How can an indoor cat get FIV?

How does FIV spread in cats?

The most common route of infection of FIV is through bite wounds, therefore the aggressive behaviour exhibited by many free-roaming male cats places them at greater risk of infection. Non-aggressive contact within cat populations does not appear to cause FIV spread.

What to do if your cat has a virus infection?

In virus-infected cats, the use of antiviral drugs may be recommended in the initial stages of the infection. The objective is to reduce the chances of the virus replicating and help reduce the severity of the symptoms. It is also designed to reduce the spread of FIV which is very important.

What does it mean when a cat has FIV antibodies?

The presence of FIV antibodies in a cat means they’ve been exposed to the virus, but not necessarily infected. For example, cats that have been vaccinated against FIV can test false positives because of the FIV antibodies they developed from the FIV vaccine.

Are FIV and FeLV the same in cats?

The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are often mistaken to be the same; sometimes even used interchangeably. However, that’s not the case. FIV and FeLV cause two entirely separate diseases. Yes, they’re both in the Retroviridae family, but that only means they’re related—not the same.

What is it like to rescue a cat with FIV?

One of the toughest things about loving and rescuing cats is coping with the specter of Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). In all my years of cat rescue, it would often turn out that some of the sweetest cats were the ones whose lives were drastically shortened by one or both of these dreaded retroviruses.

What should I Feed my FIV cat?

FIV cats should receive a good quality, balanced diet. They shouldn’t be given any raw food or dairy products, as the risk of contracting foodborne bacterial and parasitic disease is greater in immunosuppressed individuals. Will I be able to insure my FIV cat?

Can FIV be transmitted from mother to Kitten?

“The virus is present in the saliva of infected cats, so FIV is usually transmitted between cats through bite wounds. It can also be transmitted via sustained contact with an infected cat or from an infected mother cat to her kitten.

Why do cats with FIV need to be neutered?

All cats with FIV should be neutered, as this removes the stress caused by coming on heat and reduces the desire to roam and act aggressively towards other cats. When a virus tries to enter the body, it causes the immune system to produce various types of antibodies.

Do FIV positive cats need to be kept indoors?

While the VBSPCA promotes indoor living for cats, it is especially necessary for FIV positive cats to be kept indoors, where their immune system will be less exposed. An examination at the vet twice a year is very important, and they will require blood and urine tests to monitor their immune system. Any infection should be treated immediately.

Are FIV+ cats special needs cats?

FIV+ cats might be considered by some to be “special needs” cats because, while they are healthy and live quite normal lives, they have tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV+ cats have long lived under a cloud of confusion and misunderstanding.

How is FIV treated in cats?

How Is FIV Treated? Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for FIV. Cats can carry the virus for a long time before symptoms appear. Therefore, treatment focuses mainly on extending the asymptomatic period or, if symptoms have set in, on easing the secondary effects of the virus.

Can zidovudine (AZT) be used to treat FIV in cats?

Zidovudine (AZT) treatment can help cats with severe dental inflammation (stomatitis) or neurologic disease, but has not been shown to prolong survival in FIV-infected cats and can have serious side effects. There is significant ongoing research investigating different combination antiviral therapies to treat FIV.

Should you euthanize a cat with FIV infection?

FIV infection is not a reason in itself to euthanize a cat. A lot of people, including some vets, believe that FIV-positive cats should be euthanized and not adopted. However, the truth is that many infected cats can lead a healthy, normal life just like uninfected pets.

Is there a connection between HIV and FIV in cats?

Calling this feline virus by the names of Feline HIV, Feline Aids, and Cat Aids leads people to believe there is a connection between HIV and FIV. While there are many similarities in the method of transmission and problems it causes for the infected cat, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is species specific.

What does it mean when a cat has FIV positive?

An FIV-positive result will mean that your cat will need to live an indoor-only lifestyle to avoid getting into fights with other cats and spreading the disease further. Remember that cats with FIV can live long and healthy lives, and euthanasia is not usually called for when a cat is diagnosed with FIV.

Can FIV cats live with other cats?

Can FIV cats live with other cats? Yes, FIV cats can live with both FIV and Non-FIV cats without spreading the virus as long as all are non-aggressive. This is usually a matter of introducing cats SLOWLY. Any time a new cat is added to a household, there should be a slow introductory period whether cats are FIV or Non-FIV.

How do you prevent FIV in male cats?

Since FIV is largely spread through fighting, neutering your male cat is of huge benefit since it decreases his likelihood of wandering off and getting into scraps. Likewise, you can decrease the chances of FIP by cleaning litter trays every day, keeping less than five cats, and ensure each cat has their own litter tray.

How to prevent FIP in cats?

Likewise, you can decrease the chances of FIP by cleaning litter trays every day, keeping less than five cats, and ensure each cat has their own litter tray.

What are FIV and FeLV and FIP in cats?

FIV, FeLV, and FIP are three of the most well known feline viruses, but there are many common misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions made about them. First: FIV and FeLV are NOT death sentences for your cat!

How do you take care of an FIV positive cat?

Use a separate bowl to feed your FIV cat. The saliva from an FIV-positive cat can contain the disease-causing virus. Therefore, if you have multiple cats, consider feeding your FIV cat with a separate bowl. Minimizing the risk of the virus spreading will be important for your healthy cats.

What is the best cat food for FIV patients?

Dry kibble is the best food you can feed your cat, as wet food has a tendency to build up on teeth, causing tartar buildup that can lead to infections. Your primary goal should be to do everything you can to keep your cat infection-free because FIV causes it to be very susceptible to infections. 3