What is FIV?
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus that affects the immune system of cats. FIV specifically targets lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that are an important part of the feline immune system. This leads to immunosuppression, making FIV-positive cats more susceptible to secondary infections and certain cancers. FIV is sometimes referred to as the feline equivalent of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, though FIV differs in many ways and poses far less risk to humans.
Like HIV, FIV weakens the immune system by reducing the number of CD4+ T cells, a specific type of lymphocyte. Over time, the virus leads to an immunodeficiency syndrome that allows other infections to flourish due to the compromised immune response. There is no cure for FIV, but infected cats can often live relatively normal lives with proper care and management (Cornell Feline Health Center).
How is FIV transmitted?
FIV is primarily transmitted through deep bite wounds, where the virus present in an infected cat’s saliva enters the bloodstream of another cat. FIV is relatively difficult to transmit, as it requires a deep puncture wound for the virus to spread. Casual contact such as sharing food bowls or grooming is unlikely to transmit FIV.
FIV can also be transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens. Kittens can contract FIV while in the womb, during birth, or when nursing from their mother if she is FIV positive. For this reason, kittens born to FIV positive mothers should be tested once they are weaned.
According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, while FIV is primarily spread through bite wounds, it is possible for FIV to spread through serious, penetrating scratches as well (Source). However, casual contact is very unlikely to transmit FIV.
What are the symptoms of FIV?
The symptoms of FIV often develop slowly over time. The most common symptoms include:
- Recurrent infections – FIV weakens the immune system, so cats are prone to getting secondary infections. These may be bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections affecting the skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract or digestive system.
- Gingivitis – Inflammation and reddening of the gums is very common. This can lead to tooth loss. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, over 70% of FIV positive cats have some form of gingivitis.
- Weight loss – Despite a normal appetite, affected cats often lose weight due to the immune system’s constant battle against infection. Weight loss is seen in about half of FIV positive cats.
- Poor coat – The coat may become rough, dull and matted. Hair loss can also occur.
Other symptoms like lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, diarrhea and behavioral changes may be seen. The severity of symptoms varies widely between individual cats. (https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/cat/health-and-injuries/fiv-in-cats)
How is FIV diagnosed?
FIV is diagnosed through blood testing. The two main types of blood tests used are antibody testing and antigen testing.
Antibody testing, also called ELISA testing, looks for antibodies to FIV in the blood. When a cat is exposed to FIV, their immune system produces antibodies to try to fight off the infection. If antibodies are detected, it means the cat has been infected with FIV at some point. However, antibody tests can sometimes have false positive results, detecting antibodies even if the cat has cleared the infection. Antibody testing alone is not sufficient to definitively diagnose a cat with FIV.
Antigen testing, also called PCR testing, looks for the actual FIV virus in the blood by detecting viral RNA. This test is more accurate than antibody testing alone, since detecting the virus confirms that the cat is currently infected. However, antigen testing may sometimes give a false negative if the viral levels in the blood are very low. The most reliable diagnosis involves performing both antibody and antigen testing together.
If a cat tests positive for FIV on an initial screening test, vets usually recommend retesting in 2-3 months to confirm the diagnosis before starting treatment. An FIV+ diagnosis means the cat is infected for life.
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-infection
Is there a treatment for FIV?
There is currently no cure for FIV. However, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Some treatments that may help FIV-positive cats include:
Antibiotics – Used to treat secondary bacterial, fungal, or protozoal infections that can occur as a result of the weakened immune system.
Immunotherapy – Drugs that modulate the immune system may help reduce immune system overactivity and associated inflammation.
Vitamins and nutritional supplements – Providing vitamins, minerals and fatty acids may help support the immune system and overall health.
While these therapies can improve quality of life and longevity for FIV-positive cats, they do not cure the underlying viral infection. Lifelong symptomatic management and close monitoring is necessary for FIV-positive cats. With appropriate care, many cats can live normal or near-normal lifespans.
What is the prognosis for FIV positive cats?
With proper care and treatment, the prognosis for cats diagnosed with FIV can be quite good. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, recent studies suggest that cats with FIV commonly live average life spans, as long as they are not also infected with feline leukemia virus or suffering from secondary infections (source).
The prognosis depends on several factors, including the cat’s age at diagnosis and how well secondary infections are managed. But many FIV-positive cats can live high-quality lives for years after diagnosis with proper veterinary care, medication as needed, a healthy diet, and a low-stress environment.
