Cats and Kittens

Since the advent of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the severe complications to human health it can cause, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), investigation into similar retroviral diseases in other animals, particularly our domestic pets, has become more extensive. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), originally called feline T-lymphotropic lentivirus, is the generic name for a group of retroviruses that can infect our domestic cats, as well as other feline species, and have similar detrimental impacts on their health, often referred to as feline AIDS.

Those most likely to infect domestic cats are FIV-Fca subtypes A through E; infection by two or more subtypes is far more serious to a cat’s health than infection by only one. Unfortunately, most infected cats have more than one type and generally pass them on to other cats through their saliva; occasionally in greeting but mostly through bites inflicted during fights, or rarely, sexual intercourse. Toms and older cats are in the “most at risk” category for this infection.

Viruses are considered non-living biological agents because they are unable to reproduce independently. They require the cellular mechanisms of a host cell to replicate themselves. The various retroviruses given names identifying the species affected and ending with “immunodeficiency virus” are so called because the host cells they invade within their target species are the white blood cells (WBCs).

It is the WBCs that collectively provide the specific immune system responses and some of the non-specific immune system responses that protect animals from and fight off infections of pathogenic (disease causing) agents and/or combat neoplasms (cancers). By targeting these WBCs as host cells, the various, species specific, immunodeficiency viruses (IVs) not only avail themselves of a ready source of host cells, but reduce the capability of the host animal to defend itself from them. Most IVs target T-cells and neutrophils, so reduced counts of these cells within a blood sample is a strong indicator for the presence of an IV.

This is why people and animals do not die as a direct result of the IV, but from diseases caused by secondary infections or from cancers. In reproducing itself using the cellular mechanisms of WBCs, in a process that creates a very large number of new virions (individual viruses), the IV kills the host cell. Large scale infections of IVs result in significant reductions in WBCs, and therefore

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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), a viral infection specific to cats, was first identified in 1986. The virus is similar in structure and symptomology to HIV in people, hence the name Feline Aids. FIV is a lentivirus; “lentus” from the Latin, meaning “slow” refers to its long incubation time before becoming active.

How does a cat catch FIV?

The virus is present in blood, saliva and cerebro-spinal fluid. FIV is usually transmitted through deep bite wounds, frequently incurred from fighting with aggressive male cats outdoors. The virus is unstable outside of the body so casual contact, such as sharing bowls or bedding, does not seem to spread it. Indoor cats who do not fight have a low incidence of FIV. It is also possible for FIV to spread from a mother cat to her kitten during birth or nursing.

What are feline AIDS symptoms?

A cat with FIV may appear normal for years, however, over time the immune system becomes compromised, putting him at risk for opportunistic infections from bacteria, fungi and other viruses that would not trouble a healthy cat. It is these secondary infections that endanger him.

In the first stage the virus lodges in the lymph nodes where it begins to reproduce in the white blood cells compromising them. It then spreads throughout the body using the lymph system. It is possible to detect the swollen lymph nodes in this stage and some cats may develop fever or anemia but this often goes unnoticed.

The second stage has no symptoms and may last for years with the cat exhibiting apparently normal health.

In the final stage of cat AIDS the immune system is weakened and is susceptible to persistent, recurrent infections that become progressively worse through time. Symptoms of the disease phase of the virus include fever, loss of appetite, chronic diarrhea, and poor coat quality. As it progresses, inflammation of the gums, a variety of eye and skin infections and chronic weight loss can occur. As in Human HIV patients, cats will be subject to specific blood diseases and cancers. Seizures and behavior changes have also been observed. In this stage death usually occurs within a year.

How is FIV diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through a simple antibody test (ELISA) done on the blood. False positives are not uncommon, so a positive result will be re-tested with a different test called the Western Blot to confirm. Testing should be done on a cat before it is brought into a home with other cats.

How can FIV be prevented?

