Introduction
Feline immunodeficiency virus attacks a cat’s immune system. As a result, symptoms of FIV in cats can affect almost any part of the cat’s body as the immune system begins to breakdown.
Early Symptoms
One of the first symptoms of FIV in cats is swollen lymph nodes and fever. These symptoms occur when the virus enters the lymph node system at the beginning stage of infection; the lymph nodes only swell for a period of time, and the fever is generally mild, so many pet owners do not notice these symptoms.
Advanced Symptoms
As the feline immunodeficiency virus begins to attack the immune system, various types of symptoms will develop. The more common symptoms affect the mouth, gastrointestinal system, reproductive and urinary systems, respiratory system, and the eyes. Pet owners may notice the following symptoms in cats with FIV: inflamed gums, mouth ulcers, bad breath, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, repeated urinary tract infections, spontaneous abortions, constant sneezing, runny nose, coughing, red eyes, discharge around the eyes, and cloudy eyes.
Other Symptoms
The skin and ears of cats infected with FIV will also eventually develop symptoms. Many cats with FIV have a poor hair coat, chronic skin infections, chronic ear infections, and hair loss. In advanced cases of FIV, cats will develop neurological diseases. As a result, symptoms such as seizures, behavior changes, and neurological problems may appear.
Cats infected with FIV eventually have an overall unhealthy look about them. They are often underweight, the hair appears dry and blotchy, the nose and eyes are often runny and swollen, and they may appear lethargic and depressed. Symptoms of the mouth are often very painful, and some cats with these symptoms refuse to eat or react if they are touched around the face.