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Feline Aids (FIV) Feline AIDS is caused by infection with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV causes a potentially fatal viral disease that interferes with the immune system of a cat. The virus lives in the blood of the infected cat and is carried in its system through its life. Infected cats may expose healthy cats when they come into contact, most often by biting. Cats infected with FIV may remain healthy for up to 10 years. While some infected cats show no signs of disease, other may display initial symptoms, such as; fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy and swollen lymph nodes. As the disease progresses, other symptoms may occur, such as; weight loss, sores in and around the mouth, eye lesions, poor hair coat, and chronic infections. Eventually, the immune system becomes too weak to fight off other infections or diseases. As a result, a cat will die from one of these subsequent infections. |