Do Not Delay in Testing Your Cat for Feline AIDS and Feline Leukemia

Most people, when they get a new pet, do not consider all of the health risks that their pet may have to face. Unfortunately these risks are never addressed which leads to the loss of the beloved pet and the spread of diseases. If you are a cat owner then you should know that there are two diseases that put all cats at risk but that their owners may know very little about. I am talking about feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV, also called feline AIDS) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), the most common killers of cats. It is estimated that about 2.5% of cats in the United States are infected with FIV while 0.5% of pet cats are infected with FeLV in the United States1. If you are a cat owner and you have not taken your cat to be treated for either of these two then I want to share with you the information you need to protect your cat and other cats.

What Are FIV and FeLV and how are they transmitted?

FIV or feline AIDS is a highly contagious disease that can affect cats in all areas of the United States. Despite the name, FIV can not infect humans and by the same token HIV can not infect felines. However the diseases are similar in the way they affect their respective hosts. In cats, FIV is a degenerative disease that breaks down the feline immune system which is necessary for warding off and fighting illness. Cats, through treatment, can live with FIV but if untreated it can lead to dibilitation of the immune system causing the cat to contract other illnesses yet have not immune system to fight it off. Thus FIV is not directly fatal, but with a degenerated immune system, other contracted illnesses can be.

FIV is transmitted from cat to cat through the blood stream. More often than not this happens as a result of bites or scratches from other cats. So of course cats who spend prolonged periods outdoors are more susceptible because they are more likely to have territorial fights with other cats who may be infected. Furthermore FIV can be transmitted from mother to offspring through the gestation process.

FeLV or feline leukemia is not a cancer as the name suggests but is a lethal virus. FeLV also can not be contracted by humans but is highly contagious among cats. It is much easier for your cat to contract FeLV because it is transmitted through casual contact such as that which involves saliva or nasal secretions or other bodily fluids. These transfers can take place because of multiple cats using the same litter box, feeding bowl or water dish. Like FIV, FeLV attacks your cat's immune system.

How Can I Know If My Cat Is Infected?

Blood testing by a veteranarian is the only way to make an accurate diagnosis for these two viruses. And even though there are no sure signs of either of these diseases, there are some things that may tip you off so that you can take your cat to have a proper veteranary diagnosis made. Be on the look out for vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding gums, or mouth sores. If your cat's coat becomes dull or matted or if you see bites or infected wounds, there is cause for concern. A few other possible signs are fever, grooming changes, or weight loss. If you see your cat exhibiting any of these signs then you should have him tested immediately. Early detection can increase your cat's chances and will stop the spread of the disease.

Is FIV or FeLV a Death Sentence?

If discovered early and properly and consistently treated, your cat can have a normal life with either of these diseases. If your cat does turn out to have one of these diseases you can set up a plan with your vet that included regular check-ups, a proper diet, spaying and neutering of adults and a vaccination regimen. So, no, contraction of FIV or FeLV is not a death sentence for your cat but you should act quickly. If your cat is prone to fighting or spends extended time outdoors or shares a litterbox or food dish with muliple cats then you should consider him "at-risk" and have him checked soon to insure that FIV and FeLV are not present in your cat.

As a cat owner I consistently take my pets for check-ups and any time I obtain a new one I take him to be tested at my vet's office and that initial exam always includes a test for FIV and FeLV. I would encourage you to do the same if you want a cat who will be with you and your family for a long time. I hope this information has been helpful to you and that you will put it to good use. Good luck to you and your kitty!

Sources Cited

1Zislin, A (2005). "Feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine: A rational paradigm for clinical decision-making". Biologicals 33: 219. doi:10.1016/j.biologicals.2005.08.012