Everything About FIV & Cats (Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Costs)

Well, I’m sure everyone has heard of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in us humans. FIV or the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus comes from the same retrovirus family as HIV, but it only infects cats.

Similarly to HIV, there is no cure for FIV in cats, but the latest advances in veterinary medicine have led to treatment options that can enable an infected cat to live a long and happy life.

Here’s everything you need to know about FIV & cats, or as some folk say, HIV in cats or cat AIDS. 

1. How Does A Cat Get FIV?

The most common mode of transmission of FIV is if an infected cat bites another. It is, therefore, more common if your outdoor kitty is exposed to wild, feral cats who are known to carry the virus.

Like HIV in humans, FIV in cats can also be sexually transmitted and from an infected mother to her unborn kittens.

It is not known to spread via contact or droplets. So sharing a food/water bowl or toys isn’t harmful. That being said, it is prudent to have all other cats in the household tested if you have a kitty diagnosed with FIV.

2. What Are The Common FIV Symptoms?

FIV infects white blood cells which is a main proponent of the immune system. An infected cat won’t exhibit any symptoms for years. It is until the immune system is significantly compromised that you’ll start seeing symptoms like:

• Recurrent infections and episodes of fever (a clear sign of immunosuppression)
• Weight loss, diarrhoea and lethargy
• Gingivitis and stomatitis (inflammation of the gums and mouth)
• Skin rashes and a dishevelled coat
• Enlarged lymph nodes
  

If your cat starts to exhibit any of these symptoms or if they are frequently getting sick, it’s always best to consult your vet. 

A simple blood test is all that’s required to diagnose FIV in cats.

Symptoms of progressive disease or the final stages of FIV include chronic and recurrent intestinal, respiratory and neurological diseases (when the gut, lungs and brain are affected)

3. Is There A Cure For FIV?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for FIV in cats.

However, with a nutritious diet and aggressive treatment of secondary infections, it’s quite common for an infected cat to live for many years with the disease. 

Consult your vet for a diet high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. 

While there is a vaccine for FIV, its efficacy remains controversial. Once injected, it will also mean that your cat will have a positive blood test for FIV, which isn’t very helpful. Do consult your vet if the FIV vaccine is suitable for your cat.

Infected male cats should be neutered to make them less territorial and aggressive. Infected female cats should be spayed to avoid passing the virus on to offspring.

4. Is It Safe To Have A Cat With FIV?

Of course, it is. There is no way that humans can contract the virus from cats. However, it is important not to let your cat outdoors or be in contact with other cats, which it can potentially infect.

5. Is FIV The Same As FeLV?

Some people tend to confuse FIV with the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). They cause similar symptoms and are both from the same retrovirus family. They are, however, different diseases. It is common that a cat infected with FIV can be infected with FeLV at the same time. This makes its chances of survival much, much worse. 

6. How Long Can A Cat With FIV Live?

As mentioned above, if diagnosed early and treated aggressively for secondary infections, an infected cat could live almost to its normal lifespan. 

It also depends on the stage of disease at which it is diagnosed and the quality of care it receives.

7. How Much Does It Cost To Treat FIV?

As the disease is characterised by immunodeficiency and your cat picking up recurrent infections, this only means multiple trips to the vet for treatment.

An early and extensive pet insurance policy will go a long way in ensuring your kitty receives the best care available when it needs it the most. 

8. Is FIV Common In Malaysia?

According to a study conducted between 2010 and 2016, around 10% of a randomly selected sample of domesticated cats in Malaysia were found to be positive with FIV.

The study also found that male adult cats are at a higher risk of being infected with FIV.

Conclusion

While it may not be on any first-time cat owner’s lips, FIV is a real and existential threat to your kitten’s well being. Be sure to get your cat tested if you’re bringing home a rescue, and be sure not to miss your scheduled visit to your neighbourhood vet. 

Early diagnosis, reliable insurance and good ol’ TLC will mean that even FIV won’t stop your kitty from living its best life.