How does FIV differ from AIDS?
• AIDS is the final stage of infection with the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. The lapse of time between initial infection and emergence of FIV-related symptoms is variable. Some cats go 8 to 10 years or longer before showing any symptoms at all, although the average has been placed closer to 5. According to one study, ten years old was the median age of cats with “AIDS-like disease.” A number of factors may explain why some cats develop the disease more quickly than others, although there may be others that are still not entirely understood. Kittens infected with the disease by their mother have, on average, a shorter life to look forward to than do cats infected when mature. However, there is no such thing as an “average” cat. For a complete discussion of variables known or suspected to determine FIV disease progression, click here (“Contributing Causes of FIV Disease Progression.”) Bud, though already FIV + at age 2 when first encountered as a stray, did not become clearly symptomat
