Feline Aids

Question
I have a four year old male Persian cat that just tested positive for feline aids today.  I would like any information you have on this disease - especially how it is transmitted and any known risk to humans.  I would also like to know how the disease progresses and what I can expect to see happen to him from this.  Is it hopeless and something that will require putting him to sleep or are there medications available to help strengthen his immune system?
Thank you for any information you can give me.

Answer
Hi Barbara!  I am so sorry you have received such disturbing news.
Feline Aids, also known as FIV (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), is very much like human aids.  It is species specific and can only be transmitted to cats.  FIV is usually contracted by a scratch wound or bite by an infected cat to another.  Kittens can also be born FIV positive, as this disease is passed on from the mother cat.
Because this disease is so much like human aids, it does go through the same stages.  Often times, a cat can be FIV positive it's entire life and will not be diagnosed until later in life.  The virus is held dormant.  There may be no real symptoms, or there may be slight symptoms like reoccuring respiratory infections or conjunctivitis of the eye.  These ailments are easily treated with an antibiotic and a healthy cat will get over these ailments very quickly.  An infection in an FIV positive cat will linger longer than normal.  But, heavy duty antibiotics will take care of this in due time...until another infection becomes present. Infections of the gums and teeth are also more prominent and reoccuring in FIV positive cats, as are treatment resistant bouts of diarrhea.  This will go on for years and your cat will be relatively healthy with the exception of sporatic infections.  At this point in time, I wouldn't even be thinking of putting him to sleep, as he will probably live many good years, and can in fact live to a ripe old age.  It truly does depend on the cat.  It is definately in your best interest to keep him inside at all times, keep him up to date on his vaccinations, and keep him isolated from other cats, because if there is any ailments or infections in the air, chances are he's going to get it. There are no medications that can be given.  I will tell you that no matter what, never allow steroids (injections or pills) be part of any treatment, as steroids lower the immune system.
You may never get to a point with him that you will be in need of putting him to sleep.  He may pass of old age.  Generally, what does begin to happen is that from prolonged infections, the system begins to break down and organ failure will become prominent.  You will know when this is happening, if it should get to that. Until then, treat him as you always have and enjoy him.  Don't think about the negative things.  Just because he tested positive does not mean that it's a death sentence.  For example, a friend of mine adopted two little kittens years ago.  At age 2, they tested positive for FIV.  They are now 14 years old and you would never know there was a thing wrong with them.  Working at an animal hospital, I see many FIV positive cats.  They are usually there for antibiotics because of an upper respiratory infection.  They otherwise seem like very healthy cats.  I hope this puts your heart and mind at ease a bit.
Just be sure that as soon as you see the slightest hint of infection, get antibiotics for him, this way the infection won't have a chance to spread. Remember FIV is not an airborne virus and can only be passed upon scratches or wounds to another cat.
I hope this has been helpful and if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.  My personal email address is barkingmeows@yahoo.com if you find it easier to contact me directly.
Give that beautiful boy some kisses for me and hang in there!
Hilary