Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Symptoms

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) usually passes from cat to cat through the deep wounds they inflict on one another during territorial fights. A less common way of transmitting the virus is through pregnancy, when an infected mother cat passes the virus to her kittens. If you're concerned about FIV, make an appointment with a veterinarian. She'll draw your cat's blood and look for certain antibodies that indicate the presence of the infection.

  1. Skin Problems

    • The feline immunodeficiency virus may lie dormant for many years before it begins to weaken your cat's immune system. When the virus becomes full blown, your pet will experience a series of health issues, including skin abscesses, gum and mouth inflammations, inflamed tissue around its teeth, and deposits of pus in the skin.

    Gastrointestinal Issues

    • A cat infected with the feline immunodeficiency virus experiences overproduction of normal bacteria and parasitic infections in its gut, which leads to chronic diarrhea and possible dehydration. As a result of these digestive system problems, your cat will slowly, but continuously lose weight.

    Immunological Disorders

    • As feline immunodeficiency takes hold, you cat's ability to fight diseases will become progressively impaired by disorders that include a reduction of both white and red blood cells in the bloodstream, lymph nodes with decreased tissue, enlarged lymph nodes and cancer of the lymphatic system.

    Neurological Anomalies

    • If your cat has feline immunodeficiency, you'll notice changes in its behavior, including signs of dementia, facial twitching, lack of motor control and seizures. Your cat may also experience pain as well as loss of physical sensation.

    Eye Problems

    • The feline immunodeficiency virus causes severe eye problems that impair your cat's ability to see well or at all. Eye problems include cataracts, inflamed eyelid membranes, glaucoma---which distorts images your cat sees---and corneal inflammation.

    Pregnancy and Respiratory Problems

    • Female cats with feline immunodeficiency that become pregnant are susceptible to stillbirths and spontaneous abortions. The virus also affects the upper respiratory system of both male and female cats, causing rhinitis, the inflammation of the nose's inner lining.