There is no cure so prevention is critical. A vaccine is available but it may not protect all cats and is still controversial at this stage. The best prevention is to keep cats indoors, away from exposure to other cats who may be carriers. Neuter male cats to keep them home and less aggressive. If you have a problem with stray cats around your house they should be humanely trapped and turned over to the humane society.

Now that a cat has FIV how can it be managed?

Once a cat has been diagnosed as FIV positive he should be kept indoors to prevent the spread to other cats in the neighborhood. There is currently on-going research with anti-viral drugs, like those used with human AIDS, but the results have not been as successful. He should be taken to the vet twice yearly to catch any early signs of infection or disease; vaccinations for other diseases should be kept up to date. The current trend in raw food diets should not be followed due to the increased susceptibility of FIV cats to parasites and pathogens found in these foods. With vigilant care and medical support when needed a cat who tests positive for FIV may still have many good years ahead of him.

Feline distemper: Cat distemper symptoms and treatment

Feline distemper or feline panleukopenia is a viral infection that affects cats. This potentially serious disease is caused by feline parvovirus. This virus is capable of surviving in the environment. It remains highly transmittable for more than a year. Although feline parvovirus is comparative to canine parvovirus, it is not associated with canine distemper.

Recognize cat distemper symptoms

Once feline parvovirus gets into the cat’s body, the cat will start to experience bloody diarrhea, vomiting, appetite loss, fever, dehydration and weight loss. Cats with this disease lack energy. They can manifest a yellowish skin, eyes and ears because of the developing disease on their liver.

Internal ulceration will also be observed from infected cats. Feline parvovirus chiefly attacks the gastrointestinal tract’s lining, thus causing overall intestinal epithelium sloughing. Other feline distemper symptoms include the following:

*Decrease in the white blood cells of the cat;

*Decrease in the cat’s blood platelet and hematocrit counts;

*Depression and anemia;

*Loss of the cat’s skin elasticity because of dehydration;

*Self-biting in the back legs, tail and lower back.

Oftentimes, feline parvovirus is passed to a kitten or the cat when it ingests or gasps secretions from infected cats. This virus mimics within the cat’s tissues and moves to the blood stream, wherein it persists to propagate all the way through the cat’s body. Sometimes this virus is spread by means of contact with food dishes or with handlers of cats that are infected by this virus. This virus is cast in almost all of infected cats’ secretions and is resistant to various disinfectants.

Feline panleukopenia becomes more life threatening when it enters the bone marrow of the cat. The cat may become very sick or may even die when this stage is reached, since its capability to struggle off illness will be prejudiced by the reduction on its white blood cells.

Proper vaccination is the best prevention against feline parvovirus beginning roughly when the animal is just five to nine weeks old. It is necessary to repeat vaccinations when the cat reaches approximately 12 or 15 weeks of age. Cats that are given feline distemper vaccines have long-term immunity. And in order to eliminate feline parvovirus, some areas of the house must be rinsed with household bleach that is concentrated with tap water at a dilution of about 30 parts of water to one part of bleach. The surfaces must be rinsed well if the cat is to be accommodated on bleached surfaces.

Treating feline panleukopenia

Feline distemper as well as the virus that causes it is not curable, so treatment implicates supportive care. Administration of fluids is required to prevent cats from dehydration. This may either be administered into the vein of the cat or by means of intravenous fluid therapy. Subcutaneous fluid therapy may also be applied to prevent an infected cat from being dehydrated. Antibiotics can also help in treating cats or kittens that experience a reduction in their white blood cell count because of feline panleukopenia.

Cats with feline panleukopenia often lacks energy and they tend to become so very ill. There are about 60 to 80 percent possibility that feline panleukopenia infected kittens will die from this disease due to their infantile immune systems. However, adult cats that have weak immune system also don’t have a good chance of surviving. Nevertheless, healthy cats are often capable of fighting the disease and their feline panleukopenia symptoms have a tendency to be less life threatening.