Feline aids also known as the immunodeficiency syndrome is often compared to the human AIDS, but the virus cannot be transmitted from cats to humans or vice versa, as the feline virus is different from the human virus. The feline aids is a disease that will destroy the immune system and the cat will be more likely to contract other diseases.
Feline AIDS and Transmission
The feline immunodeficiency virus causes the immunodeficiency syndrome and can only be transmitted to other felines.
In cats, the feline immunodeficiency virus may be contracted through contact with infested saliva, blood or other body discharges. The virus may also be transmitted through birth, from infected mother to kittens.
Feline aids is not contagious to humans. Consequently, if you have a cat with aids, you don’t have to worry about contracting the virus, but you will have to offer all the needed care for your pet.
Conversely, human HIV cannot be transmitted to cats, as the virus is completely different and the cat’s system will not respond to the human virus.
Symptoms of FIV
A cat with FIV may not display symptoms for a long time after infestation. After the virus starts to spread in the cat’s body, the immune system will be weaker and the cat will start being less immune to different diseases. You may see your cat has frequent infections (especially colds that affect the respiratory tract) and diseases. Often, the cat can get the same infection immediately after this has cleared.
You may notice a few other symptoms:
- Weight loss, due to refusal to eat
- Lethargy, lack of interest in activities and more sleeping
- Depression
Diagnosing FIV
In cats, FIV can be diagnosed by performing an ELISA blood test. The test may show a false positive, so the vet may choose to repeat the test.
If the cat has recently contracted the virus, the blood test may not be conclusive.
FIV Treatment
The feline AIDS is not a curable disease, but the cat should be monitored and get support to have a quality life and to prevent secondary diseases.
The treatment may consist of a few immune system support tablets, as the immune system must be strengthened, so it can fight different diseases.
The secondary diseases must be treated, so that complications are avoided. Often, the secondary diseases may be deadly.
If the cat requires immunosuppressant medication, this type of treatment should be avoided.
A cat with AIDS should be kept indoors, as the risks of infections is much lower indoors.
Prevention of Feline AIDS
Feline aids may be prevented through limiting your pet’s exposure to infested cats.
There is a FIV vaccine available, but it hasn’t been proven to be effective.
A cat with FIV vaccine may influence the blood FIV test and show a false positive. Additional tests must be performed to determine if the cat has the FIV.