FIV is the feline form of HIV. FIV can only infect cats, and is not
transmissible to people. FELV is the feline leukemia virus. Both
viruses can affect cats in similar ways, and both can be deadly. Even
“indoor” cats should be tested to rule out the possibility of infection,
however there are factors that can put some cats at higher risk.

Risk Factors:

   Fighting

   Time outdoors

   Contact with other infected cats

   Newly adopted

   Sickness

FIV and FELV are found in every region of the United States, and both
are highly contagious. They are transmissible from cat to cat, and can
be fatal. Both viruses have few outward signs, and show no “sure” signs,
but both viruses weaken the cats immune system. Both viruses are
associated with illness and death of more cats than any other disease.

Without testing, there is no way to know whether or not your cat is infected.

There are no “sure” signs of the disease. In some cats, signs don’t
appear for weeks, moths, or even years after they are infected. That
is why testing is so infected. Infected cats can show any of these
signs: vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, weakness, bite wounds, infected
wounds, not drinking water, fever, bleeding or pale gums, behavioral
changes, grooming changes, dull or matted coat, swollen lymph nodes,
and mouth sores.

The best way to protect your cat from FIV/FELV is to have your cat tested,
if it is not already tested, and have them vaccinated against the viruses.