Greencross Vets Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Commonly called Feline AIDs
Keeping your cat up-to-date with their Feline Aids Vaccination will protect them from the FIV viral disease which can affect your cats immune system.
FIV is classified as lentivirus or ‘slow virus’ meaning that infected cats may appear normal for years post infection. The main route of transmission is through cat bites making cats who are allowed outdoors at serious risk of being exposed.
Eventually, infection with this virus leads to a state of immune deficiency that decreases the cat’s ability to protect itself against other infections. This means that bacteria or viruses found in the cat’s normal environment that would normally not affect them can cause severe illness. It is these secondary infections that cause many of the symptoms seen in FIV-infected cats. With this in mind, the symptoms of FIV can be variable but may include persistent fever and recurrent infections of gums, mouth, skin or respiratory tract. They may also suffer from persistent diarrhoea and weight loss. Infected cats are also more prone to certain types of cancers and blood diseases along with neurological diseases.
If your feline friend is exposed to the outdoors or neighbourhood cats, consider incorporating the Feline Aids Vaccination into your cat’s program. This can be given from 8 weeks of age.
To learn more about protecting your cat from Feline Aids by vaccinating, contact your local Greencross Vets team today or book online!
