Feline immunodeficiency virus is also called feline AIDS, or FIV for short. Feline AIDS is not transmitted through sexual intercourse, but is mainly transmitted through saliva when cats share food and wounds from fights. Another less common mode of transmission is from an FIV-infected female cat to her kittens. About 1/3 of cats carry this virus, so not letting cats go out freely is the best prevention method. Before adopting a new cat (especially a stray cat), you must isolate it and conduct a blood test to make sure it is disease-free before bringing it home. Raise it to avoid infecting other healthy cats.

What should cats suffering from FIV pay attention to:

1. Once your cat is diagnosed with FIV disease, be sure to keep your cat indoors. Stay away from other cats that may be infected.

2. Take your cat to the veterinarian at least twice a year for health check-ups, including blood tests and urinalysis; pay special attention to the health of gums, eyes, skin and lymph nodes; measure your cat frequently weight and record it, as weight loss is often the first sign of deterioration;

3. Provide your cat with a nutritionally balanced diet and avoid uncooked foods, such as raw meat and eggs, and Unpasteurized dairy products reduce the risk of foodborne bacterial and parasitic infections.

4. Neuter the cat.