What is FIP and what can I do to protect my cat against it?

FIP stands for Feline Infectious Peritonitis, and it is a contagious, deadly viral disease. FIP is spread through the exchange of saliva, urine and feces so it is most commonly seen in cats that are in multi-cat households, cats that came from shelters, pet shops, or catteries, and outdoor cats.

The disease is also found in cats that are stressed from malnutrition, overcrowding, or pre-existing infection, especially feline leukemia infection. FIP occurs more frequently in very young or very old cats, but any at-risk cat can contract the virus.

The most common signs of the disease include swollen abdomen, intermittent fever, weight loss, anorexia, anemia, and lethargy, but cats with FIP can exhibit almost any clinical symptoms. Treatment for FIP consists of keeping the cat comfortable and alleviating her/his symptoms, but unfortunately there is no cure and infected cats will eventually die from the disease.

There is a vaccine to protect against FIP that can be administered on an annual basis and is recommended for any at-risk cats.

What is Heartworm Disease and can my cat get it?

Heartworm disease is caused by a roundworm called Dirofilaria Immitis. Adult heartworms live in the heart and major blood vessels and interfere with the function of the heart and lungs.

It was long thought that while cats could get heartworm disease, it did not cause the problems in them that it did in dogs. In recent years, however, that thinking has been found to be false. Even though heartworms live for only one or two years in a cat’s heart, and there are seldom more than two to three adult heartworms there, even those few worms can cause serious disease and even death in cats. Heartworms can infect a variety of hosts, including cats, dogs, ferrets, sea lions, bears, foxes, wolves, coyotes, and even humans.

Heartworms are transmitted between hosts by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites and feeds off an infected host it will ingest some of the immature heartworms that are found in the host’s blood vessels. The heartworm will then partially develop in the mosquito and will eventually be transmitted to a new host when the mosquito feeds again.

The mosquito is necessary not only for the spread of the disease but also as a reservoir that the immature heartworms develop in. Hence, in areas where there are no mosquitoes, such as Arizona, or New Mexico, there is no heartworm disease.

Signs of the disease vary greatly in cats but may include:

• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Signs of heart disease
• General signs such as lethargy (lack of energy), weight loss and anorexia
• Sudden death

Some cats may show no symptoms at all. Because the signs are similar to many other diseases in cats, heartworm is difficult to diagnose based on signs alone. X-rays, ultra sound and laboratory testing may be helpful in diagnosing.

If you own a dog, you are probably already familiar with the yearly testing protocol that is required for them. Testing is done on dogs every year, regardless of whether they are on year-round parasite prevention or not. This is done for two reasons:

If given to heartworm infected dogs, heartworm preventive products can trigger a severe allergic reaction that can lead to death. Yearly testing helps veterinarians catch the disease early if it exists. This can lead to easier, more effective management of the heartworm infection.

In cats, the tests are much less reliable and there are no approved treatment options. Those treatments that have been tried showed a high risk of complications including death of the treated cat. Also, cats that are already heartworm infected do not seem to have the allergic reactions that some dogs do when given preventive medications.

Cats most at risk for heartworm disease are those in areas where there are dogs that are infected, as dogs are thought to be the source of most heartworm infections. Even strictly indoor cats have been infected with heartworms, probably from mosquitoes that got into the house through an open door or window.

Because of the risk of death and the fact that no real treatment method is available, heartworm prevention for cats is highly recommended. Heartworm preventive medications are very safe and effective with little to no side effects Consult your veterinarian for advice on which one works best for your cat’s needs.

What is FIV and how can I protect my cat against it?

FIV, which stands for Feline Immuno-deficiency Virus, is a contagious, often fatal viral disease. It is essentially the cat version of human HIV. The virus is not transmissible between cats and humans. There is no vaccine against this virus in cats for the same reason that there is no vaccine in humans. Because of the risk of death, and the fact that there is no vaccine available, precautions should be followed when adding a new cat to your household.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners and Academy of Feline Medicine recommends the following to guard against FIV:

• Test new cats or kittens older than six months of age before introduction into a household to prevent exposing existing cats.
• All newly adopted cats or kittens older than six months of age should be tested, even if they are going to be the only cat in the household.
• Test cats in existing households where FIV status is unknown because carriers can remain asymptomatic for years and expose other cats.
• Test cats with potential recent exposure, regardless of previous negative test results, because FIV status can change.
• All ill cats should be tested, because FIV is associated with a variety of symptoms in cats such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abscesses, gingivitis, weight loss and swollen lymph nodes.

As with the other diseases, outdoor cats, shelter cats, and multi-household cats are at a greater risk. Keeping your cat or kitten indoor will greatly minimize the risk of exposure to infected cats.

FIV infection generally carries a more favorable prognosis than Feline Leukemia infection. Therefore a continued positive FIV test result status has uncertain relevance to prognosis and therapeutic management, but does indicate potential for virus transmission.

FIV-positive healthy cats may live for months or years. As with other contagious viral diseases, if your cat tests positive for FIV it should be kept strictly inside. This will reduce it’s exposure to other cats, and minimize the risk of passing on the virus.