Whether cat insurance covers FIV or not will depend on your selected plan. Most insurers do help cover it if it is not a pre-existing condition. Before we get into the details of it, let us understand what FIV is and then we will move on to understanding how pet insurance works.
What is FIV in cats?
FIV, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is a condition that affects a cat's immune system. You can compare it to HIV in humans. It weakens the cat's immune system and makes them susceptible to many other infections. It is one of the most common and consequential infectious diseases that affects cats across the globe.
Cats affected with FIV may seem completely normal for years. However, their immune system can get so bad after a point that even harmless bacteria viruses, protozoa, and fungi found in the everyday environment can cause them severe illness. Unfortunately, there is no cure for FIV in cats. The good thing is that affected cats live average life spans unless they are infected by FLV or the Feline Leukemia Virus as well. (1)
How does FIV in cats spread?
The primary mode of transmission for this virus is through blood. This means that bite wounds from an infected cat can transfer the virus. Sexual contact is another very effective way of spreading the virus. The mother cat can transfer the virus to the kittens if she has gotten the virus during or before pregnancy. However, if the mother gets infected after giving birth, the virus transfers to the kittens via breastfeeding only on rare occasions. Other contact forms, like sharing water bowls, mutual grooming, etc., do not spread the virus.
The risk of spreading is very high around un-neutered male cats that are aggressive as they tend to fight with other cats. There are infected cats all over the globe. In the US, 2.5%-5% of all cats are infected with FIV. (1)
What are the signs of FIV in cats?
FIV comes in three stages – acute, asymptomatic and progressive phases. (1)
Acute phase – This phase is 1-3 months after the contact with the virus. During this phase, the virus is carried to the lymph nodes where it reproduces in white blood cells. It then spreads throughout the body causing a temporary lymph node enlargement. The signs that you will see here are fever, lack of appetite and depression. The signs may not be very prevalent and are often missed by most owners.
Asymptomatic phase – This phase comes after the acute phase and can last for either months or even multiple years. This is when the virus slowly replicates within the immune system cells. You may not see any signs here (there is a reason it’s called asymptomatic). However, you’ll see abnormalities in blood work like low white blood cells or increased blood proteins.
Progressive phase – Not all cats progress to this state as they stay in the asymptomatic phase forever. Those who do will start experiencing secondary infections. You’ll see signs of illness not from the virus but from the secondary infections caused by the weakening of the immune system. The infected cat may develop chronic or recurrent infections of the skin, eyes, urinary tract, or upper respiratory tract. Inflammation of the gums and gingivostomatitis (a dental disease in cats) is commonly seen. You’ll see prominent signs like weight loss, seizures, behavioral changes, neurological disorders, etc.
The severity of the illness can vary from cat to cat. But, once cats move on to the progressive phase and get affected by multiple infections and cancers, their survival time is usually limited to a few months.
How to Diagnose and Treat FIV in Cats?
If you start noticing any of the above-mentioned signs, you should get a blood test done for your cat. It can detect the antibodies to the virus. Your vet may recommend a second or third test depending on the symptoms and the cat’s age.
Unfortunately, there are no treatments available for FIV. However, it is very much possible for cats with FIV to lead a normal life. The key is to reduce the risk of acquiring secondary infections and prevent the spread of FIV to other cats. Here are some ways you can do so –
Regular vet visits – Take your cat to the vet every 6 months and keep looking for signs like weight loss, lethargy, lack of appetite, etc.
Limiting outdoors – Confine your cat to the indoors as much as possible to reduce the chances of them catching any infection from the outdoors and spreading the virus to other cats.
Balanced Diet – Provide a balanced, vet-recommended diet to your cat to maintain their health. Avoid uncooked food and unpasteurised dairy.
Preventive medications – Prevent internal and external parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms using medications.
Vaccination – Keep your cat’s vaccination schedule up to date and keep checking with the vet for any additional vaccinations.
How to Prevent FIV in Cats?
The best and the only way to prevent your cat from getting infected by FIV is to protect them from all sources that can spread the virus. Keep your cat indoors to protect them from random fights. Make sure that the other cats you bring home or the houses that you take your cat to are infection-free.
While informal contacts like sharing water bowls and mutual grooming sessions do not usually spread the virus, it is best if the dishes, bedding, litter pans, and toys of an infected cat are disinfected.
Can FIV affect humans?
While we do have a similar virus, HIV or human immunodeficiency syndrome, that can cause a similar disease ‘Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the one for cats is species-specific and cannot be transferred to humans.
Can cats with FIV be insured?
Yes, you can insure a cat diagnosed with FIV. However, it will be classified as a pre-existing condition, and most insurance plans do not cover pre existing conditions. This means that you won’t be able to claim any costs connected to FIV. Any claims related to infections caused by the FIV will not be covered. You can claim for other costs, though. They include accidents or injuries.
Does Spot Pet Cover FIV?
Yes, Spot Pet Insurance can help cover FIV, and you can claim all eligible costs related to FIV with us. The only condition is that your cat should not have FIV at the time of enrollment or contract it during the waiting period, as it will be considered a pre existing condition and will not be covered. If your cat gets affected by FIV the very next day after your waiting period, it would not be considered a pre existing condition and eligible treatment costs can be covered. Not just that, we also help cover costs like prescription diets, alternate therapies and much more.
Cat Insurance helps to provide pet parents with additional financial support and peace of mind when it comes to the health and wellness of their pets. With a Spot plan, pet parents can receive up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills. This way pet parents can focus on caring for and supporting their pets. Spot also offers preventive care add-ons, which can help cover the eligible costs of spaying and neutering, dental cleaning, vaccinations, and other routine care services.
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With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). (n.d.). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv
