Feline FIV
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a retrovirus that affects cats worldwide. It weakens their immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections.
A cat with FIV should not be a death sentence for the cat. Only about 4 percent of community cats become infected with either FIV or
FeLV, similar to the rate in owned cats, according to a study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Both viruses can only be transmitted from cat to cat, not to humans or other species
Leading experts in the field of feline health like Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and Alley Cat Allies are cited here.
Some key facts:
- Transmission: FIV is primarily spread through deep bite wounds from infected cats. Casual contact, such as sharing food bowls or grooming, is not a significant risk and unlikely to transmit the virus.
- Symptoms: Infected cats may appear healthy for many years before showing signs like recurring fever, weight loss, poor coat condition, inflammation in the mouth and gums, and chronic infections.
- Testing: Regarding community cats, there is no need to test them for FIV and FeLV. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also doesn’t recommend testing community cats for these viruses. Tests can be inaccurate, and limited funds are better spent on spaying and neutering.
- Treatment: There is no cure, however infected cats can, and do live long, healthy lives with proper care including good food and vet care at the first signs of any type of cold or infection.
- Prevention: To reduce the risk of infection, keep cats indoors to avoid any fights with unknown cats.
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