Adam and FIV - Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

In 1992, Adam, a feral cat I trapped as a kitten in July 1990, escaped from my house one night. He came back the next night, bleeding from deep bite wounds to his neck. The emergency veterinarian who treated Adam, said the wounds were probably caused by the canine teeth of another cat. A few months later, Adam developed a high fever and a severe upper respiratory infection. Both were difficult to treat and, again, as with Morris, my veterinarian suggested retesting Adam. We found that he had contracted FIV. This wonderful, very good-natured cat recovered from the initial infection and eventually weighed 14 pounds. He went on to live a happy and healthy life until June 2000. His death was not related to the FIV infection.

The Cornell Feline Health Center reports that:

The primary mode of transmission is through bite wounds. Casual, non-aggressive contact does not appear to be an efficient route of spreading FIV; as a result, cats in households with stable social structures where housemates do not fight are at little risk for acquiring FIV infections. On rare occasions infection is transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens, usually during passage through the birth canal or when the newborn kittens ingest infected milk. Sexual contact is not a major means of spreading FIV.

What is FIV?

It is a lentivirus, the same family as feline leukemia, but they are different in many ways, including the way they affect cats.

How many cats are infected?

In the U.S. on average 1.5 to 3% of cats are infected with FIV.

How does it affect a cat?

The first onset of the virus cause swollen lymph nodes and fever. The disease eventually leads to a weakened immune system and the cat will become susceptible to other virus and bacteria. Adam used to react severely to fleas. One flea bite and he was a mess. Regular monthly treatment with Revolution, Frontline or Advantage helped greatly.Weight loss is a sign, as well as gingivitis of the gums, and stomatitis of the mouth, diarrhea and other infections. Were my other cats ever at risk?

Adam had been living with my other rescued stray and feral cats for some time before these feline viruses attacked him, he did not fight, he was very friendly, therefore I never at any time kept them separated from my other cats. I randomly retested nine of my other cats a few years later, and they all tested negative for BOTH FeLV and FIV. During the first few years I routinely vaccinated for FeLV, but with the growing literature on vaccine-induced fibrosarcomas, and the mounting evidence that we overvaccinate our cats and that vaccinations last longer than was initially thought, I have stopped the yearly vaccinations, and prefer to do them every three years.

Summary:

It concerns me greatly that many cats are routinely killed when they test positive for either of these viruses. It is gratifying to see so much information on the internet nowadays about positive results many have had by giving their cats a chance at life, and providing them with supportive care and treatments. A great deal of information is to be found on Cornell Feline Health Center's website.