There are some diseases cats might have, such as elaborated in common diseases of cat. One of the viral infections happens in cats is FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). This disease occurs worldwide, you your cat might also get this disease.
As its names, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus attacks the cats’ immune system. As a result, the infected cats are vulnerable to other infections. The cats infected by FIV might seem normal for years. However, this virus will allow harmless bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi to cause severe illnesses to the cat.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is commonly spread through bite wounds. So, free-roaming and aggressive male cats have more chances to get this infection and spread it to others.
The virus is present in the saliva of the infected cat and it is transmitted to another cat via cat bite. It can also be spread from a pregnant cat to her kittens as well.
How FIV Causes Disease
FIV causes disease by infecting the cells of the immune system (white blood cells). The virus will kill or damage the cells it infects and compromise their normal function. This condition will lead to gradual decline in the cat’s immune system.
The virus replicates and causes some mild signs of disease in the first few weeks. The examples of the signs of disease are mild fever and swollen lymph nodes.
These signs are commonly unnoticed. After a period of time, the viral replication increases again, and the infected cats will continue to develop the signs of disease. This condition will keep going until 2 to 5 years after the first time the cat is infected. As it goes, the condition will lead to the damage of the immune system.
How FIV causes infection
Besides causing diseases, FIV is also able to cause infection. The frequency and degree of infection caused by FIV varies in different cat populations. It commonly infects the cats who live in a crowded environment, where the cats commonly fight with each other. In contrary, the number of infected cats is low in the area where the cats are indoors.
To keep your cat indoors, you can try these popular tips to keep your cat happy playing indoors.
Clinical Signs of FIV Infection
FIV causes disease through the process of immunosuppression, a normal response of the immune system from a cat. This condition leads to an increased susceptibility to other infections or diseases. An infected cat may not show any symptoms for years, but once it develops, the symptoms may gradually develop signs of sickness for years. These are the common symptoms shown by infected cats:
- fever.
- anemia.
- weight loss.
- diarrhea.
- loss of appetite (poor appetite).
- inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis).
- enlarged lymph nodes.
- sneezing.
- discharge from eyes or nose.
- changes in behavior.
- dental disease.
- inflammation of the gum.
- inflammation of the mouth.
- redness on skin or hair loss.
If you see any of these symptoms, immediately bring your cat to the veterinarian.
Transmission of FIV
As being told before, FIV is transmitted through the saliva of the infected cat. When the infected cat starts to bite the other cat, then the virus is transmitted.
It happens during the aggressive fights and tutorial disputes. That’s why to prevent this condition, it is better to keep your cat indoors. If you experience cat fight, you can avoid these reasons why cats fight. Avoid stimulating these reasons.
Another way of transmitting FIV is from the FIV-infected mother cat to her kittens. FIV won’t be transmitted through food sharing by litter boxes and bowls, social grooming and other modes of contacts, specifically sneezing.
How to Treat Your FIV-infected Cat?
There are several ways you can do to take care of your infected cat. Here are the ways:
- It is better to keep your cat indoors. By keeping your cat indoors, you will be able to prevent her from getting contact with the disease-causing agents. Bringing your cat indoors may also protect the uninfected cats in your community.
- Watch for any changes in your cat’s health and behavior. If you see any, then immediately report to your vet.
- Remember to always check your cat to the vet at least twice a year. You can check for your cat’s wellness checkup, blood count and urine analysis. Also, make sure your cat gets these essential vaccines for cat.
- Make sure you feed your cat with nutritionally balanced food. Avoid raw food diets as bacteria and parasites in uncooked meat and eggs are dangerous to FIV-infected cats. Make sure you know the best nutrition facts that should be contained in cat food.