FELINE AIDS - what you should know about FIV

1.Does you cat ever go outside?

2. Has your cat ever escaped out of the house?

3. Does your cat ever come into contact with outdoor cats?

4. Does your cat ever get into fights with other cats?

5. Has your cat ever been treated for a bite wound?

6. Do you have a multi cat household?

7. Are stray cats ever brought into your household?

8. Do you ever board your cat?

9. Does your cat ever travel with you?

10. Is your cat vaccinated against feline leukemia?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, your cat may be at risk for feline AIDS. Consult with your veterinarian to see if your cat is a candidate for a new vaccine that offers protection against feline AIDS.

HOW PREVALENT IS FELINE AIDS?

Up to 1 in 12 cats in North America test positive for the disease. Actual infection rate may be higher in sick cats. Outdoor cats are at the highest risk of disease. About 15% of cats that test positive for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) also test positive for FIV.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT FELINE AIDS?

Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease in at risk cats. If your cat is vaccinated for leukemia because it has contact with other cats, you should also consider its risk factors for feline AIDS. There is no treatment or cure for an FIV infected cat. A vaccine is available that can aid in the prevention of infection by FIV. Talk with your veterinarian about the best vaccination program for your cat.

Along with vaccination, other health management measures include…

1.limiting exposure of indoor cats
2. using caution when introducing a new cat to a multi-cat household
3. having the new cat tested prior to joining the household
4. isolating an aggressive cat from other cats.

WHAT IS FELINE AIDS?

Feline AIDS is caused by infection with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV causes a potentially fatal viral disease that interferes with the immune system of a cat. The virus lives in the blood of the infected cat and is carried in their system throughout their life. Infected cats may expose healthy cats with which they come in contact, most often by biting. Cats infected with FIV may remain healthy for up to 6 years. While some infected cats show no sign of disease, others may display such initial symptoms as...

1. fever
2. loss of appetite
3. diarrhea
4. lethargy
5. swollen lymph node.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may occur such as...

1. weight loss
2. sores in and around the mouth
3. eye lesions
4. poor hair coat
5. chronic infections

Eventually, the immune system becomes too weak to fight off other infections or diseases. As a result, the cat will die from one of these subsequent infections.

HOW IS THE DISEASE CONTRACTED?

FIV is spread from cat to cat primarily through bite wounds, as the virus is shed in high levels through saliva. Outdoor cats are at higher risk for contracting the disease. An actual bite wound is an integral part of the disease transmission. Although rare, it is possible for a mother to pass the infection on to her unborn
fetus.