Do you know what an immune cat is? Our furry can be affected by various diseases, one of the most serious being feline AIDS or FIV. Although several things can be done to prevent it, once the virus enters the cat's body there is no effective treatment to eliminate it completely.
For this reason, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about this disease: causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment.
What is the VIF?
FIV or feline immunodeficiency virus, also known as feline AIDS, is a disease transmitted by a virus, specifically a highly contagious lentivirus among cats. This microorganism it quickly targets the animal's immune system with a single purpose: to destroy it.
In doing so, after a few months or years we will see that the cat begins to show symptoms of diseases that can be more or less serious, but that will need veterinary attention so that it can have a good quality of life.
How is it spread?
For a cat to get FIV It must be in contact with the saliva or blood of another cat that is sick. But in addition, it is necessary to know that the virus can enter the organism through bites, and that an infected cat will infect her kittens during pregnancy and lactation.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms are the following:
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Gingivitis
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomatitis
- Dull coat
- Inflammation of the connective tissue
- Mental impairment
- Abortions and fertility problems
- Recurrent infections
Therefore, if we suspect that he is in poor health, we must take him to the vet as soon as possible.
Diagnosis and treatment of AIDS in cats
Once at the veterinary clinic or hospital, what the professional will do is perform several tests to find out if the animal's body has begun to produce specific antibodies against the virus, which will indicate that he has become ill. However, they are not 100% reliable, so they will surely do a complete blood test as well.
If the diagnosis is unfortunately confirmed, prescribe antimicrobial medications to control infections, and anti-inflammatories in the event of gingivitis and / or stomatitis. In addition, it will have to be taken to have it checked once a year.
Can it be prevented?
The reality is that not entirely, but yes. In fact, all you have to do is the following:
- Keep the cat vaccinated.
- Give him a quality meal, without grains.
- Avoid leaving the house.
- Neutering him, especially if we want him to go out for a walk, before the first heat (at 5-6 months).
- Keep the house and everything in it clean.
With all these tips, and, above all, giving the cat a lot of love, we will surely be able to enjoy their company for a long time.