Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV for short) weakens the cat’s immune system. FIV is closely related to HIV but is not transmitted to humans. However, the disease is similar to AIDS in humans, which is why FIV is colloquially called feline AIDS.
What is feline AIDS?
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a viral disease that can affect domestic cats. This disease is similar to the human AIDS virus, and the viruses are also very closely related. However, transmission to humans is not possible because only cats can infect each other.
Transmission of feline AIDS
The FIV virus can be detected in cat saliva and blood. Infection usually occurs through the saliva of infected cats. This especially happens outside in fights for territory, where cats bite and come into contact with the saliva of other cats.
Transmission from infected mothers to young is also possible. But this happens in very rare cases. Infections occur almost exclusively from animal to animal. The virus itself can only survive for a very short time in the environment. This means that transfer via an object such as a feeding bowl is almost impossible.
How dangerous is feline AIDS?
Once a cat is infected, it sheds the virus throughout its life. The disease cannot be cured. The FIV virus affects different cells of the immune system, causing them to decrease over time. This process then causes the infected cat’s immune system to weaken over time. Because of this, she is more susceptible to other infections sooner and faster, which otherwise would not cause problems in an immunocompetent cat.
How to recognize feline AIDS? Symptoms and signs
The cat’s infection with the FIV virus is very often not noticed by the owner. Because the symptoms of feline AIDS are highly variable, sometimes only mildly expressed and cannot always be clearly linked to the FIV virus. For example, fever and malaise may occur, along with phases in which the cat does not want to eat. If FIV infection is suspected, a veterinarian should be consulted.
Feline AIDS: different stages of infection
If a cat is infected with feline AIDS, you can recognize the different stages of the disease. The first phase of infection with the FIV virus can last weeks to months, and the first non-specific symptoms appear 3-6 weeks after infection.
After that, an asymptomatic phase can occur. This means that at this stage cats do not show any symptoms, although the disease is progressing quietly and the immune system is weakening more and more. This phase can last for months or even years.
This is followed by a phase in which the cat has a severely weakened immune system. At this stage, the cat is literally skinny. The infected animal continues to lose weight and suffer from various secondary infections from bacteria and other viruses because their immune system can no longer function properly.
Frequent problems then are chronic colds or recurring diarrhea. Since the immune system is already so weak at that time, the body can no longer fight against it, and infections that a healthy cat usually copes with well, can now more often lead to the death or redemption of the animal.
Suspected AIDS in cats – what to do?
If you suspect that your cat might be infected with the FIV virus or feline AIDS, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.
The proof is a blood test. Both antibodies and virus can be detected directly by PCR assay.
Since kittens can have their mother’s protective antibodies in their blood for up to 6 months after birth, a positive antibody test, which can be performed as a routine test in veterinary practice, should be followed up with a PCR test to be sure.
My cat has feline AIDS
If the FIV virus is detected in a cat, it will carry it for the rest of its life. Because once a cat is infected with feline AIDS, it will carry the virus for the rest of its life. The disease cannot be cured.
Life expectancy can be high despite the disease if you follow certain measures and rules. These include regular vet check-ups, a stress-free environment and good practice in preventing and controlling secondary infections. So, very important: Cats infected with the FIV virus should be well protected, experience little stress and should not be allowed outside.
Is feline AIDS curable?
The disease with the immunodeficiency virus is still not curable. The best prevention is castration, because this means fewer territorial fights, and thus a lower potential risk of infection. Antiviral drugs can have a positive effect on the course, i.e. they can slow down the disease, but not stop it. There is currently no possibility of protective vaccination in Europe.
