How can you tell if your cat has FIV?

How can you tell if your cat has FIV?

Look for signs of stomatitis and gingivitis. Even in full health, a cat’s mouth is full of bacteria. However, without a healthy immune system to hold them in check, the bacteria start to multiply, resulting in an inflamed mouth (stomatitis) and/or sore gums (gingivitis).

How long can a cat live with FIV?

Realize that a healthy cat with FIV may remain healthy for years. A cat that is well at the time of diagnosis may stay in good health for years and years. Even if your cat is healthy, however, it’s important to keep in mind that FIV weakens the body’s immune system.

How long does it take for a FIV test to come back?

The results are usually back within 15 minutes. If the test is negative but the cat has a history suggestive of FIV exposure, a second test should be run 6 weeks later. Only if this second test is also negative can the vet definitely say the cat does not have FIV. Ask your vet to send your cat’s blood for a PCR test.

Vets typically diagnose FIV in cats by performing blood tests that look for specific antibodies present in an infected cat’s blood. Your doctor may opt for additional testing before settling on a diagnosis of FIV. It is especially important to have pregnant cats evaluated for the virus because they can pass FIV to their kittens.

Can a cat pass the FIV virus to a human?

A cat can’t transmit the FIV virus to a human. They can only pass FIV on to another cat. You can help prevent your cat from contracting the virus by: Keep them indoors to avoid potential contact with infected cats. Put a leash on your cat when you walk them outside.

Is the feline leukemia virus the same as FIV?

Many people confuse FIV with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Although these diseases are in the same retrovirus family and cause many similar secondary conditions FeLV and FIV are different diseases. What Are the Symptoms of FIV? An FIV-infected cat may not show any symptoms for years.

What’s the difference between FIV and HIV in cats?

“FIV” stands for “feline immunodeficiency virus” just as “HIV” stands for “human immunodeficiency virus.” In fact, these two viruses are closely related and much of the general information that has become common knowledge for HIV also holds true for FIV. FIV is a virus that causes AIDS in cats; however,…