The Truth about FIV and FeLV

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are two of the most important infectious diseases of cats worldwide. So much is misunderstood about these diseases. Big Sid's mission is to help educate people about FIV and FeLV. Unbelievably in this day and age, some veterinarians still recommend euthanizing cats that test positive.

Please read on to educate yourself and put to rest unnecessary fears about FIV and FeLV.

FIV

The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a slow virus that affects a cat's immune system of a period of years. FIV is a cat-only disease that cannot be spread to humans or other animals. FIV cats most often live long, healthy and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all.

The disease has a wide range of effects. The cat can fight off the infection and become totally immune, can become a healthy carrier that never gets sick itself, or a mid-level case in which the cat has a compromised immune system.

FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread casually – like in litter boxes, food and water bowls or when snuggling and playing. The virus can be spread through blood transfusions, badly infected gums, in-utero from mother to offspring or penetrating bite wounds (typically associated with unneutered tom cats). A neutered cat in a home is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, if properly introduced.

FIV-positive cats should be kept as healthy as possible feeding them a high quality diet. As with all cats, they should be kept indoors and free from stress. Treat any secondary problem, such as an upper respiratory infection, as soon as they arise.

FeLV

Feline Leukemia Virus is a disease in cats that can cause anemia and lymphoma, among other illnesses. The virus can also suppress the cat's immune system affecting their ability to fight off bacteria.

FeLV positive cats may live many years in a healthy state. A little more than half of the cats that test positive for the virus develop antibodies and are able to fight it off. A little less than half of the adult cats that test positive for FeLV will succumb to the disease.

FeLV is commonly transmitted through saliva. Therefore mutual grooming, nose-to-nose contact, and shared food and water bowls can be sources of infection. It takes large amounts of virus to infect an adult cat, so usually prolonged contact or a bite is necessary for transmission. Vaccinating against FeLV helps to control the spread of the virus.

FeLV cats should be kept indoors, both to protect them from exposure to disease, and also to prevent them from spreading FeLV to other cats.

Caring for cats with FIV or FeLV

The goal of caring for FeLV and FIV infected cats is to keep them healthy, detect problems early and treat the associated diseases promptly and aggressively so that the cats can enjoy the maximum quantity and quality of life possible.

For a personal perspective on having FeLV and FIV cats, see Abel's Featured Cat page.