{"id":1442,"date":"2020-04-10T10:37:17","date_gmt":"2020-04-10T09:37:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=1442"},"modified":"2023-02-09T17:53:56","modified_gmt":"2023-02-09T17:53:56","slug":"feline-immunodeficiency-virus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/feline-immunodeficiency-virus\/","title":{"rendered":"A Comprehensive Guide to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is the <\/span>feline immunodeficiency virus<\/span>? Some people refer to it as the \u201ccats\u2019 HIV,\u201d which partially explains the nature of the disease. <\/span><\/p>\n

Both FIV and HIV come from the same family of viruses, called retroviruses \u2013 viruses unable to replicate independently. They must find a host cell and \u201ctrick\u201d its DNA into replicating the virus while at the same time destroying the cell. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is how this cunning virus attacks the infected cat’s immune system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key FIV Facts to Know<\/h2>\n

Before we dive into the detail of what FIV is, let’s first learn the critical facts that will help us better understand it.<\/p>\n

1. FIV is prevalent in approximately 2.5% to 5% of cats in the United States.<\/h3>\n

(Cornell)<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the prevalence increases to about 15% in cats at a higher risk. High-risk cats are generally unneutered males and live outdoors. This is because there’s a higher chance of being bitten or scratched by another infected cat.<\/p>\n

2. About 1-5% of cats show symptoms of FIV exposure.<\/h3>\n

(VCAHospitals)<\/p>\n

This percent is considerably low because there are different strains of the feline immunodeficiency virus, and not tall show symptoms or are as dangerous.<\/p>\n

3. The feline immunodeficiency virus was discovered in 1986.<\/h3>\n

(CatFriendly)<\/p>\n

In 1986, the first signs of FIV were discovered, and a link showing similarity to human HIV was noticed, thus classifying it in the same family of viruses.<\/p>\n

4. It can take anywhere between 2 to 6 months for your cat to develop antibodies to FIV.<\/h3>\n

(Cornell)<\/p>\n

Often FIV tests may come up negative after your cat has been exposed and has contracted FIV. This is because it can take up to 6 months for the cat to develop the needed antibodies, which show up on tests.<\/p>\n

This is why it is often recommended that a test be done at least 60 days after a suspected infection.<\/p>\n

5. As of 2015, the FIV vaccine is no longer available in the United States and Canada.<\/h3>\n

(PetMD)<\/p>\n

Initially, the vaccine was released for sale in the United States in 2002 and showed positive results with limited side effects. Regardless, it was taken off the US and Canada market due to concerns that it gave false-positive results in tests.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, it was determined that indoor cats do not need the vaccine. Also, since there are so many strains of FIV, the vaccine didn’t provide complete protection against all of them, giving cat owners a false sense of comfort.<\/p>\n

Lastly, booster shots of the vaccine have shown signs of increasing risks of Sarcoma.<\/p>\n

FIV in Felines vs. HIV in Humans<\/span><\/h2>\n

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) discovery dates back to 1986 after scientists investigated the condition of a group of cats that were feeling unwell and had severe symptoms related to minor infections \u2013 infections that other cats seemed to recover from quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They found similarities with another virus that was being investigated at the time (that is, HIV \u2013 human immunodeficiency virus). This is the rationale behind how the <\/span>FIV virus<\/span> got its name. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, there are many differences between the two viruses. For example, they are not transmitted in the same way and do not share the same number of variations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scientifically Beneficial Similarities<\/span><\/h3>\n

However, their numerous similarities imply that any valuable piece of information being discovered regarding one of the two viruses can be applied to the exploration of the other. <\/span><\/p>\n

This kind of reciprocity between <\/span>cat AIDS<\/span> and human AIDS provides the scientists with a closer insight into both conditions simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, the research on finding a cure for both conditions is significantly accelerated. Finally, both viruses are species-specific \u2013 HIV can never infect a cat, and a human cannot get infected with FIV. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is probably the most crucial fact about the disease that many cat owners aren\u2019t aware of, which unfortunately often causes them to abandon their pets.<\/span><\/p>\n

FIV Transmission<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The primary means of transmission is through bite wounds, which are most likely to happen to male cats who haven\u2019t been neutered and tend to wander around fighting with other cats. FIV infection spreading among cats through casual contact is believed to be impossible. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, it can be transmitted from mother cats to kittens, either while giving birth or nursing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Multi-Cat Households and FIV<\/span><\/h2>\n

The virus is present in cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and saliva. Still, it does not survive outside the body for a long time. This is why FIV-positive cats can live with healthy cats without putting their well-being at risk.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some people think they should wait for a certain period before bringing a new cat<\/a><\/span> into a home where a <\/span>cat with FIV<\/span> lived. However, there is no need for that \u2013 as stated, the virus cannot survive on its own for long. <\/span><\/p>\n

Besides, any responsible owner will take good care of their household hygiene, so there are no reasons to worry.<\/span><\/p>\n

FIV Symptoms<\/span> in Cats<\/span><\/h2>\n

FIV is slow-progressing, so it can take years before the virus causes any symptoms. Due to this, cats with FIV tend to reach their normal life expectancy. However, you should still be able to recognize the problem despite the inert nature of the virus \u2013 and here\u2019s now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Earliest Signs<\/span><\/h3>\n

In the earliest stages of the infection, the virus reaches the nearby lymph nodes, where it replicates inside T-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). <\/span><\/p>\n

Afterward, the virus is carried to the rest of the lymph nodes, after which they are temporarily enlarged (a fever usually accompanies this).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since the extent of the enlargement might vary, <\/span>feline HIV<\/span> might go unnoticed during this stage (in some cats, they don\u2019t get significantly larger). <\/span><\/p>\n

However, a cat affected by FIV will either experience the gradual deterioration of its health or periods of illness interchanging with healthy periods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Commonly Observed Symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n

Generally, there are several symptoms characteristic of <\/span>FIV in cats<\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n