Meow Monday: FIV/FeLV

Happy Meow Monday! Today I wanted to take the time to discuss the difference between FIV and FeLV which are two cat diseases. Lets get started.

What is FIV?

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and it is a lentivirus that affects cats worldwide. FIV is closely related to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Cats who are infected with FIV may not show symptoms for years after they are initially infected. The virus is slow acting and weaken the cat's immune system just as HIV weakens the immune system of a human. Infected cats become susceptible to secondary infections very easily.

How Does A Cat Become Infected?

FIV is usually transmitted through deep bite wounds and scratches where the infected cat's saliva enters the other cat's bloodstream. FIV can also be transmitted from mothers to their kittens in utero, however it is rare.

What Are Symptoms of FIV?

Symptoms of FIV vary and most infected cats do not show symptoms for years but here are a few (which could also be linked to many other diseases):

- Anemia
- Behavior change
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Fever
- Dental disease
- Diarrhea
- Discharge from eyes or nose
- Frequent urination, straining to urinate or urinating outside the litter box
- Sneezing
- Wounds that won't heal
- Weight loss

How Is FIV Diagnosed?

FIV is diagnosed with a blood test that looks for the presence of antibodies to the virus in the blood.

How Is FIV Treated?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for FIV. Cats can carry the virus for a long time before any symptoms appear so usually treatment focuses on extending those periods of asymptomatic periods of time. Often fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy is necessary as well as medication for secondary infections the cat gets from having a weakened immune system.

What Do I Do If My Cat Has FIV?

The best thing to do for your FIV infected cat is to keep it indoors. This way it cannot spread the infection to other cats in your neighborhood. Also it will protect your cat from any disease-causing agents that it may be susceptible to. Another important thing is to watch for changes in your cat's behavior and health because the slightest change can indicate something is up medically. You will want to take your cat to get checked up by your vet regularly for blood work and wellness exams. A balanced nutritional diet is also important to maintain proper nutrition and a healthy weight.

How Can You Prevent FIV?

The best way to prevent FIV is to keep your cat indoors and if you bring another cat into your household have it tested before introducing it to any other cats you may have in your house. Vaccinating your cat for FIV is something you should speak to your vet about as well.

What Is FeLV?

FeLV stands for Feline Leukemia Virus and it is a transmittable RNA retrovirus that severely inhibits a cat's immune system. It was first discovered in the 1960s. FeLV predisposes a cat to a variety of infections and diseases including anemia, kidney disease and lymphosarcoma which is highly malignant and a fatal cancer of the lymph system.

How Does A Cat Become Infected With FeLV?
FeLV is a virus that is shed in bodily fluids such as: saliva, nasal secretions, blood, urine and feces. It is most commonly transmitted through direct contact like sharing litter boxes, food and water bowls and grooming one another. It is also passed in utero and through mother's milk. Cats who are outdoors and often fighting with other cats can transmit the disease through bites and scratches too.

What Are Symptoms of FeLV?

Infected cats can often show no signs but again it is the same as FIV. This list of symptoms could account for a number of diagnoses. Here are a few symptoms:

- Abcesses
- Change in behavior
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Lethargy
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- Pale or inflamed gums
- Upper respiratory infections
- Vomiting
- Seizures

How Is FeLV Diagnosed?

FeLV can also be diagnosed with a blood test.

How Is FeLV Treated?

Unfortunately there is no cure for FeLV and it is estimated that less than 20 percent of clinically infected cats survive more than three years after active infection. Most treatment is focused on providing a better quality of life.

What Do I Do If My Cat Has FeLV?

The best thing to do for your cat is to make it comfortable. Provide it with a quiet place indoors where it can rest. If you have other cats who have tested negative for FeLV you will need to house them separately keeping the infected cats food and water dishes and litter box separate from them.

How Can You Prevent FeLV?

There is a FeLV vaccination for cats who are at risk for contracting it. Discuss it with your vet and decide if it is best for your cat. Routine FeLV testing is also a good idea as well as keeping your cat indoors. Be a responsible pet owner because unfortunately there are a lot of irresponsible ones out there who don't try or care to get educated and take care of their pets.

I hope this post helped some people and please have a great rest of your Meow Monday! Winston will have a cute post up for you on Wednesday!