Viral disease of cats transmitted primarily by bites between cats. Can result in suppression of the immune system.
A retrovirus specific to cats that is usually transmitted through bite wounds, grooming or sharing food. FIV is less common than FeLV, and FIV+ cats often live long lives symptom-free.
A virus that invades the cat's DNA and uses it to reproduce, causing dysfunction of the immune system.
Virus transmitted through cat bites, usually during fights. The initial disease is mild but becomes more severe over time. The immune system is weakened leading to secondary infections.
Discovered in 1986, FIV cannot be transmitted on food bowls or hands, but seems to be mainly by biting. It is commonest in feral cats and older free-roaming male cats who get into fights. Six to eight weeks after infection, cats may develop raised lymph nodes, a high temperature, lethargy, diarrhoea or conjunctivitis. The virus depletes the number of white blood cells, eventually impairing the cat's ability to fight infection. No vaccine currently exists.
A virus which invades a cat's DNA and ultimately causes dysfunction of the immune system.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that affects domesticated housecats worldwide. According to , 11% of cats worldwide are infected with FIV. According to another study, 2.5% of cats in the USA are infected with FIV .
