Many people are surprised when they find out there is a feline version of AIDS. In many ways it is similar to the human version. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV is a fairly uncommon disease that affects cats throughout the world. About 1-3% of cats in the United States are infected with FIV. These are typically cats that are free roaming and unaltered. Cats that live indoors rarely have FIV.
FIV is not a sexually transmitted disease in cats. Instead it is contracted through bite wounds. That is why a stable, altered, indoor community of cats rarely deals with this disease. There are cases of mother cats infecting their kittens when their cats are born through contact with the birth canal or through mom's milk.
There are two simple ways to test for FIV. One is right in the vets office and takes 10 minutes. The vet draws some blood and places it in a snap or ELISA test. If the result in the office is inconclusive then the vet may send away a lab test which will provide results in a couple of days. However, just because a cat tests negative for FIV now does not mean that later it will still be negative. This test is a snapshot of time.
FIV is a disease of the immune system. Many cats can live asymptomatically for years. When or if the disease becomes active certain symptoms can be looked for: * Poor coat condition * Persistant fever * Stomatitis ( a disease where the body rejects the tarter on the teeth) * General infections of the respiratory system, bladder, gums * Lesions on the skin * Seizures * A general wasting away
As stated above even cats with FIV can live long lives. Keeping them indoors and stress free is one of the keys to longevity.
If you have a kitty that is healthy you will want to do everything you can to help that cat to stay disease free. Altering your cat and keeping it indoor is key. If you add another cat to the household be sure that it has been previously tested. Kittens under 6 months can be tested but should be retest after since there are many false negatives and positives. Lastly, consult with your vet to create a plan to keep all your animals healthy and disease free.
FIV is not a sexually transmitted disease in cats. Instead it is contracted through bite wounds. That is why a stable, altered, indoor community of cats rarely deals with this disease. There are cases of mother cats infecting their kittens when their cats are born through contact with the birth canal or through mom's milk.
There are two simple ways to test for FIV. One is right in the vets office and takes 10 minutes. The vet draws some blood and places it in a snap or ELISA test. If the result in the office is inconclusive then the vet may send away a lab test which will provide results in a couple of days. However, just because a cat tests negative for FIV now does not mean that later it will still be negative. This test is a snapshot of time.
FIV is a disease of the immune system. Many cats can live asymptomatically for years. When or if the disease becomes active certain symptoms can be looked for: * Poor coat condition * Persistant fever * Stomatitis ( a disease where the body rejects the tarter on the teeth) * General infections of the respiratory system, bladder, gums * Lesions on the skin * Seizures * A general wasting away
As stated above even cats with FIV can live long lives. Keeping them indoors and stress free is one of the keys to longevity.
If you have a kitty that is healthy you will want to do everything you can to help that cat to stay disease free. Altering your cat and keeping it indoor is key. If you add another cat to the household be sure that it has been previously tested. Kittens under 6 months can be tested but should be retest after since there are many false negatives and positives. Lastly, consult with your vet to create a plan to keep all your animals healthy and disease free.
About the Author:
Robert works with New Cat Condos to manufacture a quality cat tree that your kitty can count on. Be sure to check out their pagoda cat house which features a distinct eastern pagoda house look.
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