One of the main fears of those who have a pet at home is undoubtedly the possibility of them getting sick and how complicated the treatment can be (especially if it is FIV and FeLV). For cat owners, FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency) - also known as feline AIDS - and FeLV (Feline Leukemia) are especially worrying, since they bring serious consequences and can even be, up to ...even fatal.

The main difference between FIV and FeLV is that FIV is transmitted through secretions during cat fights, while FeLV is spread by direct or indirect contact between a healthy cat and a sick one. In other words, the exchange of saliva or the simple sharing of objects (food bowl, toys, etc.) is enough for transmission. They are both serious diseases, and the animal's survival time will vary.In general, a cat with FIV lives longer than a cat with FeLV because leukemia weakens the patient more quickly.

To help you understand more about FIV and FeLV - symptoms, care and treatment of each of them in cats that have been infected - we talked to veterinarian Gabriela Teixeira. She explained everything below and tells you exactly what FIV and FeLV are. Check it out!

Home Paws: How does FIV (feline AIDS) transmission work between cats?

Gabriela Teixeira: FIV is most common in male cats with access to the street. We often call it fighting cat disease. The virus is spread through saliva and is usually passed on to others by bite wounds during cat fighting.

PDC: What are the main symptoms of FIV (feline AIDS)?

GT: Cats with FIV can take months or years to show symptoms, so many can live long, healthy lives. Some newly infected cats may show mild symptoms like fever or lack of appetite, but most owners can't tell because they last only a few days.

When the infection becomes active, the cat shows signs of illness and a weakened immune system, leaving it at risk of developing different infections. It is therefore difficult to say precisely what symptoms the animal will show. It is a very diverse disease.

Most cats show weight loss, anemia, apathy, stomatitis, respiratory problems and anorexia. These symptoms are common to several diseases. In the final stage, kidney failure, lymphomas and cryptococcosis are common.

PDC: How does FeLV (Feline Leukemia) transmission work between cats?

GT: FeLV is often called the friendly cat disease, as it is commonly transmitted between animals that live together. Transmission is mainly through saliva, through one feline licking another or when food and water bowls are shared.

PDC: What are the main symptoms of FeLV (Feline Leukemia)?

GT: It is necessary to point out that there are no very characteristic symptoms of FIV and FeLV. They are very diverse diseases and can present in different ways. As with FIV, FeLV has very general manifestations and most cats present with weight loss, anemia, apathy, stomatitis, respiratory problems and anorexia, symptoms common to many diseases.

When first exposed to FeLV, a cat may show no signs of illness. Some cats are able to eliminate the virus completely from their body and others are able to control the infection, preventing a worsening. In some cats, the infection becomes active in the body and they develop serious and even fatal problems such as haematological dysfunctions and lymphomas.

Photos of cats with FIV and FeLV

PDC: Is there any form of prevention for FIV (Feline AIDS) and FeLV (Feline Leukemia)?

GT : In Brazil, the vaccine against FeLV is available, but not against FIV. To perform the cat vaccine, it is necessary to do a quick test in the veterinary office itself to make sure that the animal does not have the virus, so as not to increase the animal's viral load.

However, it is essential that we no longer have the mentality that cats need to be walked. Healthy, happy cats do not need and should not have access to the outdoors. Responsible adoption involves putting screens on the window to prevent them from going outside and promoting play in the home. If we are going to adopt a new animal, it is necessary to test it before it joins the others to keep everyone healthy.

PDC: How do the tests done to detect FIV and FeLV happen?

GT : The rapid test is the one we do most often in clinical routine. It detects antibodies against FIV and antigens against Felv. Only a small blood sample is needed to obtain the result in 10 minutes in the office itself, without the need to send it to laboratories. It has good accuracy and sensitivity. But confirmation can also be done with PCR.

PDC: How does treatment for FIV and FeLV work? Is there a definitive cure for these diseases?

GT : There is no certain treatment and no definitive cure for either disease. Infected cats should be taken to the vet for regular check-ups to see how the disease is being managed, as this will help the cat to live as long as possible in good health. In FIV and FeLV, supportive treatment is given to relieve symptoms and should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. It is important to note thatthat stress may play an important role in triggering virus reactivation in animals that are healthy even with the disease.