Mary Allen
FIV is a contagious viral disease. Once infected there is no cure. The FI virus spreads throughout the cat’s body. It gradually destroys the white blood platelets and T-helper cells that are important for the body’s defense system. Bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens then have an easy time of it. The clinical picture is therefore very non-specific. When cat AIDS breaks out, many animals experience severe inflammation of the oral mucosa and gums. As in humans, it can happen that the disease only breaks out several years after the actual FIV infection.
These are the Causes of FIV
The most common cause of FIV in cats is the transmission of the virus through a cat bite. Outdoor cats are particularly at risk of being infected by other infected animals. The virus gets from the sick animal’s saliva directly into the bloodstream of the bitten cat. Unlike in humans, however, transmission through intercourse hardly plays a role. There is also no risk of people or other animals becoming infected. FIV is only transmitted from cat to cat. However, pregnant animals often transmit the virus to their young in the womb.
What You Can Do About It
There is no vaccine or effective treatment against FIV. With the right medication, however, the onset of the disease can be delayed so that the cat can live free of symptoms for a long time. You reduce the risk of infection by neutering. The animal then does not stray around as much and seeks fewer power struggles with other outdoor cats. Once the immune system collapses and the disease unfolds, things can often happen quickly. Harmless bacteria, even from your own oral flora, can lead to serious infections. Eventually, the animal becomes so weak that it dies.