Pet Blog > Managing Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Costs

Managing Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Costs

If you have ever owned a cat, it is likely that you have heard the acronym “FIV.” Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a common virus that is specific to the feline family. FIV, first discovered in the mid-1980s, is found in cats and kittens worldwide. Feline HIV is a virus that can cause AIDS in cats; but, there’s often a long asymptomatic period before this occurs.

The primary mode of transmission of FIV is through bite wounds resulting in FIV is often called the "fighting cat" disease. The disease commonly spreads from one cat to another by fighting (specifically, by scratching and biting). Cat HIV causes a potentially fatal and highly contagious retroviral infection which impairs a cat’s immune system and makes her susceptible to illness and secondary infections.

As neutered cats and kittens fight much less than intact cats, neuter programs considerably reduce FIV transmission. Most FIV cats can live for several years—sometimes their whole lives—without any noticeable side effects of this virus. Hence, an FIV-positive diagnosis is not a death sentence for your cat. However, keep in mind that there are various strains of FIV, and some are more harmful than others.

Symptoms of FIV in Cats

Your cat can be infected with feline immunodeficiency virus for a prolonged period before he becomes noticeably ill. Experts call this period “viral dormancy.” As the FIV affects the ability of the immune system to fight disease, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other disease organisms may trigger severe illness.

Symptoms of FIV in cats are: 

• Cancer (especially lymphosarcoma)

• Pale gums

• Ocular (eye) inflammation

• Wounds that will not heal

• Loss of appetite

• Leucopenia and anemia

• Weight loss

• Behavior changes, seizures, and other neurological disorders

• Persistent diarrhea

• Bad breath

• Chronic skin infections

• Runny eyes

FIV Diagnosis

There is a straightforward blood test that can check for exposure to feline FIV. A positive test result indicates that your cat has feline HIV and is likely to remain infected for the rest of his or her life.

Usually, the average age of FIV positive cats is five years old, and the risk of infection tends to increase with age. If you suspect an FIV infection in your cat, your vet would like to conduct a comprehensive physical exam on the cat. Your vet will take the history of symptoms into consideration and other possible contributing incidents.

Your vet will test for feline HIV with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Your vet can perform this kind of test in the veterinary clinic. It is also known as a SNAP test. The test works by screening for FIV-specific antibodies present in the blood.

If your cat or kitten tests positive on the ELISA test, you have to confirm the results by retesting in eight weeks or by submitting your cat's blood samples for a more definitive PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test or Western Blot test. Also, a urinalysis will be performed to evaluate kidney function as well as screen for urinary infections.

FIV Treatment

It's vital to keep in mind that there is no definite cure for FIV in cats. Sometimes, suitable antibiotics or other drugs to help stimulate the cat's immune system can treat FIV, which restores the cat to relatively good health. Various antibiotics may effectively treat secondary bacterial infections linked to feline HIV. 

Unfortunately, this is often only temporary, and new infections may continue to occur due to the suppressed immune system. An FIV-infected cat must be spayed or neutered and should be restricted indoors to prevent the spread of feline HIV to other cats in the area. Doing so also lowers their exposure to various infectious agents that are carried by other animals. 

You should feed your cat nutritionally complete and balanced diets. Uncooked food, like raw meat and eggs, as well as unpasteurized dairy products, must be avoided to reduce the risk of food-borne bacterial infections and parasitic infections. Hospitalization is often not required unless your cat is extremely dehydrated.

Post Treatment Care

The main goals of managing an FIV-infection in cats are preventing further spread of the infection to other cats while maintaining a good quality of life for your infected cat. Post-treatment care and support should include the following:

• Confine your FIV-positive cat indoors, if possible

•  Keep the cat away from non-infected cats. 

• You can create a cat-proof enclosure that allows your cat or kitten some access to the outdoors without coming in contact with other cats. You can use fencing in your garden

• Maintain proper quality nutrition - feed good quality foods and avoid raw eggs, meat, and unpasteurized dairy products to minimize the risk of exposure to bacteria and parasites that may cause disease

• Maintain high-quality routine preventive healthcare (routine vaccinations and regular flea and worm control, etc.)

• Ideally, vet health checks twice annually - your vet might suggest specific blood tests regularly to monitor your kitty's health

Average Cost of Treatment

Treatment for the feline immunodeficiency virus is quite expensive. According to estimates, the cost range from $150 to $2,000 per treatment. This cost varies depending on the medications your veterinarian prescribes, whether or not you have pet insurance, whether or not your cat needs surgery, and the time in which your cat undergoes treatment.

The cost can also vary depending on the size and age of your cat, veterinary bills, and the stage of FIV. With the soaring cost of veterinary care, you can expect high veterinarian bills if your cat contracts feline HIV. Furthermore, knowing that your cat will have this for the remainder of their life it is important to think about how you will address the costs associated with keeping your cat healthy. These higher costs are the reason more cat owners are resorting to veterinary crowdfunding to help with high and/or unexpected veterinary bills.

If you are low on funds, consider setting up a fundraising campaign for your pet. Have a bit of fun while doing it. You get to tell your cat’s story, including a cute picture and share your needs with the community of pet lovers out there. Get social and post your campaign to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Pet lovers frequently visit these sites and you can capitalize on their big hearts by pulling at those heart strings to help your fury friend. There are a few sites that are solely dedicated to pet crowdfunding. Consider starting your campaign on a site like CoFund My Pet that is, as it may increase the looks you receive from other pet lovers.

Concluding Thoughts

Although it’s not possible to prevent FIV disease in cats, pet owners who keep their kitties inside are less likely to face problems. As bites are one of the primary culprits for transmission, preventing your cat from fighting and being near strays can reduce the risk of infection. 

Were you looking for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) instead?

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