The cat may have a mild fever for a few weeks and there may be enlargement of the lymph nodes (the little lumps often referred to as “glands”). But often, cats infected with FIV appear completely normal. Months or years later, as infection progresses, the cat may develop fever, lethargy, poor appetite and weight loss.
As far as we know, once a cat is infected with the FIV virus, it will remain infected for the rest of its life. However, it is not clear if all infected cats will become clinically ill. It may be weeks, months, or even years after initial infection with FIV before a cat will develop clinical signs of illness.
Watch for FIV-cat symptoms such as sneezing, unusual urination, poor coat condition, lack of appetite, inflammation of the gums and mouth, and diarrhea, and promptly visit the vet if these issues arise, says Jefferson.
Because the cat FIV virus can move slowly in a cat's system, your cat may go on for years without exhibiting any noticeable symptoms. Once a cat starts showing signs of illness, the disease can cause bouts of illness followed by long periods of apparent good health.
FIV infection was significantly linked to extreme aggressive tendencies and the extremely aggressive FIV‑infected cats were more likely to have an unhealthy status compared to the non‑aggressive individuals (p = 0.022).
There are three phases of infection with FIV - the acute phase, the asymptomatic (or latent) phase, and the progressive phase.
Because cats with FIV tend to lose their appetites, they usually lose weight. This can be one of the first symptoms you notice.
FIV is spread primarily through cats' saliva, particularly when a cat bites deep into another cat. FIV typically does NOT spread through cats grooming each other, sharing food and water bowls, or sharing a litter box.
Chronic oral infections occur in approximately 50% of cats with FIV-related disease. Cats may show pain when touched on the face, have difficulty eating or refuse to eat, and may have a bad odor around the mouth.
Treatment for the feline immunodeficiency virus is quite expensive. According to estimates, the cost range from $150 to $2,000 per treatment.
FIV is spread between cats through blood transfusions, deep bite wounds, and less commonly, through intercourse or an infected mother's milk to nursing kittens. Sharing a litter box, sleeping area, toys, water bowl or other items will NOT transmit FIV between cats.
The vaccine contained certain strains of inactivated virus, which offered protection against some (but not all) FIV infections. In other words, vaccinated cats that were exposed to any of the strains not included in the vaccine were at full risk of getting infected.
Just as we tend to avoid close contact with humans who are sick, you should avoid kissing your cat when he or she is sick.
Cats Protection recommends that FIV-positive cats are kept indoors and only allowed outside in an impenetrable garden or safe run. They should not be allowed direct contact with FIV-negative cats.
The terminal phase of FIV infection is commonly associated with moderate to severe periodontal disease, lymphoplasmacytic stomatitis (Figure 21-4 ), gingivitis, and feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions,52 which may result from opportunistic bacterial and viral infections.
FIV is the virus that causes and can eventually progress to feline acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), usually years after initial infection.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is an often misunderstood condition. FIV is a lentivirus, which means it moves very slowly, and it gradually affects a cat's immune system. It is passed from cat to cat through blood transfusions and serious, penetrating bite wounds. FIV cannot be transmitted to humans.
Transmitting FIV
The virus is primarily transmitted through bite wounds, but it can also be spread through blood. Although any feline is susceptible, un-neutered, outdoor males have the highest risk of being infected because of their propensity to fight. FIV is not usually transmitted through mating.
Signs of FIV can vary from zero clinical signs (and being diagnosed based on a routine blood screening test) to more serious symptoms. These may include: Lethargy. Decreased appetite to complete inappetance.
The FIV causes ophthalmic disease through direct viral damage of ocular tissues, by initiating secondary immune phenomena, and/or by promoting opportunistic eye infections. The most common ocular manifestations of FIV include anterior uveitis, glaucoma, lens luxation, and pars planitis.
Although the ability of FIV or HIV to establish a latent infection in the CNS is controversial, several studies have reported a sustained proviral burden in FIV-infected cats in the brain [72,89] even in the absence of significant viral RNA.
Feed a nutritionally complete and balanced diet. Avoid uncooked food, such as raw meat and eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products to minimize the risk of food-borne bacterial and parasitic infections. Monitor your cat's health and behavior very carefully – alert your veterinarian of any changes as soon as possible.
As FIV can't be transmitted to humans or other non-feline animals, an FIV positive cat is able to share his or her environment with a dog or other pet, as long as there are no other cats.
Compared to all other feline health threats, FIV infection is "quite common," according to Dr. Levy. "We estimate that about four percent of all feral cats in the U.S. are infected," she says.
Feed a species-appropriate, minimally processed, grain-free canned or homecooked diet. Raw diets are not recommended for FIV+ cats. Add quality supplements to boost the immune system, such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants.