Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) belong to a family of viruses known as retroviruses. The most famous retrovirus is HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in people. The major characteristic is that it decreases the ability of the immune system to fight infections.
Humans and dogs cannot catch FIV or FeLV or develop AIDS through exposure. Only cats are susceptible.
Most cats become infected with FIV when they are bitten while fighting with an infected cat. The virus is present in the saliva which is then passed beneath the skin when he is bitten. FIV is not spread by casual contact.
FeLV is spread through contact with saliva, urine, or blood. Also, an infected mother cat can pass the virus to her kittens before they are born or through her milk while nursing.
In most cases, a blood test is needed to determine whether a cat has FIV or FeLV. All kittens and cats should be tested.
Common Health Problems Associated with FIV:
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Oral cavity infections
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Upper respiratory infections
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Weight loss
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Skin infections
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Ear infections
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Fever of unknown origins
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Enlarged lymph nodes
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Low red-or white-blood cell counts
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Kidney disease
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Eye disease
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Reproductive failure
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Seizures, tremors or personality disorders
Cats diagnosed with FIV may remain free of symptoms for years. But because their immune system is compromised, the cats often develop illnesses unrelated to the virus itself.
Common Health Problems Associated with FeLV:
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Anemia
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Weight loss
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Chronic illness
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Fading kitten syndrome
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Persistent or recurring fever or illness
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Difficulty breathing
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Jaundice
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Eye infections
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Certain types of cancer
To date, there is no cure for FIV or FeLV. FIV-positive cats are considered to be infected for life. Some cats infected with FeLV may revert to the FeLV-negative status but others remain infected for life.
Diagnostic tests are frequently required before your veterinarian can begin treatment. Although there are no drugs licensed for treatment at this time, cats may benefit form certain prescription medication.
How can you prevent these diseases?
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Vaccinate your cat
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Make sure your cat is never exposed to a FIV-positive or FeLV- positive cat
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Have your cats tested on a regular basis