Signs & Symptoms of Cat AIDS

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)---sometimes called feline AIDS---is similar to the human form of the disease. Cats cannot spread it to humans, however. Like people, cats infected with this condition cannot fight off illness and infections normally. Several signs and symptoms may indicate infection with this virus.

  1. Skin

    • The infection affects the cat's ability to fight off yeast, bacteria and other harmful organisms, resulting in certain skin conditions that may be chronic or recurrent. They include hair loss, ringworm lesions, gum infections, infected mucous membranes in the mouth, pus-filled nodules, abcesses, mange and ear mites, according to Dr. Holly Nash of PetEducation.com and AnimalHealthChannel.com, a website developed and maintained by veterinarians.

    Mouth, Eyes and Stomach

    • Certain oral, ocular and gastrointestinal symptoms also are a result of FIV infection. Eye problems include glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis, keratitis, redness and discharge. Frequent oral infections occur in about 50 percent of infected cats, according to Nash. This can lead to trouble eating and drinking, foul breath and pain when touched in that area. Chronic parasitic infections result in frequent diarrhea in 10 to 20 percent of FIV-infected cats, says Nash. Gastrointestinal problems also lead to weight loss.

    Neurological Changes

    • Neurological symptoms might result from the infection itself or from infections that result from suppressed immunity. They include changes in behavior, dementia, twitching, abnormal movements, seizures, neuropathy and no longer using the litter box.

    Respiratory Problems

    • According to Nash, 30 percent of affected cats have chronic respiratory problems resulting in sneezing and nasal discharge. They might also have trouble breathing and chronic rhinitis (runny nose).