Feline Immunodefiency Virus (FIV)

FIV belongs to the Retro viruses and is related to the human AIDS-virus.

The virus is often transmitted by bites, e.g. spittle  and blood. The virus multiplies in the immune cells of the infected animal and thus destroys the healthy cells. As a consequence the immune system of the infected animal is weakened and other viruses, bacteria or parasites can spread out and cause other illnesses.

 Cat-AIDS can manifest itself in many symptoms and usually it is not possible to make a clear diagnosis. However the vet can prove antibodies in the blood by an inspection of the serum. Because FIV can’t be treated today the subsequent illnesses - which are effected by the immunodefiency - are treated as good as possible.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is transmitted by a corona virus. It can also be transmitted by a rabbit or a pig. Two different progresses the illness can have:

1. The wet kind of illness is widespread and its progress is very quick. Typical of the wet kind is a fast grow of the belly.

2. A little more seldom is the dry kind. The liquidity develops slowly. The animals get a light fever, a lack of drive and lay around and sleep. Later they vomit and grow skinny.

Most infections are diagnosed at cats between the sixth and the twelfth life month. When the cats get older the danger of infection gets a little lower.

Infections are possible through body liquids. Even if the cat isn’t infected by FIP it excretes this viruses.

You can protect your cat by being vaccinated against FIP. The vaccination is only possible against one FIP-germ but FIP can have many germs.

Nevertheless it is advisable to vaccinate the animals against FIP because the population in our regions grows.

Feline epidemic  (Panleukopenie)

The germ of the cat epidemic is spread all over the world and belongs to the family of the Parvo -viruses. In nature, too,  the viruses rest a very long time infectious and they represent a great threat for non-vaccinated animals.

 Animals can get infected from ill and even recovered animals because they always excrete the virus. Animals of all age can get ill, but an infection is especially probable at animals younger than two years.

The symptoms of the illness start with high fever, loss of appetite and vomiting, in the sequel they lose temperature, collapse and die. The chances for healing are very low, 80 - 90% of the infected animals die of this infectious disease. The only prophylactic means are vaccination against cat epidemic.

Feline leukemia

Feline leukemia is a virus infection which is caused by the Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV).  It is the most frequent deadly virus infection.

Feline leukemia is spread world wide and cats of all age are concerned. The time from infection  to illness can be ages. But during this period the germ is excreted million times through the spittle. Not only ill but also healthy seeming cats can transmit the virus.

The illness can express itself in various symptoms:

• listlessness

• fever

• suddenly grow skinny

• pale mucous membranes

• malignant tumors in the chest or in the belly (liver, kidney, bowel)

But the greatest danger is the weakening of the immune system. As a consequence the cats are unprotected against the different infection germs. Consequently the cat leukemia is base for many of other often deadly progressing infectious diseases. That’s the reason why it’s often difficult to make a clear diagnosis.

When the vet examines infected cats a suspect of cat leukemia can be spoken out. An examination of the blood can show if the cat is infected. The leukemia blood test is not secure when it’s only taken once (in a certain period of illness).

It is more exact to watch the utter symptoms in combination with two tests in a distance of 6-8 weeks and an extra examination of the blood where the increasing number of white blood cells is checked.

The safest method to prevent the illness is the vaccination.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

A cold in common sense is a catarrh of the over respiratory tracts with watering eyes and a plugged up nose. For humans this seasonally typical illness is troublesome but not dangerous. The situation for cats is different.

Feline cold is a very serious illness which should not be plaid down. The reasons are different infectious germs like herpes germs, calic viruses and chlamydia.

In the family of the calic viruses there’s a variety of different virus types and dimensions whose composition changes continual.

Feline cold occurs seasonally independent. Infected but non visually ill cats spread the feline cold germ and infect receptive non vaccinated cats.

Especially in danger are young cats, cats with run, cats that are brought into an animal hotel or hospital and cats suffering from other basic illnesses like feline leukemia. The transmission of the germs promotes by many cats living together on small space because the cats lick and sniff at each other and the infected animals excrete the germ via body excrements of eye and nose. (Chlamydia are also excreted via urine and vaginal liquids.)

Outside the body the chlamydia rest infectious for some days and can be transmitted via things and persons. Unborn kitten can be infected before the birth through their mother.

Feline cold starts 4-5 days after infection with watering eyes (conjunctivitis), a strong flowing of spittle, watery  discharge out of the nose, loss of appetite and fever. Sometimes there are also pneumonia, bloody abscesses in nose,  throat and mouth and blindness.

The infection via chlamydia mostly starts with a one-sided conjunctivitis. After one week the conjunctivitis gets both-sided, later it can also get the shape of a ring. The  eye swells, the cat gets eyelid cramps and the third eylid can be seen.

There can also develop chronic cornea inflammation, scars and  abscesses on the cornea which can cause poor eyesight or blindness.

The symptoms described above must not be visual during the hole period of illness. There are often periods when the cat looks healthy but carries the germ “quiet” inside. Stress, a chance of environment or something else can cause a further illness period. But the germs are also excreted during the “rest ”.

Toxoplasmosis

Because they are afraid of this illness many couples part with their loving cat. Thus toxoplasmosis symptoms are rarely noticeable it is dangerous for pregnant women because the illness can harm the unborn child heavily. But mostly the fears are unfounded. Usually the women already got infected with the illness unnoticed and consequently they are now immune against it which saves the embryo, too.

An examination of the blood can give the pregnant women information. If she doesn’t have antibodies she still mustn’t give the cat away. House cats which never eat raw meat don’t get toxoplasmose.

Otherwise it is enough for the pregnancy to wash hands after stroking the cat, to transfer the cleaning of the cat toilet to another family member or wear gloves while cleaning it. The infectious cysts are only excreted at first infection during a limited period and only via excrement. As a consequence the risk of an infection is smaller than getting infected while doing kitchen work. Most women infect themselves unnoticed while seasoning meat.