FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and Feline AIDS are very common in the cat population and are very similar to the human equivalents. The number of infected cats have dramatically increased over the last several years, and up to 19% of cats tested positive for this deadly disease in an alarming study! Because FIV attacks the immune system many cats die each year from FIV related illnesses.

HOW DOES A CAT BECOME INFECTED?
FIV is transmitted via saliva, so a non-infected cat needs to be bitten by an infected cat to contract the virus. Therefore, outdoor cats are more susceptible to becoming one of the percentage carrying this disease.

WHAT ARE THE FIV SYMPTOMS?
Like HIV, FIV can progress to AIDS (or Feline AIDS – Feline Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) that suppresses the immune system in the same way. Therefore, symptoms are not readily seen in infected cats for months, even years after contracting the virus. When signs do appear, Feline AIDS reveals itself in the form of:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Ear/skin infections
• Lethargy
• Sores in or around the mouth
• Slow wound healing
• Weight loss
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Eye lesions

Because the immune system is too weak to fight off infections the cat will inevitably die from one of the subsequent problems caused by FIV.

HOW DO YOU PREVENT FIV IN YOUR CAT?
Once your cat has contracted FIV there is no known treatment or cure and because the disease is eventually fatal it is a nightmare to many cat owners. However, keeping your cat protected from FIV is easy! Simply request the FIV vaccination to be given to your feline friend when you visit us at Pet Doctors Palm Beach!

Along with the vaccination you can go one step further by:

• Limiting your cat’s exposure to other cats whose vaccination status is unknown
• Keeping your cat indoors
• Minimizing the chance of fights between your cats
• Testing new cats that are introduced to your household

PLEASE NOTE: While FIV can be transmitted between cats, humans cannot contract the virus.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a deadly virus which affects many cats and their loving owners, however early vaccination can mean all the difference in the world! Contact Pet Doctors Palm Beach on 5576 0400 and we can organize a vaccination for your cat.