FIV & What it Means

FIV+

The most common viral infection in cats worldwide is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. FIV attacks the immune system and leaves them vulnerable to other infections. It can also allow typically harmless bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi to cause severe illnesses.

It can be hard to know if your cat has contracted FIV, they can appear normal for years but will eventually suffer from immune deficiency. While there is no cure FIV+ felines can live a long, normal life as long as they don’t contract Feline Leukemia Virus and are properly cared for.

Blueberry, an FIV+ kitty adopted out after almost 2 months at HATS.

The Spread

Unneutered males with outdoor access, especially those likely to fight with other cats, are most at risk for FIV. This virus is spread through deep bite wounds but is not spread from casual, non-aggressive contact with an infected cat or their secretions.

Sexual contact is not an effective route for FIV to spread, however pregnant mothers could pass the virus to their litter. The risk of this is higher if the mother became infected with FIV during her pregnancy.

Uninfected cats with little to no outdoor access are at a low risk for contracting FIV. In multi-cat households there is a low risk when the social structure in the home is stable.

Testing and Diagnosis

An ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test can be done at a veterinary office to test for FIV antibodies, but it does not detect the virus itself. These results can be confirmed with an IFA (indirect immunofluorescent antibody) blood test through a reference lab.

False negatives can occur, often with two causes:

• The cat doesn’t have enough antibodies to detect. It takes 2 to 6 months for a detectable amount of antibodies to develop in the body. If exposure to FIV is possible, retesting after 60 days is recommended.

• The immune system is compromised and not producing antibodies. In the later stages of FIV, the immune system can be too compromised for antibodies to develop or reach detectable levels in the body.

Stages of FIV

Simba, an FIV kitty loved by HATS.

• Acute: This stage lasts from 1 to 3 months after infection. During this time the virus is carried to the lymph nodes where it reproduces within white blood cells, then spreads to other lymph nodes within the body. This results in a temporary enlargement of the nodes and is often accompanied by a fever, depression, and lack of appetite.

  • This can be a mild phase and is often missed by owners or mistaken for other causes of fever.

• Asymptomatic: This can last from a few months to multiple years. During this stage the virus replicates slowly and cats show no outward signs of illness. Blood work abnormalities, such as low white blood cells and increased blood proteins, may present.

  • Some infected cats do not progress past this stage.

• Progressive Immunocompromised State: During this phase, secondary infections may occur. Secondary infections are the main cause of illness, not FIV itself. Cats in this stage can develop chronic or recurrent infections of the skin, eyes, urinary tract, or upper respiratory tract.

  • Inflammation of the gums, severe dental disease, and gingivostomatitis are common in FIV cats.

  • FIV cats are more likely to develop cancers and immune mediated blood disorders.

  • Weight loss, seizures, behavioral changes, and neurological disorders are possible for cats that progress to this stage. Severity of these issues can vary.

Olaf, another past feline friend of HATS with FIV.

Management

Despite their compromised immune system, FIV+ cats can live normal lives with proper care. Some things that can help reduce the risk of FIV spread and contraction are:

• Spay and neuter to prevent the spread to litters, possible spread through sexual contact, and reduce the tendency to roam outside or fight.

• Avoid raw foods to prevent infections and illness from foodborne bacteria's. Feed a balanced diet that supports all their nutritional needs and supports them through their compromised state.

• Wellness visits are recommended every 6 months to ensure the cat remains in good health, with special attention to their immune system. The gums, eyes, skin, and lymph nodes should also be checked closely as they are key areas that can be impacted by illness.

  • Weight loss is often the first sign of deterioration.