FIV vs Feline Leukemia...Myths and Facts

Today I want to touch on another controversial topic...FIV and Feline Leukemia (FeLV) because there are a lot of websites out there giving misinformation and scaring people and getting the two mixed up.  Here is the basic difference; FIV is extremely difficult to transmit and FeLV is much easier to transmit.  FIV can only be transmitted through a very deep intramuscular bite as seen in unneutered feral males and can be transmitted from mom to baby.  FeLV can be transmitted by sharing water and food bowls and through shared grooming.  Unfortunately, some cats are double positive which means they test positive for both FIV and FeLV.  It doesn't mean they should be euthanized immediately either.

Now for the more indepth information and the clinical stuff.  First, neither of these viruses can be transmitted to humans or other non-cat species.  Second, if your vet calls FIV "feline AIDS" you should find another vet because he/she has antiquated thinking and is not up to date on the latest research.  FeLV is a retrovirus which means it's a family of viruses that can cause a variety of health issues and diseases and sometimes death.  FIV belongs to a different retrovirus family called Lentivirus which means they are slow-progressing and long-life.  However, with FIV the cats immune system can fight off the virus and the cat can eventually test negative as the cat ages and develops.  In my work in rescue I have personally seen two kittens do this as they grew to adults.  Their names are Bang and Tango (from the 80's big hair band Bang Tango) and they were recently adopted through http://www.calvinspaws.org/. This is just one group who has FIV cats.

This picture came up when I searched for FIV cats...cute huh

According to Winn Feline Health, there are 4 possibilities once a cat is exposed to to FeLV and each one depends on the cat's immune system and how it handles the virus.  Once exposure occurs the potential is for the virus to be completely fought off and the cat is resistant for an undetermined amount of time, it is not fought off and the cat secretes the virus through saliva, the cat does not produce an immunity to the virus immediately and it lies dormant in the bone marrow for an undetermined amount of time and these cats will either overcome the virus or the fact that they did not develop an immunity will allow the virus opportunity, and finally some cats will develop "latent or sequestered infection" which means they will not ever develop the infection and will not become contagious (winnfelinehealth.org).


http://www.v63.net/catsanctuary/vet_question.html

http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/felv-fiv.html

FIV, in my opinion and the opinion of several vets in my area, is not a big deal although you should keep these animals as healthy as possible.  That being said, you should always keep your pet as healthy as possible no matter what.  Giving your cat the amino acid L-Lysine can help stop the replication of any viruses that may be going on (http://www.l-lysinebenefits.net/lysine-for-cats/).  This link mentions the herpes virus which is completely different than that in humans and another topic for another day.  L-Lysine can be taken by humans as well so if you have some at home you can sprinkle approximately 1/5 tsp on your cat's food and it will help.  It can be found at any health store or online.

FIV positive cats can also be put with negative cats without worry since it is so difficult to transmit.  These cats are often the sweetest cats and will often live long healthy lives without any extra care needed.  I personally have them integrated with my personal cats without incident.

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/felv.html

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/askDr/CW_FeLV.cfm

Please do your research and ask lots of questions before euthanizing a cat with EITHER positive test.  Since the initial test was more than likely a simple SNAP test, which only tests for antibodies and not the actual virus, do the more indepth testing (IFA and Western Blot) before making any decisions.  There is tons of research out there about both of these viruses and some things that can be done and you may find that nothing needs to be done.

I am more than willing to discuss this topic so please send me any question you have and if I don't know the answer I will find out.  I do have contacts at the local Veterinary School here and can ask them questions as well.

As always I welcome your comments, questions, and concerns about this topic or any others.  If you have a topic you'd like discussed please send it on and we will definitely put it out there for you and everyone else.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and tell your friends and family about us.