The feline immunodeficiency virus (abbreviated as FIV, from the English Feline Immunodeficiency Virus ) is a retrovirus responsible for an infectious and contagious disease for cats, very similar to the immunodeficiency syndrome that affects humans.
In fact, like HIV, the feline immunodeficiency virus affects the immune system causing its progressive weakening and, in the long term, predisposes the animal to contract secondary infections with greater ease. For this reason, the disease is improperly called cat AIDS .
The virus is transmitted from a sick cat to a healthy one mainly through the bite or direct contact with saliva and blood. Man cannot be infected by IVF, as can other non-feline animals.
The feline immunodeficiency syndrome has a rather slow course and, from the moment of infection, IVF cats survive on average 4-5 years. Symptomatic seropositive animals may exhibit weakness, loss of appetite, decreased body weight, fever, anemia, abscesses, respiratory infections, diarrhea, stomatitis and gingivitis.
To date, there is still no specific cure or vaccination. However, to ascertain whether the animal is FIV + by serological investigation (conducted on a blood sample by the veterinarian), then performing periodic checks and ensuring good hygiene and nutrition can improve and lengthen its life.
