In the world of pets, there is a potential health threat that is often overlooked by pet owners - Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), commonly known as cat immunodeficiency virus. As a pet owner, understanding FIV is crucial for safeguarding the health of your beloved furry companion.
What is FIV?
FIV is a retrovirus that primarily infects feline species. It shares structural similarities with the human HIV virus but is highly species-specific, meaning it does not cross-infect humans. Belonging to the lentivirus family, FIV has a long and slow progression after entering a cat's body. The main routes of FIV transmission include: first, through severe bites during fights between cats, where the virus can enter the wound through the infected cat's saliva; second, from mother to kitten, although this method of transmission is relatively rare; and third, through shared food bowls, although the probability of this transmission route is low.
