Feline immunodeficiency virus is the cat equivalent of HIV. It afflicts millions of cats around the world and is an illness that owners dread. But we’re here to tell you that it’s not all bad. This is a very livable condition if owners handle it correctly.
Find out everything there is to know about FIV in this guide.
Cats with FIV Can Life Average Lifespans
Learning that your cat has FIV may seem like the worst possible news, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Statistically, most cats with FIV have similar lifespans to regular healthy cats. There’s also a strong chance that you won’t even realize that there’s anything wrong. They could live their entire FIV-positive life without showing any signs of illness.
First, cats will go through a short acute phase and may stop eating briefly or have a fever. However, this will pass, and then years could go by in an asymptomatic stage. The danger arrives if FIV affects their immune systems. This makes them vulnerable to other diseases and conditions.
Like human HIV, it’s not the virus that kills the cat, but the secondary illnesses. It’s crucial to keep on top of veterinary appointments for a rapid diagnosis. This gives your cat the best chance of a long and healthy life.
What Are the Symptoms of FIV?
Many symptoms could indicate FIV. The problem is that it’s easy to overlook many symptoms and unusual behaviors in the beginning. Remember, cat HIV usually won’t show itself until the pet is in an immunosuppressed state. More serious symptoms include seizures, diarrhea, and oral inflammation. Also, the cat may stop eating, and its coat may lose its healthy shine.
Treat any signs of pain as a veterinary emergency when it comes to your cat. Don’t wait for them to go away by themselves because there’s a ticking clock. Time is of the essence when dealing with FIV. The symptoms could develop into something more serious like feline cancer.
Secondary conditions can be lethal when a cat’s immune system is deteriorating. They have the same impact as they would on a human HIV patient. It’s very difficult to reverse certain life-altering conditions, so prevention is key.
How Do Cats Contract FIV?
The main way that pet cats catch FIV is from other felines. Outdoor cats are at a much greater risk than indoor-only cats. Stray tom cats are the most common perpetrators because they wander through their territories. Owners that put their cats out at night risk their pets’ health. The infected feline could bite or scratch your cat and spread the virus. It’s easy to avoid if you keep your cat indoors. This is also safer for the environment and naturally reduces the stray cat population.
Sometimes, infected female cats can pass the virus to their kittens, too. FIV is passed through the cat’s saliva. There’s little evidence to suggest that sharing bowls will put another kitty at risk. Nonetheless, the risk of transmission means that FIV-positive cats are better suited to a single-cat household.
What Is the Best Treatment for FIV?
There is no cure for FIV. Unfortunately, if a cat contracts the virus, they must live with it. Prevention is the best form of treatment. Keep your cat indoors because it will enjoy a safer and happier life. Neuter tom cats to reduce their aggression and their desire to wander. If they live inside, there’s a much lower chance of them catching this virus.
It’s difficult to treat FIV-positive cats. Often owners don’t realize they even have FIV unless the cat’s immune system deteriorates. If you’re unsure, consult your vet, and ask them to test during a check-up. Don’t allow infected female cats to have kittens in case they transmit the virus to their young. Meanwhile, protect your cat’s health by feeding it a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of nutrients. Avoid dairy because there’s a greater risk of bacterial infections. Milk isn’t good for felines despite this common myth!
Can FIV Affect Humans?
Luckily, cats can’t transmit or infect humans with FIV. Cats can’t infect dogs, either. There are obvious similarities to HIV-AIDS, but it’s harmless for us. FIV is a feline-specific disease that has no impact on people. However, a person can carry the cat’s infected saliva and expose it to another kitty. This is unlikely but not impossible. Avoid getting too close to an FIV-positive cat if you know you’re going to encounter other felines later.
Also, humans can help their feline friends by keeping their homes clean. Disinfect areas where FIV-positive cats have been. One of the best things that people can do is to neuter stray cats in their district. Also, consider adopting an FIV-positive cat. They carry a stigma, but they should live long, healthy lives if they receive the right care.
How to Protect Your Cats from FIV-Infected Cats
Owners should immediately test all their cats if one is FIV-positive. If the other felines are negative, this gets tricky. It’s crucial to isolate the infected cat so that it doesn’t transmit the virus. This may mean that owners have an unfortunate choice to make. Nobody wants to give up their pets, but it may be necessary to keep them safe.
Some agencies rehome FIV-positive cats and give them the safe environment they deserve. However, in some locales, it may be easier to find a new home for the negative cat. It’s not a choice that anybody wants to make. The best way to prevent rehoming is to follow the preventative steps we’ve outlined and keep your cats indoors.
