Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

[Christen]

I just took my FIV+ cat to the vet, and was asked not to let him walk on the floor so he wouldn't 'contaminate' the area. I didn't think FIV was that easily spread- is that an normal response from a vet?

[Kallie]

I have had my FIV+ cat with my other cats for 4 years,,the other cats seem fine , how did your vet say the FIV was spread ?

[Kallie]

Transmission

FIV is transmitted primarily through deep, penetrating bite wounds. A mother cat may transmit the virus to her newborn kittens during gestation, passage through the birth canal, or nursing. FIV can also be transmitted through the transfusion of contaminated blood.

FIV affects only felines. Some of the pathogens (i.e., bacteria, parasites) that cause opportunistic infections in FIV-positive cats may be transmitted from animals to humans and could cause illness in people with compromised immune systems.

[Christen]

He didn't really elaborate on it. I had told him he was a shelter cat I adopted and was positive when I got him. I haven't found anything in my research that would suggest that it should ever be an issue to have my cat in public. I was just wondering if this was this particular vet, or something people came accross on a regular basis once their cat was diagnosed. I feel shunned! :)