A: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) was first identified in 1986.  As its name implies, the virus may cause a syndrome in cats very similar to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in people.  

Like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in people, FIV may lay dormant for years in the cat before symptoms develop.  There are reports of FIV-positive cats remaining healthy for over six years after infection.

When the virus does become active, it may suppress the immune system and allow secondary infections and severe disease to develop.  The symptoms of FIV are vague and may include:

• fever
• lethargy
• weakness
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• weight loss
• neurologic signs including seizures and behavior changes

Cats transmit FIV to other cats through bites.  It is not transmitted through urine or casual contact. FIV is not transmissible to people or dogs.  A simple blood test can identify infection in cats. A blood test that combines a test for FeLV (feline leukemia virus) and FIV is available and recommended.

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available for FIV at this time.  There is also no cure for the disease.  The best protection for your cat is prevention. Keep your cat indoors and have your male or female cat neutered.  Neutering reduces aggression and the incidence of cat fights.  It is recommended that all new cats or kittens be tested for the disease before introducing them into your household.

Q: My cat likes milk. Will it give him worms?

A: Drinking milk does not give cats worms, but the milk may cause your cat to develop diarrhea.  Some cats and dogs are unable to digest the lactose sugar found in milk.  As the lactose passes undigested into the large intestine, it causes diarrhea.  A couple teaspoons of milk usually will not cause a problem, but a bowl of milk might.  Your cat does not need milk if he or she receives a proper diet.  However, if you cat craves milk, and yet develops diarrhea when it is offered, try giving your cat one of the milk products developed especially for cats.  These are available at larger pet food stores. Another option is soy milk which is available at most supermarkets.

Q: What is Feline Leukemia Virus? Can I catch it from my cat?

A: One of the most dangerous diseases in cats today is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) infection. FeLV causes suppression of the immune system, making your cat more susceptible to other infections. FeLV can also cause anemia (a low red blood cell count), leukemia, and other forms of cancer.

The signs of FeLV are very diverse.  Symptoms may include pale gums, fever, weakness, lethargy, diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, increased drinking and urination, and neurologic abnormalities (seizures, paralysis).  Feline Leukemia Virus is only contagious among cats.  It is spread by contact through the saliva, tears, and urine. People and dogs cannot get FeLV.

All new cats and kittens should be tested for FeLV utilizing a simple blood test.  If your cat tests negative, and will venture outdoors, or is otherwise at risk of contacting other cats, we recommend that your cat be vaccinated for FeLV.  If your cat tests positive for FeLV, having him vaccinated will not help. FeLV-infected cats may not appear sick, but continue to carry the dormant virus in their bodies.  These cats are carriers of the FeLV virus and usually develop disease later in life.  A FeLV-positive cat should be considered infectious and kept away from other cats.  Periodic re-testing of an asymptomatic infected cat may determine if the cat rid himself of infection in the early stages before it established itself throughout his body.  Your veterinarian can offer advice on how to maintain your FeLV-positive cat symptom-free for as long as possible.  Once symptoms develop, therapy can sometimes keep the infected cat comfortable for an extended period of time.