Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Risks for Cats with Outdoor Access
Does Your Cat Have Access to Outside?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a virus specific to the cat family. It was first identified in the mid-1980s and has been found in cats worldwide. Here in Bundaberg, we observe a high prevalence of FIV in cats that have outdoor access.
FIV weakens a cat’s immune system, reducing its ability to fight off infections. Infections that would typically be overcome become chronic or recurrent, resulting in various clinical signs.
These signs, known as feline AIDS, include inflammation of the gums and mouth (gingivitis/stomatitis), weight loss, poor appetite, fever, chronic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane around the eyes), swollen lymph nodes, and vomiting and diarrhea. While these signs are not specific to FIV and can be caused by other diseases, cats with persistent or recurrent illness should be tested for FIV, regardless of their lifestyle.
So, how is FIV transmitted among cats? Infected cats primarily shed the virus in their saliva. Transmission occurs when an infected cat bites another cat, introducing the virus through the bite wound. It can also happen when infected blood enters the body through a bite wound or blood transfusion. While rare, transmission through semen is possible but not common.
It is not surprising that many FIV-positive cats are known fighters, particularly those with a history of cat bite abscesses. If a cat is bitten by a cat with an unknown medical history, FIV testing should be conducted approximately two months after the bite.
FIV cannot survive for long outside of living cells, making casual infection uncommon. However, kittens can become infected before, during, or shortly after birth. Transmission during pregnancy or through nursing from an infected queen can lead to around a quarter to a third of kittens born to an infected queen being infected themselves. Normal social interactions, such as grooming, pose a very low risk of transmitting FIV.
To diagnose FIV, blood tests are conducted to detect antibodies to the virus. The most common screening test is an ELISA test (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). A positive result indicates that the cat has produced antibodies to the virus, suggesting either current or past infection. False positive and negative results can occur, requiring additional tests for confirmation.
Once a cat is infected with FIV, it remains infected for life. Clinical signs of illness may appear weeks, months, or even years after initial infection. While there is no cure for FIV, antibiotics can effectively treat secondary bacterial infections associated with feline AIDS. Other treatments, such as interferon or anti-HIV drugs, have had limited success. Some reports suggest that evening primrose oil may be helpful in the early stages following infection.
Prevention plays a crucial role in managing FIV. Minimize the risk of infection by ensuring your cat is neutered, vaccinated, and kept indoors whenever possible. At Sugarland Animal Hospital, we routinely vaccinate outdoor cats against FIV to provide them with added protection.
Please note that before vaccinating your cat for FIV, we will need to perform an FIV test to ensure they are not already infected. If you would like to have your cat tested or vaccinated against FIV, please contact us at 4151 3550 or schedule an appointment online here.
By taking proactive measures, you can help safeguard your feline companion from the risks associated with FIV. Stay informed and seek veterinary care from professionals who prioritize your pet’s welfare.
Together, let’s keep your beloved cat safe and healthy for a lifetime of happiness and companionship.
