Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

FIV is a lifelong viral infection that many cats can live with comfortably for a long time. It can be fatal in some cats however. Most cats acquire this disease through bite wounds from other infected cats. More rarely, mating could spread the disease or the birthing process could spread it to kittens of infected mother cats. If the positive results were found on ELISA blot test, it is recommended that the test result be confirmed using the Western Blot FIV test.

Although FIV is similar to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and can cause a disease in cats similar to human AIDS, this is a highly species-specific virus which infects only cats. People do not get infected with FIV. Infected cats may appear normal for years. However, infection eventually leads to a state of immune deficiency that hinders the cat's ability to protect itself against other infections. Infections that normal cats could quickly resolve could become life-threatening in these cats with a weakened immune system.

Sometimes not appearing for years after infections, signs of FIV can appear anywhere throughout the body, such as; poor hair coat, periodontal disease, urinary tract infections, weight loss, recurrent fevers, respiratory disease, ocular or neurologic disorders or even cancer.

If you have other cats in your household, these cats should also be tested. Casual contact does not spread FIV, so your other cats may or may not also be infected. Ideally, all infected cats should be separated from the non-infected ones to eliminate the potential for FIV transmission. If this is not possible - and if fighting or rough play is not taking place - the risk to the non-infected cats appears to be low.

It is impossible to predict accurately the life expectancy of a cat infected with FIV. Many cats will remain in apparent good health for many months to years. If your cat already has had one or more severe illnesses as a result of the FIV infection, or if persistent fever and weight loss are present, a much shorter survival time can be expected.

Recommendations for FIV infected cats include the following:

• These cats should be confined indoors to prevent spread of the disease to other cats and to reduce their exposure to other infectious agents.
  
  
• These cats should be spayed or neutered.
  
  
• They should be fed high quality complete and balanced cat food.
  
  
• Uncooked or unpasteurized foods should never be fed.
  
  
• Wellness examinations should be scheduled with your veterinarian at least every 6 months to check for early signs of disease in the mouth, eyes, lymph nodes and elsewhere. It also allows close monitoring of your pet's weight.
  
  
• Blood and urine samples should be assessed annually.
  
  
• Vigilance and close monitoring of FIV infected cats is even more important than it is for uninfected cats.
  
  
• There is no evidence from controlled scientific studies to show that immunomodulator, alternative, or antiviral medications have any positive benefits on the health or longevity of otherwise healthy FIV infected cats. Some antiviral therapies have been shown to benefit some cats that are ill with FIV.

More Information about the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus:

• A fact sheet about FIV from Cornell University
  
  
• An article from the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) about the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Feline Leukemia, like FIV, is a retrovirus; it is easily transmitted by bodily fluids: biting, licking, grooming, and sharing water dishes and litter pans. This disease does not survive in the environment, so there is no fear of contracting the disease at the veterinary clinic or in a cage at a cat show, unless there is direct contact.

• Feline Leukemia virus, an article by The Winn Feline Foundation.

Articles that include treatment of FeLV cats

• Cornell University's pamphlet on Feline Leukemia Virus
  
  
• Long Beach Animal Hospital has a page about FeLV that includes several photos. 
  
  
• Feline Leukemia article by Ron Hines, DVM PhD