Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a genus of lentivirus in the family Retroviridae. Infected cats will suffer from feline acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, commonly known as feline AIDS. Like AIDS in humans, it destroys the immune system. Although feline AIDS is transmitted through saliva, unlike human AIDS, it is not transmitted sexually, but mainly through fights and wounds containing saliva. Vaccines against this virus are available. Cat owners must be aware of whether their cats are infected with FIV, and must isolate cats that are infected and uninfected and unvaccinated if they fight. Families with cats must isolate and quarantine their cats when they pick up stray cats to make sure they are free of FIV and other infectious diseases before making contact. FIV virus does not infect humans, but it is only transmitted between felines. However, the name “cat AIDS” may easily cause ignorant people to abandon their cats. Therefore, when reporting or promoting cat AIDS, the media should emphasize that cat AIDS is not harmful to humans and should abide by this basic professional ethics. The virus only affects felines, including cats, tigers, jaguars, leopards, and lions. However, unlike domestic cats, other felines do not show symptoms when infected. Symptoms of Feline AIDS Feline AIDS can have an incubation period of up to several years or even last its entire life without developing symptoms. It occurs mainly in middle-aged or older cats. Clinical signs: chronic stomatitis and severe gingivitis. Chronic upper respiratory disease, wasting, fever, lymphadenopathy, anemia, chronic dysentery, motor or sensory nerve damage, and chronic skin disease, including mange, chiggers, trichomonas, and various mycotic and bacterial infections may occur.
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