look at Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), what it is, how it is managed, and what it means for your cat.
FIV – Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Feline immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as FIV, is a disease seen in cats worldwide. FIV is sometimes referred to as feline AIDS or feline HIV and should not be confused with FIP, which stands for Feline Infectious Peritonitis. A cat that tests positive for FIV does not automatically have feline AIDS. This term is used when a cat begins to show clinical signs of illness. Many FIV positive cats can live for years carrying the virus without showing any symptoms. While there is no cure for FIV, studies show that infected cats often live an average lifespan.
FIV is an infectious disease that attacks the immune system and gradually weakens it over time. As a result, FIV infected cats are more vulnerable to infections that would normally be harmless. These include viruses, protozoa, bacteria, and fungi commonly found in the environment, which can lead to secondary infections.
FIV is primarily transmitted through deep bite wounds from infected cats. In rare cases, the virus can be passed from a mother cat to her kittens, particularly if the mother becomes infected during pregnancy. Transmission through mating has also been reported but is uncommon. Everyday contact such as grooming, sneezing, sharing food bowls, water bowls, or litter trays does not spread the virus. In stable households with neutered cats that do not fight, transmission between cats is therefore very unlikely. Cats most at risk of contracting FIV are unneutered males that are prone to fighting. Male cats are approximately twice as likely to become infected compared to female cats. FIV cannot be transmitted to humans.
Stages of a FIV infection
An FIV infection typically progresses through three stages: the acute phase, the asymptomatic phase, and the progressive phase.
The acute phase is often missed by owners, as symptoms may be mild or mistaken for other illnesses. During this stage, cats may show signs such as lethargy, reduced appetite, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever.
Following the acute phase, cats enter the asymptomatic phase. This stage can last for months to years, and some cats may never progress beyond it. During the asymptomatic phase, the virus slowly replicates within the cells of the immune system. Cats do not show visible signs of illness, although blood tests may reveal changes such as abnormal white blood cell levels.
In the progressive phase, the virus continues to damage the immune system, making the cat increasingly vulnerable to secondary infections. Chronic or recurring infections are common at this stage. Gingivostomatitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the mouth and gums that causes pain, swelling, and sores, is frequently seen in cats with FIV. Other possible symptoms during the progressive phase include seizures, diarrhoea, poor coat condition, weight loss, infections of the eyes, skin, upper respiratory tract, and urinary tract, as well as neurological disorders and behavioural changes.
Diagnosis
An initial diagnosis of FIV can be made by a veterinarian using an ELISA test, which detects antibodies in the blood. Once infected, cats will carry these antibodies for the rest of their lives. After a positive antibody test, further confirmation can be obtained through laboratory tests such as a Western blot or immunofluorescence assay.
Antibody tests require a sufficient level of antibodies in the bloodstream to produce a positive result. It can take between two and six months after infection for a cat’s body to produce enough antibodies to be detected. As a result, cats that were recently infected may initially test negative and only test positive at a later stage. When a recent infection is suspected, repeat testing is recommended to rule out FIV.
In very rare cases, severely immunocompromised cats may test negative because they are no longer able to produce detectable levels of antibodies. False positive results can also occur in cats that have received the FIV vaccine or in kittens nursing from an infected mother. In the case of kittens, repeat testing at regular intervals is advised until they are at least six months old to confirm whether they are truly infected.
Management and Treatment
There is no cure for FIV, and it is impossible to predict how the disease will progress in an individual cat. Many cats with FIV can live normal, healthy lives, although the prognosis varies greatly from one cat to another. In infected cats, preventing secondary infections is a key part of management. This includes feeding a nutritionally complete and balanced diet to support overall health.
Medications that support the immune system may be recommended, and antiviral therapies can help extend symptom free periods. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve quality of life and may help extend life expectancy. Regular wellness visits with a veterinarian are essential and should ideally take place at least twice a year.
If an FIV infected cat shows any signs of illness, veterinary care should be sought as early as possible, as more intensive treatment may be required. Following surgeries or dental procedures, preventive antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection. To help prevent the spread of FIV, infected cats should be kept indoors, live in a stable household, and be neutered to reduce the likelihood of fighting.
Conclusion
FIV is not a death sentence, and with proper care and management, many cats can live long, happy, and fulfilling lives. Understanding the condition, recognising potential signs early, and working closely with a veterinarian can make a significant difference in a cat’s quality of life. Through this article, we hope to have provided clear and helpful information about FIV and addressed some of the common questions cat owners may have.
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