Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, is a virus in the same family as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, but it only infects cats. Similar to HIV in humans, FIV weakens the immune system, making it challenging for the animal to combat additional infections. The cats infected with FIV may appear normal for years, but eventually suffer from immune deficiency, which allows normally harmless bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi found in the everyday environment to cause severe illnesses. This can result in a range of symptoms, including weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and diarrhea. However, it’s important to note that many cats may not exhibit any symptoms at all.
While any cat can contract FIV, it is most commonly found in outdoor cats that engage in fights with other cats, as well as in kittens who become infected either before birth or through their mother’s milk after birth. However, it is not easily transmitted between cats residing in the same household.
Although FIV can be fatal if left untreated, a positive test does not necessarily mean a death sentence for your pet. By providing a high-protein diet and actively treating secondary infections, an FIV-positive cat can enjoy a reasonably normal life for several years following diagnosis.
Related: Feral Cat or Stray Cat – What’s the difference?
What Is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?
FIV is a type of virus, called retrovirus, that can only affects cats. There are treatments for this virus but unfortunately no cure. The cats infected with FIV usually have a shorter lifespan than healthy cats. In North America, approximately 2.5-5% percent of cats are infected with FIV. Cats that live outdoor are more likely to have FIV because they are more exposed to bites from infected feral cats.
It’s very important to notice that FIV cannot be transmitted to human beings, and infected cats can still be wonderful pets.
Once the cat is infected with FIV, it goes through three phases of the disease:
- Acute phase: first, the virus enters the cat’s lymph nodes, and from there, penetrates white blood cells. During this phase, the cat can have swollen lymph nodes, a low-grade fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. All the symptoms are mild and can be easily missed by the owner. This phase occurs around one to three months after infection.
- Latent or asymptomatic phase: during this phase, the virus replicates very slowly in the cat immune system. The cat will not show signs of illness and some cats never progress beyond this phase. This phase can last from months to years.
- Progressive phase: in this last phase, the cat’s immune system declines greatly. This will result in secondary infections to appear and to cause harm. Common in this phase is the occurrence of urinary tract infections, skin infections, gum disease, cancer, and upper respiratory infections. Weight loss, seizures, behavioral changes and neurological disorders are all possible. This phase is referred to as feline AIDS and most cats will survive only a few months after reaching this phase.
Diagnosis of FIV
Determining the FIV status of cats is crucial when they are acquired, if they become ill, and regularly if there is a risk of exposure. Blood samples are examined for FIV antibodies using tests like ELISA, western blot, or immunofluorescence assays. However, since these tests detect antibodies rather than the virus itself, additional considerations are necessary.
A negative antibody test usually indicates that a cat is not infected, but there are exceptions. Cats recently infected may test negative as it takes time for antibodies to develop. Retesting after at least 60 days is recommended in such cases. Additionally, cats in advanced stages of FIV may not produce detectable levels of antibodies, leading to false negatives.
The presence of antibodies confirms FIV infection, but false positives can occur. Kittens born to infected mothers may have positive results due to transferred antibodies, so retesting is needed until they are at least six months old. Vaccinated cats also produce FIV antibodies, so vaccination history is important to interpret results. The PCR test, which detects viral DNA, can be used for confirmation but may have false-positive and false-negative outcomes.
While PCR is not the preferred screening method, it can be useful in specific situations. Understanding these considerations helps ensure accurate FIV diagnosis and monitoring.
Treatment and Management
Currently, there is no definitive cure for FIV. However, cats infected with FIV can lead normal and healthy lives for many years if managed properly. The prognosis becomes less favorable if the cat experiences severe illnesses or persistent symptoms like fever and weight loss.
For a healthy cat with FIV, the key management goals are to reduce the risk of secondary infections and prevent the spread of the virus to other cats. Keeping infected cats indoors and isolated, spaying/neutering, and providing a balanced diet are important. Raw food and unpasteurized dairy products should be avoided to minimize the risk of food-borne infections.
Regular wellness visits every six months are recommended for FIV-infected cats. Close monitoring of their health and behavior is crucial, as most illnesses in these cats result from secondary infections. Prompt evaluation and treatment of any signs of illness are important, and they may require longer or more intense antibiotic treatments.
Treatment for the virus itself is limited, and drugs developed for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are often used. Zidovudine (AZT) can help with severe dental inflammation or neurologic disease but does not prolong survival in FIV-infected cats and can have side effects. Ongoing research is focused on investigating different combination antiviral therapies for FIV treatment.
Prevention of FIV
The best way to protect cats from FIV is to prevent their exposure to the virus. Keeping cats indoors and away from potentially infected cats reduces the risk of transmission through cat bites. When introducing new cats to a household, it is ideal to ensure they are free from FIV infection. If infected and non-infected cats must coexist, separating them is recommended.
In cases where FIV-infected cats have been living with other cats for years without diagnosis, it is important to test all the cats in the household. Ideally, infected cats should be separated from non-infected ones to prevent FIV transmission. However, transmission is less likely in households with stable social structures where cats do not fight.
While FIV does not survive for long in most environments, infected cats may carry other infectious agents that could pose a risk to newcomers. Therefore, thorough cleaning and disinfection or replacement of food/water dishes, bedding, litter pans, and toys are recommended. A dilute bleach solution is effective as a disinfectant. Vacuuming carpets and mopping floors with appropriate cleansers is also advised. New cats or kittens should be properly vaccinated against other infectious agents before entering the household.
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