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"Gracie," a FIV gas-rescue Kitty found an appropriate home to live out her days thru STK

FIV is classified as a "lentivirus" or a slow virus, according to Cornell University. FIV is a chronic disease in cats similar to HIV in humans. Although the two viruses belong to the same viral class, the feline virus is NOT transmissible to humans or dogs. FIV is very specific to felines; humans are NOT at risk from this disease.

FIV is difficult to transmit and occurs more frequently in male cats. Biting is the most efficient means of viral transmission, therefore, unaltered male cats that are free-roaming and aggressive are most vulnerable to FIV, while cats strictly housed indoors are much less likely to become infected. The disease is rare in catteries as well, and is not generally transmitted via sexual contact. Additionally, blood transfusions are another likely method of FIV transmission to cats. Infection through normal daily contact of multiple cats such as using common food bowls or litter pans does NOT transmit the virus. To date, it does not appear that an FIV female can pass the virus to her kittens in utero Deep Significant bite wounds are the concern for FIV transmission.

A positive screening FIV test does NOT necessarily mean a cat has FIV. A Western Blot test or IFA test should be conducted. Re-testing and the timing of re-testing should be discussed with your vet. Note that positive FIV test results for kittens under 6 months of age are not considered valid - such kittens should be re-tested each month using the SNAP test until they test negative or exceed 6 months of age. If a kitten still has a positive SNAP test result at 6 months of age, it would be appropriate to run a confirmatory Western Blot test. Understand that False Positive test results occur sometimes due to flawed testing kits or administration problems as stated in the literature.

There is no specific treatment for FIV. Drugs currently used against HIV infection (e.g., AZT) are toxic to cats. Veterinarians treat the symptoms, such as infection or cancer, and give supportive care. Unfortunately, the outlook for cats in the advanced stage of this disease is poor. Even if the signs of illness can be temporarily controlled, FIV infection is ultimately fatal to the cat. You can reduce the risk by neutering your cat to reduce roaming and territorial fighting behavior, and by keeping your cat indoors. Vaccines to help protect against FIV infection are now available. However, not all vaccinated cats will be protected by the vaccine, so preventing exposure will remain important, even for vaccinated pets. In addition, vaccination may have an impact on future FIV test results. It is important that you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of vaccination with your veterinarian to help you decide whether FIV vaccines should be administered to your cat.

The positive news about FIV is that a viral infected cat can remain asymptomatic for years and experience a normal life span. Given a good diet, a stress free indoor environment, and lots of TLC you would give any pet, an FIV cat can thrive well. Avoiding interaction of an FIV cat with non-positive cats is important due to the potential for physical fights. However, mutiple FIV cats in a companion situation would not be a concern.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

"Kuma," a FeLv gas- rescue kitty found an appropriate home to live out her days thru STK

FeLV caused by a retrovirus is a very serious feline disease first diagnosed in the 1960's. Cats contract this disease primarily through repeated exposure to an infected cat. Many cats that get exposed to the virus develop antibodies and are able to fight it off. This is especially true for cats that are free of parasites are current on their routine vaccines, and are fed a good diet. Cats that have minimal exposure to other cats are at significantly less risk of getting this disease. Similar to FIV, FeLv is NOT transmittable to humans and dogs.

Cats contract FeLv primarily through repeated exposure to an infected cat. The virus does not live more than a few hours outside a cats body unless it is in a moist environment- so since the virus is excreted through saliva, tears, urine, feces, and blood - sharing food bowls, water bowls, and litter boxes along with cat fighting are vehicles of disease transmission. Kittens born to mothers that have the virus are infected in the womb.

There are no specific set of symptoms that tell us for certainty that a cat has FeLV. However, FeLv infected cats will commonly have fevers (>103 degrees F), poor appetites, lethargy, recurring infections/poor healing ability, weight loss, and possible skin conditions; the ability of this virus to cause immunosupression increases susceptibility to Demodex and Scabies. These symptoms are variable and may present with other aliments such as hyperthyroidism, liver/kidney disease, diabetes, anemia. Cats that are carriers of the disease may be asymptomatic. Occasionally, a cat with FeLV will demonstrate Anisocoria (uneven pupils)

A FeLv+ test result - except for the occasional false-positive - does mean the cat is infected at that time. However, it does not mean the cat is persistently (permanently) infected. Some cats will fight the virus off and return to a negative status. Therefore, a cat can't be considered truly positive for FeLV until it is re-tested (using the SNAP test, other in-house tests, or the lab IFA test) after at least a month (no sooner than a month) after the initial test. Re-testing and the timing of re-testing should be discussed with your vet. For instance, you may want to have a confirmatory re-test conducted immediately and if the confirmatory re-test results are positive - re-test again after at least a month (no sooner than a month) after the confirmatory test.

The vaccine for FeLV is effective, and all cats that go outside or are at risk should be vaccinated for this virus after testing negative on a blood sample. It should not be administered to FeLV infected cats. The vaccine will not affect the carrier state or the capacity to infect other cats. It will not reverse the deleterious effects of a cat that already has one of the diseases associated with FeLV.

FeLV+ cats should be separated from non-infected cats and be prohibited from breeding or any activity that places them in direct contact with healthy cats. If one or more cats in a multi cat household is positive they should be removed. The remaining negative cats should be checked every 3-6 months, and if positive, be removed from the house. Do not bring a non-infected cat into a household that has a history of FeLv+ cats unless the remaining cats are negative on 2 successive tests. Wait at least one month before introducing this new cat into the household.

As in the case of FIV, providing a healthy environment for a FeLv+ kitty will have a beneficial impact on lifespan. However, continual and close monitoring of the FeLv+ cat is wisely advised. Mutiple FeLv cats in a companion situation would not be a concern.

* Kitties that test positive for FIV/FeLv can live quality lives for many years, and may live out their natural lives without ever developing the active disease or return to a negative status. Opt for Life!

Additional information on FIV/FeLv:

Feline Leukemia Virus Disease

The Path of the White Rose