Feline Immunodeficiency Virus - FIV

From The Pet Wiki

FIV, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is very similar to the AIDS virus in humans. It attacks the immune system of a cat and hinders the cat's ability to fight infections due to a lowered white blood cell count.

However, it is not a death sentence. With proper care, most cats can live normal lives.

Signs of FIV are slight fever, loss of appetite, slightly swollen lymph nodes. You may not even be aware of these signs as the cat recovers and goes on to live a healthy life.

As the cat ages, symptoms may appear such as chronic flu, weight loss, appeite loss, lethargy. Studies have found though that FIV cats can live as long as cats not infected with the virus.

While there is no specific treatment for FIV, the symptoms can be treated. The same drugs used in humans who are HIV positive, are used in cats to slow the disease.

There is a blood test that checks for FIV antibodies, but it is not always accurate. While FIV and AIDS are similar, FIV cannot be transmitted to humans.

There is no vaccine at present for FIV, but studies continue in the hopes of finding one.

If your cat or cats are always indoors, there is a good chance they will not develop FIV.