Feline AIDS

AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in cats, is the condition where the immune system of the affected cat weakens and fails to combat infectious agents, which makes the animal susceptible to a number of opportunistic infections. This health problem is caused by the lentivirus, known as feline immunodeficiency virus. Basically, this virus attacks and destroys certain important white blood cells, which are responsible for protecting the body against infections and illnesses.

AIDS Transmission in Cats
Primarily, it is transmitted through contact with the saliva and blood of the infected cat. It can also spread from an infected mother cat to her offspring through the placenta, which is however quite rare. The virus can also be transmitted to the kittens through their mother's milk. But more frequently, the disease spreads through deep scratches and wounds, received during a fight with infected cats. Sexual activity with an infected cat can spread the virus too, though it is quite rare.

Can Humans Get Feline AIDS?
Though feline immunodeficiency virus and human immunodeficiency virus are genetically quite similar, they are not the same virus. Therefore, it is not contagious or transmissible to humans. Similarly, human immunodeficiency virus is also not contagious to cats.

AIDS Symptoms in Cats
As has been mentioned already, this condition is associated with progressive destruction, and hence, results in reduction in the number of white blood cells in the body, which compromise the ability of the immune system to prevent infections and diseases. In the early stage, this condition may not produce any symptom, or produce only vague symptoms. The most commonly observed early symptoms are:

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Poor appetite
• Lethargy
• Poor coat condition
• Swollen lymph nodes

As the diseases progress, more serious symptoms can be observed. The later symptoms of FIV infection are:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Dull coat and frequent skin infections
• Mouth sores and tooth and gum problems
• Chronic diarrhea
• Ear infection
• Sores around the eyes
• Anemia
• Seizures
• Tumors or lymphomas

Diagnosis and Treatment for AIDS in Cats
Diagnosis begins with a careful evaluation of the clinical signs and symptoms, followed by a blood test to look for the presence of a FIV antibody. But many times, cats may carry the FIV antibody, but not the virus. This can happen more commonly in case of kittens under 6 months of age, as they can get the antibodies from their mother's milk. Similarly, cats vaccinated with AIDS vaccine too can test positive for FIV antibody. Kittens are tested only after completing 6 months of their life.

So far, there is no cure for feline AIDS. However, it is possible to slow down the progression of the disease with appropriate medication. As we know, cats with AIDS become very susceptible to develop secondary infections and diseases, which would also require immediate medical intervention. To prevent cats from getting infected with the virus, vaccines have been developed. However, cats receiving such vaccine would always test false positive for the FIV antibody, even if they do not carry the virus. Cats who have received vaccination would need a yearly booster dose for better protection against the virus.

Apart from vaccination, you can take adequate measures to keep your cat inside and prevent its socialization with other cats, in order to minimize the risk for getting infected with FIV. Even neutering or spaying a cat may help to effectively control the transmission of feline AIDS, as such a cat is less likely to engage in fights. If your cat happens to be get infected with FIV, then be sure to keep it away from other cats. Even the kittens of FIV-infected mothers need to be separated from them, to prevent the transmission of the disease. Also, cats with AIDS should not be allowed to eat or drink from the same bowl, with the healthy cats. Lastly, if your FIV infected cat shows any sign of secondary illness or infection, make sure to take help from a veterinarian as soon as possible.