FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) Both FIV and FeLV are called "retroviruses" because of the way that they replicate, or multiply, inside the cat's body. FIV is further classified as a lentivirus, or "slow virus."
An FIV-positive cat may live for many years. However, the virus eventually weakens the immune system, which limits the cat's ability to protect itself against other infections or illnesses. Periods of relatively good health may be interspersed with recurrent illnesses. FIV is spread primarily through bite wounds. The virus is transmitted via the saliva of an FIV-positive cat when it bites deep into the tissue of another cat. It is therefore commonly found in tomcats as they fight for territory and mates. Casual, non-aggressive contact does NOT spread the virus. The virus cannot survive for more than a few hours when exposed to air. Therefore, an FIV-positive cat CAN live in a house with non-infected cats if they are all on friendly terms and don't fight with each other. Sharing food and water bowls, litter pans, and even grooming each other will NOT spread the virus. If acquired during adulthood, a cat with FIV can live a long, full life, and many do. However, the weakened immune system can lead to recurrent or chronic conditions such as inflammation of the gums and mouth, skin, urinary, or upper respiratory infections, weight loss, anemia, persistent diarrhea, and cancer. For additional information, please see: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?ds=1&cat=1316&articleid=213, http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/fiv.html, http://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/petcare/cats_fiv.cfm, or contact us! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) FeLV is also a retrovirus, but it differs in many ways from FIV, including its shape and genetic makeup. And although many of the diseases caused by the two viruses are similar, the specific way those diseases are caused is different. About 65% of cats with FeLV will live a full life. Unfortunately, the remaining 35% will probably die within three years. Just like FIV, FeLV may cause a weakened immune system that limits the cat's ability to fight off other infections. Periods of relatively good health may be interspersed with recurrent illnesses. An FeLV-positive cat "sheds" high quantities of the virus in its saliva and nasal secretions. Therefore, the virus can be spread from cat to cat through mutual grooming and, more rarely, by sharing food bowls and litter boxes, as well as through bite wounds. An infected mother can also transmit the virus to her kittens before birth or while nursing. FeLV is the most common cause of cancer in cats, and it may cause various blood disorders. As with FIV, FeLV can weaken the immune system so that the same bacteria and viruses that usually do not affect a healthy animal can cause serious illness in a cat with FeLV. Common secondary infections include inflammation of the gums and mouth, skin, urinary, or upper respiratory infections, and persistent diarrhea. For additional information, please see: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?ds=1&cat=1316&articleid=211, http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/felv.html, or contact us! _______________________________________________ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
