What is FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency virus?
FIV is a very common and widely spread virus that affects cats. The virus is closely related to the HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus that causes AIDS to humans however there is no cross infection between species. It is transmittable between cats mainly through fights. It compromises the immune system and makes the patients susceptible to other secondary infections. A cat infected with this virus can live happily exclusively indoors! The cornerstone of monitoring an FIV positive cat is regular check ups.
The FIV test is very easy to perform, we just need 2 drops of blood and 10 minutes patience and it is recommended to be performed annually to all cats that have access outdoors and especially to those that fight.
There are no available vaccinations against FIV.
What is the FELV or Feline Leukemia Virus?
FeLV is a less common that FIV basically because the last years cat are being vaccinated against FELV. However still we find cases in free range cats!
It is transmitted through fight wounds, close contact, food bowls and from mother to kittens. Cats that suffer from FeLV develop tumors and secondary infections/inflammations depending of the severing of the disease.
The FIV test is very easy to perform, we just need 2 drops of blood and 10 minutes patience
To prevent FeLV we recommend vaccination to all cats that like to roam outside.