Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
By Cindy A. Payne, D.V.M.
Printed: September 1990 Newsletter
These days it seems like there is always some new disease phenomenon developing.
The latest to affect the feline world is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV is a Virus
that affects the immune system, much like Feline Leukemia Virus in cats and Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV) in people. FIV is similar to HIV, but these viruses are very species specific.
Cat viruses affect cats and human viruses affect people. FIV is not considered to be a public
health problem in humans.
Infection of FIV occurs in two stages. The first stage is usually a mild,
non-specific occurrence. The animal may have a fever and act lethargic. If the animal is
examined, your veterinarian may find enlarged lymph nodes and signs of anemia. This lasts
from several days to several weeks, but most cats recover. Some young kittens will develop
a generalized infection and die.
Most cats do not appear to have a problem until the second stage occurs. This
is when the immune system is not working well and secondary infections develop. The length of
time it takes for the second stage to evolve is unknown. Most often these cats chronic problems
that just don't respond to treatment. 50% of FIV cats have a chronic infection of the oral
cavity that does not respond to antibiotic therapy or constantly recurs. Other common chronic
problems are upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, weight loss, skin infections, ear infections,
abscesses and urinary tract infections. These secondary infections can last months to years
before the animal succumbs.
The most common route of infection of FIV is through cat bites. Infected cats
shed the virus in the saliva and it enters the animal through the puncture wound. The
incidence of FIV seems to be highest in older intact male cats that are free-roaming. The
incidence is much lower in areas where cats are confined indoors. Infection from queen to
kittens while in the uterus or when nursing does not seem to occur. Spread of FIV between
cats in multiple cat houehold occurs less than among cats in the wild population. However,
if cats living together fight and produce bite wounds there could be a chance of infection.
Your veterinarian can diagnose the virus in a suspect cat by taking a blood
sample and testing it for the antibodies. The cat's body produces these antibodies in
response to the virus. This test can be done with little trauma to your pet.
Many drugs are being investigated as to their affect on FIV and in association
with HIV, but at present there is no cure for FIV. Most treatment is directed at the secondary
infections and is supportive and symptomatic. Initially many cats respond to fluids and antibiotics;
however, as the disease progresses treatment becomes less and less effective. Eventually
sympomatic treatment will be of no value and the cat will die.
Since there is no effective long term therapy, the best treatment may be
provention. The main route of infection is through cat bites; therefore, protecting your cat
from strays and other free-roaming cats is the most effective prevention available at this
time. As intact male cats tend to be outside more frequently involved in fights, neutering
may be another effective method of prevention. A vaccine may someday be available, but not
soon enough. Therefore, the best prevention is to protect your pet from unnecessary exposure.
If you suspect your cat has a problem or need further information please contact your veterinarian.