Don't believe everything you hear about feline
immunodeficiency virus (FIV) continued
Myth #4: Cats who have the virus inevitably develop the
disease and die from it.
Fact: 90% of cats who actually have FIV will lead completely
normal lives and die from the same causes that any other cat might die from.
Myth #5: FIV+ cats will lead short, miserable lives.
Fact: FIV+ cats can and DI live long, healthy lives, if
given a chance. Most live as long as their indoor counter-arts and much longer
than outdoor cats. Many live well into old age without symptoms.
Myth #6: The FIV virus is a serious threat to other animals
because it can be transmitted by casual contact.
Fact: Modern medical research, as well as mounting empirical
evidence indicates that transmission requires serious physical interaction.
“Deep bite wounds are, by far, the primary mode of the virus’
transmission.” – Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DaCVIM Director, Maddies’ Shelter
Medicine Program.
Fact: The virus can only live a few seconds outside the
body, so sharing food and water bowls is not an issue.
FIV+ cats in multiple cat homes do not appear to spread the
disease, as long as all parties are not combative. FIV Cat Rescue in Fort
Bragg, CA has had a group of 16 mixed cats (FIV positive and negative) living
together for 6 years. No FIV- cat has ever become FIV+.
Source: FIV Cat Rescue, Fort Bragg, CA. Website: FIVCatRescue.org
