According to the Humane Society, 93.6 million Americans own cats, 1.5 to 3 percent of American cats are
infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and it is spreading. The best way to keep your cat from contracting the disease is by arming yourself with the facts.
What is FIV?
FIV can cause a cat’s white blood cell count to drop significantly, leaving it susceptible to bacteria and viruses. The primary way for a cat to get FIV is by receiving a bite from another infected cat. Other less common means of transmission are the sharing of water and food dishes with other cats, or via the mother through gestation, birth or nursing.
The Three Stages of FIV
There are three different stages in FIV. During the first stage the virus spreads to nearby lymph nodes and eventually to all lymph nodes. This stage is usually asymptomatic, meaning without clear or visual symptoms and can go unnoticed. Some cats develop a fever and anemia during this stage.
The second stage usually lasts for years without notice. The white blood cells continue to deplete and make it harder to protect your cat from disease.
The third stage is when the immune system has completely given up fighting and your cat is highly vulnerable. Some chronic infections include upper respiratory infections, skin and ear infections, diseases, abscesses, chronic sinusitis and intestinal infections.
Is There a Cure?
A vaccine for FIV was announced in March 2002, but it is still experimental. There are ways to prevent your cat from contracting the virus. The best is to keep your cat indoors as the disease is spread by stray cat bites. It is also a good idea to have your cat vaccinated against other viral diseases.
How to Test for FIV
To have your cat tested for FIV, take him to your local veterinarian for a blood test known as the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) technique. If your cat is FIV positive, this is not an immediate death sentence. As with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), there are some things you can do to prolong your cat’s life. Keeping your pet indoors, visiting the vet twice a year, avoiding other animals, and not feeding them raw eggs or meat can help greatly.
Armed with the information in this article and a good relationship with your vet, you can protect your cat as well as 
your heart from being harmed.
Protecting Your Cat from Feline AIDs (FIV)
infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and it is spreading. The best way to keep your cat from contracting the disease is by arming yourself with the facts.
What is FIV?
FIV can cause a cat’s white blood cell count to drop significantly, leaving it susceptible to bacteria and viruses. The primary way for a cat to get FIV is by receiving a bite from another infected cat. Other less common means of transmission are the sharing of water and food dishes with other cats, or via the mother through gestation, birth or nursing.
The Three Stages of FIV
There are three different stages in FIV. During the first stage the virus spreads to nearby lymph nodes and eventually to all lymph nodes. This stage is usually asymptomatic, meaning without clear or visual symptoms and can go unnoticed. Some cats develop a fever and anemia during this stage.
The second stage usually lasts for years without notice. The white blood cells continue to deplete and make it harder to protect your cat from disease.
The third stage is when the immune system has completely given up fighting and your cat is highly vulnerable. Some chronic infections include upper respiratory infections, skin and ear infections, diseases, abscesses, chronic sinusitis and intestinal infections.
A vaccine for FIV was announced in March 2002, but it is still experimental. There are ways to prevent your cat from contracting the virus. The best is to keep your cat indoors as the disease is spread by stray cat bites. It is also a good idea to have your cat vaccinated against other viral diseases.
How to Test for FIV
To have your cat tested for FIV, take him to your local veterinarian for a blood test known as the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) technique. If your cat is FIV positive, this is not an immediate death sentence. As with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), there are some things you can do to prolong your cat’s life. Keeping your pet indoors, visiting the vet twice a year, avoiding other animals, and not feeding them raw eggs or meat can help greatly.
Armed with the information in this article and a good relationship with your vet, you can protect your cat as well as
your heart from being harmed.