Posts tagged "feline immunodeficiency virus"

Feline AIDS is a potentially deadly disease that afflicts the immune system of household cats. As part of a Paw Nation series providing background about the medical problems your pet may suffer, we spoke to Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City, to get some insights about the condition. You should always consult your veterinarian before giving medication or supplements to your pet.

What are the signs that my cat has feline AIDS?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is the virus that causes feline AIDS. FIV-positive cats may not demonstrate visible signs to their owners. Some symptoms may include problems with the oral cavity -- such as dental disease that is more severe than you would expect for the cat's age. Gingivitis is a common problem with FIV-positive cats, meaning they will have very inflamed gums. Some cats with more advanced cases of FIV may have unexplained weight loss and may develop infections.

The Cat House on the Kings is a one-of-a-kind animal shelter. Located on 12 acres next to the Kings River in California's San Joaquin Valley, it's an utterly surreal spot on which hundreds and hundreds of cats run free. "It's cat heaven and dog Disneyland," says founder Lynea Lattanzio, who opened the sanctuary in 1992, having purchased the tract of land after a divorce, as a place to retire in peace and quiet.

The cats even have their own house, as Lattanzio recently moved out of the 4,200-square-foot home she'd been living, as there were 65 cats living in her bedroom. She now lives in a small house on the property, and does her best to keep cats out of her personal space. But animals otherwise have their run of the place. Lattanzio estimates she's currently harboring 700 cats and 100 kittens, as well as about 15 dogs and six goats.

Cat House on the Kings is less "crazy lady and her cats" and more of a well-run company, boasting numerous volunteers and 22 paid employees. Lattanzio wakes at 4:30 a.m. every day to begin taking care of the felines, starting with their feeding. The facility goes through some 900 pounds of cat food per week -- giant bowls of chow and water sit around the premises -- not to mention 300 ounces of canned food and half a pallet of scoopable litter. One worker's sole job, from when they arrive until when they go home, is to change litter boxes. "That's going to be a nice thing for them to put on their resume," notes Lattanzio.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are phrases that every cat owner dreads -- and for good reason. The diseases are deadly, and treatments for either of them are limited. That may soon change.

Missouri-based company ProLabs has recently launched a drug to fight these devastating infections. It's the first treatment for the diseases to have been granted a conditional license by the USDA.

Veterinarian and consultant for the Cornell Feline Health Center Christine Bellezza told Paw Nation that FeLV and FIV are related but distinct diseases. "They both affect the immune system, but in slightly different ways."

Both infections suppress a cat's immune response and impair the ability to fight off diseases. As a result, infected cats often pick up a parade of viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Blood disorders, such as life-threatening anemia, are common in cats with FeLV or FIV, and the viruses can also cause various types of cancer. In fact, feline leukemia is the most common cause of cancer in cats.

FIV is spread from cat to cat mostly through bite wounds and intercourse (another reason to spay and neuter!). FeLV passes from cat to cat much more casually -- infected kitties can pass the virus to their playmates through grooming and by sharing a litter box or food dish. Kittens are especially susceptible to contracting the virus.