Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) similar to HIV in humans, is transmitted through bites or sharing feeding bowls and is passed from mothers to their litters but not thought to be sexually transmitted.

After a period of mild illness and fever with enlargement of the lymph nodes severe immunosuppression follows. The cat will not eat, loses weight and has gum infections, diarrhoea, vomiting and skin or eye problems.

Antibiotics or corticosteroids may temporarily reduce the severity of these symptoms but there is no vaccine and FIV is invariably fatal. Known carriers of FIV, which may be healthy, should be kept away from uninfected cats.

For more information on cat disease Click Feline Immunodeficiency Virus