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Heat LampsFeline AIDS is caused by the FIV virus. This stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus is closely related to HIV in humans, but not the same. It is therefore not possible to transmit HIV to cats or FIV to humans, for example via blood. Due to the successful stray animal policy in the Netherlands, FIV is relatively rare. To keep it that way, animal experiments can be very important and helpful.
How does my cat get AIDS?
FIV is very contagious to other cats. Transmission occurs primarily in combat. Unneutered male dogs fight more often and are therefore at a higher risk of contracting FIV. Other cats that fight a lot are also at increased risk. Like HIV, FIV can be transmitted through sexual contact, dirty needles, and blood transfusions.
How do I recognize feline AIDS?
There are no specific symptoms for FIV. This is because it is an immunodeficiency virus. So it inhibits your cat's immune system. Cats with FIV have a less efficient immune system and are therefore more susceptible to diseases of all kinds. Cats with FIV are also more prone to developing certain types of cancer. The most common cancer in cats with FIV is malignant lymphoma. There are 5 stages of FIV in cats.
The first stage (the acute stage) is characterized by symptoms of a "general illness". Think of vague symptoms like lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and enlarged lymph nodes. The cat seems a little nervous. This stage lasts a few days on average and most cats recover fairly quickly.
The second stage is characterized by the absence of symptoms. This phase can last several years. In some cases, this phase even lasts longer than 5 years. At this stage, the cat can infect other cats with FIV.
In the third stage, your cat may show vague symptoms again. Your cat may become sluggish again, lose appetite and lose weight as a result. So far this seems to be a normal process; Your cat gets sick, recovers, and may get sick again after a few years.
Stage four is often where things stand out about the cat. The cat gets all sorts of complaints, which often follow each other in quick succession. These symptoms can last longer and even become chronic. Inflammation is quite normal at this stage.
After level four comes the final level. The cat will get typical symptoms. The immune system is so severely weakened that the cat can hardly cope with viruses and bacteria. The cat loses weight, eats less well, gets persistent diarrhea, dental problems or sores in the mouth. Various inflammations such as pneumonia, cystitis and inflammation of the skin are also common at this stage. This stage lasts several months on average and unfortunately leads to the death of the cat.
How Is Feline AIDS Diagnosed?
FIV is very easy to diagnose with a blood test. This test is often required by breeders prior to mating with a male or female. Unfortunately, the period of time between infection and a positive test result is very different. As with people living with HIV, the diagnosis cannot be made at the time of infection. A period of 2 months is often used. Some veterinarians retest cats with a negative result after 2 months to make sure the cat does in fact not have FIV. Kittens get antibodies through their mother's milk and can therefore get a 'false positive' result. The result of the test is then positive, but the test reacts to antibodies present in the milk. These kittens will need to be retested after 2 months.
In some cases, the blood may need to be sent to a laboratory after the initial test. Results are not always reliable and sometimes it is very important to know for sure if your cat does indeed have FIV.
How is AIDS treated in cats?
Unfortunately, feline AIDS is not curable. Treating cats with FIV consists primarily of making life as bearable as possible and treating the symptoms. When your cat becomes ill, special supportive therapies such as antibiotics and painkillers are often given.
My cat has AIDS, now what?
It is very important that you keep your cat indoors. This way your cat cannot infect other cats. If your cat lives with several cats, it is necessary to test all cats. If there is already a hierarchy between the cats, the probability of transmission of FIV is low. It is best not to bring new cats into your home.
If your cat has FIV it is very important to have good resistance. So make sure your cat is properly vaccinated against other diseases and that your cat is dewormed regularly.
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