A retrovirus, FIV is similar to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in that it attacks the body's immune system, eventually making the patient unable to deal with common infections. The disease is spread by contact with contaminated saliva, usually from the bite of an infected cat - another reason why cats should live indoors. There is currently no vaccine to protect against this disease.

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Excerpted from The K.I.S.S. Guide to Cat Care by Steve Duno
Copyright 2001 by Steve Duno.
Excerpted by permission of Dorling Kindersley Publishing Inc.
All rights reserved.
No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.