Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

Also known as feline T-lymphotropic lentivirus (FTLV) and feline AIDS, this viral infection affects the RNA (ribonucleic acid) that is involved in the manufacture of proteins within the cat's cells. It prevents the body's immuno-defence system from fighting off infections.

Symptoms
This virus allows many infections to become established in the affected cat but has no symptoms as such.

Causes
The virus multiplies in the white cells in the cat's blood and is often transmitted through cat bites.

What to do
You must take any cat suspected of suffering an FIV infection to the vet. Infected cats will suffer chronic long term illnesses, weight loss and other debilitating conditions as a result of the infections caused by the lack of imuno-response.

Treatment
There is currently no treatment available for a cat infected with FIV and euthanasia is usually recommended.


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