Pet Health & Behavior
Understanding FIV and FeLV
Many animal lovers have heard the phrases “FIV” and “FeLV,” but are not sure what they mean. This article offers general information on transmission, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of these two feline viruses. Of course, you should consult your veterinarian for detailed advice.
Transmission:
- FIV, often referred to as “feline AIDS,” is typically transmitted by a bite wound from another cat that is already infected. Unneutered male cats that are allowed to roam outdoors where they may get into fights are the most vulnerable to FIV. If the virus invades the bitten cat’s blood system, it will become “FIV+.” FIV cannot be transmitted from cats to humans or to dogs. Also, it is unlikely that transmission will occur through normal daily contact among household cats.
- FeLV (Feline leukemia virus) may be transmitted via body fluids such as saliva, tears, urine, and feces. Therefore it poses higher risks of infection than FIV. Like FIV, FeLV cannot be transmitted from cats to humans or to dogs.
Diagnosis:
- Symptoms of FIV and FeLV include weight loss, depression, enlarged lymph nodes, decreased appetite, and respiratory problems. However, these symptoms may be misleading since they characterize many other feline health problems. Also, a cat that has either or both of the viruses may be asymptomatic. The most reliable diagnostic tools are blood tests that your vet can do to screen for both viruses. Positive readings on either test indicate that the cat is a carrier, not necessarily that the cat has one or both of the diseases, especially if the animal appears healthy. Also, because a young kitten carries its mother’s antibodies in its system, it may have a “false positive” test result if its mother tests positive. For more reliable results, the kitten should be retested when it is older and is producing its own antibodies.
Prevention:
- Although vaccines are available to reduce the risk of contracting FIV and FeLV, the best protection is to keep your cat indoors and away from cats that are infected. If you adopt a new cat and already have cats that are negative for FIV and FeLV, have the new kitty tested before you introduce him to your current pets.
Treatment:
- Cats that test positive for either or both viruses can live quality lives for many years, and may live out their natural lives without ever developing the active disease. Good nutrition, a stress-free environment, and plenty of love, which are the mainstays of any companion animal’s life, are especially important to ensure the well being of FIV+ and FeLV+ cats. For those cats that do develop either disease, drug therapies are available to supplement the responsible home care that you are already providing. Your vet can provide you with detailed information and advice.
- (photos of Lily, Goliath, and Aurora to accompany this article; e-mailed separately as Word documents)
DHA’s Managed Cat Colonies
DHA’s Managed Cat Colonies, one for FIV+ cats and one for FIV- cats, were established in 2002 with financial support provided by bequests from Janice Reed and Peg Farrow, as well as donations from DHA board members. In order to continue to provide for these special cats, this program relies on private donations. Please consider a contribution to DHA and let us know that you’d like your money to help support the Managed Cat Colonies. Thank you!
About DHA cats
All DHA cats are routinely screened for FIV and FeLV. All kitties in the adoption rooms have tested negative for both viruses.
On those rare occasions when a DHA adult cat tests positive for FIV, the kitty is placed in our FIV+ Managed Cat Colony, where it can live peacefully for the rest of its life or until it is adopted as a “special needs” pet. If you would like to consider adopting a pet from DHA’s FIV+ managed cat colony, please call (571-0111) or visit the shelter and speak with one of our adoption staff members. We have some wonderful FIV+ kitties that would make terrific pets.
DHA has another Managed Cat Colony, this one filled with rescued feral cats that are negative for FIV and FeLV. All are healthy cats that have been spayed/neutered and vaccinated. Although most would not be suitable house pets, they would make great barn cats. If you’d like to find out more about adopting one of these kitties, please call or visit the shelter and speak with our adoption staff members.
For those times when the shelter has no safe place to house FeLV+ cats, DHA has a partnership with a refuge in Virginia that has accommodations for these special kitties.
