Approximately 880,000 cats in the UK are vulnerable to contracting Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), an illness which has no cure.
It can be frightening for cat owners to hear about it, but knowledge is key to ensuring your pet stays happy and healthy.
1. What is it?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) belongs in the same group of viruses as HIV and depletes the number of white blood cells in your cat making them more prone to infection.
It lives in the blood and saliva and cannot survive for long outside the body.
2. How can it be treated?
As there is no cure for the disease it is important you prevent your pet from catching it in the first place. Neutering
3. What if my cat has it?
If your cat is infected with the disease it is important you keep them indoors and away from other cats. They will also need to be neutered, if they haven’t already been.
4. Is it contagious?
FIV is contagious but the risk of passing it on to other cats in the house is low, unless they fight with each other. However, as the disease can be spread via saliva it is important you use separate bowls for each of your animals.
5. Signs to be aware of
FIV may not affect your pet for years but over time it will eventually lead to immune deficiency, leaving your cat vulnerable to infection. If you are worried about your pet, keep an eye out for the following signs or take them to the vet:
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Inflammation of the gums
- Recurrent skin, urinary tract and upper respiratory tract infections
- Seizures
- Changes in behaviour
- Slow but progressive weight loss
- Eye conditions