On average, life expectancy after an FIV diagnosis is approximately 2-6 years. But some cats may only live for a few months after diagnosis, while others live 10 years or longer. With attentive care and disease management, FIV is not necessarily a death sentence for cats.
How can FIV be prevented?
There are several ways cat owners can help prevent the spread of FIV:
- Test new cats entering the home for FIV before introducing them to current cats. Cats should be kept separate for a few weeks before introducing, even with a negative test result (https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv).
- Vaccinate cats against FIV if they go outdoors. The FIV vaccine does not provide complete immunity but may help reduce infection risk (https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/health/fiv).
- Keep cats indoors or limit outdoor access. Since most FIV transmission occurs through bite wounds, limiting contact with unknown cats reduces risk (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-infection).
- Neuter cats to reduce roaming and fighting behaviors that lead to FIV transmission through bites (https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv).
While FIV cannot be completely prevented, taking precautions and limiting exposure can reduce the likelihood of infection.
Should FIV positive cats be euthanized?
Euthanasia is usually not necessary for cats diagnosed with FIV. With proper care and management, FIV positive cats can live a normal lifespan without significant health issues. According to the DVM360, “euthanasia of a cat that tests positive for FIV is an absolutely unnecessary measure.”
While FIV does compromise the immune system, many FIV positive cats can still live long and healthy lives. Proper nutrition, preventing stress, regular vet visits, and prompt treatment of any secondary infections can allow an FIV cat to thrive. FIV usually progresses slowly, and cats may not ever show serious symptoms.
FIV positive cats also pose little risk to humans. According to the ASPCA, FIV is extremely difficult to transmit to people. Casual contact like petting, holding, and sharing living spaces does not spread the virus. The only risk is from deep bites, which is rare with proper handling.
In summary, euthanasia is rarely warranted in FIV positive cats. With some adjustments to care, most FIV cats can live a long and fulfilling life. Their risk to humans is also minimal, so euthanasia for public health reasons is not justified. An FIV diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence for cats.
Caring for an FIV positive cat
Caring for an FIV positive cat requires some special considerations, but it does not mean a death sentence. With proper care and monitoring, FIV positive cats can still live long and happy lives.
It’s important to provide excellent nutrition for an FIV positive cat. Feed a high-quality commercial cat food and avoid raw food or dairy, which could expose the cat to harmful bacteria or parasites (source). Maintain a healthy weight, as weight loss can be a sign of illness.
Closely monitor an FIV positive cat for any signs of infection and contact your vet promptly if you notice symptoms like fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, etc. Infections can progress rapidly in immunocompromised cats, so quick treatment is essential (source).
It’s also important to minimize stress for an FIV positive cat, as stress can weaken the immune system. Provide a quiet, comfortable environment and limit changes to their routine. Reduce exposure to other household pets if there is conflict or tension.
Regular vet visits, at least every 6 months, are recommended for FIV positive cats so your vet can monitor their overall health and watch for any concerning changes (source). With attentive home care and your vet’s guidance, an FIV positive cat can still live a long and fulfilling life.
The takeaway on FIV
While an FIV diagnosis may seem daunting at first, it is important to remember that FIV is a manageable condition and not necessarily a death sentence for cats. With proper care and veterinary monitoring, many FIV-positive cats can live long and relatively healthy lives.
Research shows that FIV-positive cats receiving high-quality nutrition, routine veterinary care, prompt treatment for illnesses, low stress environments, and avoidance of exposure to other contagious diseases can have normal life spans and excellent quality of life.
Though incurable, FIV is a very gradual, slow-progressing disease. It does not typically cause sudden crises or death in asymptomatic cats. While FIV does compromise the immune system over time, leaving cats more vulnerable to various secondary infections, these issues can often be successfully managed by an attentive pet owner and veterinarian.
The key takeaways on FIV are that is it a serious but manageable condition, not an automatic death sentence. With proper care, love and close monitoring, FIV-positive cats can live happily and healthily for many years after diagnosis. While vigilance is needed, euthanasia is not necessary upon a positive test result alone.
If your cat contracts FIV, do your research, work closely with your vet, and focus on providing the very best care you can. An FIV diagnosis is not the end of the world, and your cat’s life is still incredibly meaningful and full of joy ahead.
