Understanding Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in Cats

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, commonly referred to as FIV, is a prevalent disease of cats that weakens their immune system. Due to this, FIV cats are more susceptible to a variety of other infections which makes treatment and management of the disease incredibly important. FIV positive feline companions can absolutely live full and happy lives with proper management of their disease. Below, Dr. Valerie Rathbone shares her story about her experiences having a FIV positive cat and how Buggles is living a full life and is thriving alongside her other feline companions. Our TCVM doctor, Dr. Jeanette Wilson shares how integrative medicine can help manage disease progression by boosting the immune system and preventing manifestation of this disease.

Buggles the FIV Kitty

I’d like to share the story of my cat Buggles. Buggles is my sweet long haired orange tabby boy living with FIV. In 2019, Buggles got out of the house and didn’t come home. We searched and searched for him but didn’t find him. We had suspected he had been hit by a car as that was common in our area. We moved halfway across the country about a month later. Eight months later, we got a phone call. It was the microchip company – Buggles had been found and was alive! We had a friend fly him to us and were reunited (thank you microchips!). Buggles looked a little worse for the wear – he had obviously been in a pretty good scrap – he had a thick swelling on his neck, he had lost his voice, and was underweight. After a thorough workup we found he had contracted feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). With some TLC Buggles regained weight and healed. He lives with our two other cats Pearly and Temy – both girls. The three of them have a stable social structure and while they may have a few little tiffs here and there, they do not have any serious fights that would put the girls at risk of the deep bite required to transmit FIV; therefore, I am completely comfortable and confident having them live together with miniscule risk to the girls. Buggles has had a very normal life since diagnosis. He has had increased gingivitis which has been treated with yearly dental cleanings. Other than that, he is the same as any other cat. He is currently 10.5 years old and living his best life.

Treatment and Management

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) focuses on balance and correcting disharmonies in the body. A kitty diagnosed with FIV has an underlying deficiency in their immune system. The challenges that they face are often related to “Excess conditions” or “Manifestations” secondary to their immune system not functioning properly. Thes “Excess” conditions commonly present as recurrent infections & inflammation anywhere in the body. Western medicine is wonderful at treating these secondary conditions but is unable to effectively address the underlying Deficiency of the immune system. TCVM can work in combination with western medicine or by itself, to strengthen the immune system, ultimately reducing the number of recurrent episodes of infection & inflammation. There are 5 TCVM treatment modalities, and 4 of these modalities including Herbs, Acupuncture, Food therapy and Tui-na (medical massage), can be incorporated into our kitty’s day to day life to strengthen their immune system. TCVM supports a greater number of “happy & feel good” days, and less sick days!

Written by Dr Jeanette Wilson – Certified TCVM Practitioner and Dr Valerie Rathbone DVM