fiv

My cat Smokey just tested positive for FIV ( a tamed feral) . Here is a few things I have learned about FIV. FIV is transmitted mainly by direct cat bites. It is prevalent among cats that are involved in catfights and experience piercing wounds. Unaltered males (toms) that are allowed to free roam are at serious risk, as they tend to get involved in fights while competing for territory and females.
Close contact between cats and even the sharing of food and water bowls or a litter box is not a common mode of infection. In some cases, FIV positive cats live long and happy lives with FIV negative cats in multi-cat households. However, there is always a risk of the infected cat transmitting the disease directly through biting.

Symptoms of FIV

Days and sometimes weeks after initial infection, the cat becomes ill, displaying various symptoms that can include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and a low white cell count. Following this episode, the cat appears to have recovered, but in fact remains FIV positive for the rest of its life.
Because FIV attacks the body’s immune system, FIV positive cats are less resistant to disease. These cats may suffer from a variety of medical complaints affecting the mouth, gums, bowels , respiratory system, and urinary tract. They are also prone to seemingly unexplained attacks of fever and weight loss. Symptoms are similar to those exhibited by FeLV positive cats, since both diseases suppress the immune system. Diagnosis can only be made through an FIV test, in which the cat’s blood is checked for the presence of FIV antibodies.. This test can produce false results, especially when applied to young kittens, or if the disease is in its very early or very late stages. Performing another FIV lab test and reviewing the cat’s medical history help the vet formulate the final diagnosis.

Treatment of FIV

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the virus itself. Yet, a cat diagnosed as FIV positive may not necessarily display any secondary symptoms. Some FIV positive cats continue to lead healthy lives for years after the initial infection. The virus weakens the cat’s defense against disease but does not eliminate it altogether. To help maintain the health of an FIV positive cat you should minimize exposure to disease and assist the cat’s immune system to function better. Here are some general rules for protecting FIV positive cats from disease. Some are true to all cats, but are crucial when it comes to keeping an FIV cat healthy:

If possible, let the cat be a single cat in the household. Healthy cats are often carriers of disease germs that their immune system prevents from turning into a full-blown infection. The FIV positive may get infected and become ill.
Do not let your cat roam outdoors.
Make sure that your cat gets the best nutrition possible.
Keep your cat free of external and internal parasites. Parasites often weaken the body by taking away vital nutrients and may also harbor disease.
Do not feed your cat uncooked meat or fish. Raw meat may contain parasites and potentially harmful germs.
Try to keep the cat’s environment as stress-free as possible and give him or her plenty of love and attention.