As cat owners, we often face questions about our pets’ health. Two diseases frequently discussed in veterinary circles are feline leukemia (FeLV) and the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Both are chronic viral diseases that can significantly affect a cat’s quality of life, making it essential for anyone who wants to provide their cat with a long and healthy life to understand their characteristics.
Infected cats may show no symptoms for a long time, but once the virus becomes active, the following are often observed:
FIV, also known as “feline HIV,” is another viral infection that affects a cat’s immune system. While FIV works similarly to FeLV, it is primarily transmitted through bites and fights, which means cats that frequently battle with other cats are most at risk. In addition to saliva, transmission can also occur through sexual contact and intrauterine transmission from an infected mother.
Once the virus enters the body, it travels to the nearest lymph nodes, from where it spreads to all other body lymph nodes. It replicates in white blood cells (leukocytes). After a few days or weeks, fever follows, along with a drastic drop in white blood cell count. The disease can continue to progress over several years, as the virus destroys the immune system. This weakens the system to the point that even the smallest infection, which would not affect a healthy cat, can be life-threatening for FIV-positive cats.
Protection against both diseases starts with basic measures:
FeLV and FIV are serious diseases that can significantly impact your cat’s life, but with proper prevention and early diagnosis, infected cats can live a quality life. Regular testing, vaccination, and preventing contact with unknown cats are crucial. If you notice any symptoms or have concerns that your cat may be infected, a visit to the veterinarian is essential for early diagnosis and a treatment plan.
