Maladies

Like FeLV and HIV in humans, FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection) belongs to the group of retroviruses. Like these, FIV infection leads to a weakening of the immune system, resulting in a wide variety of symptoms. (Note: HIV does not produce disease in cats, and FIV does not produce disease in humans.)

Symptoms: general apathy, inflammation of the gums, head cold, slow healing of skin wounds, fever, enlarged lymph glands, and diarrhea.

FIV infection is most frequently seen in older uncastrated males that are allowed to run free. Transmission of the disease is usually through bites, for instance when two cats fight over territory or when the male bites the back of the female's neck during copulation. For this reason, only a relatively small percentage of cats are affected by this disease. As is similar in the case of feline leukemia, symptoms of FIV are so varied that it can be difficult to establish an ad hoc diagnosis. A blood test is available.

No vaccine has yet been developed against FIV.