What it is
The virus spreads through deep bite wounds when cats fight, so outdoor, unneutered males are at the greatest risk. Everyday contact, such as sharing a bowl or grooming each other, passes it on poorly.
Once in the body, the virus stays for life and slowly destroys the white blood cells that protect against disease. In the first months the cat may have a short fever or swollen lymph nodes, then everything settles down for a long while.
Later the immune system can no longer deal with germs that would not harm a healthy cat, so small problems turn into drawn-out ones. The virus does not pass to people or dogs. A blood test shows whether a cat is infected.
Signs you may notice
- Red, inflamed gums
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Loses weight
- Listless, eats less
- Untidy coat
- Diarrhoea that drags on
Over time the gums become inflamed, the lymph nodes swell, and the cat loses weight, turns listless and eats less. Infections such as cat flu or skin and gut inflammation keep coming back and drag on.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your cat is losing weight, has inflamed gums or keeps getting infections, especially if it goes outdoors and fights. If it has eaten nothing for a day or more, contact a vet the same day.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.