How is FIV in cats transmitted to other cats? - briefly
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in cats is primarily transmitted through deep bite wounds, as the virus is present in the cat's saliva. The risk of transmission is highest when a cat with FIV bites another cat, making aggressive interactions and fights between cats significant factors for spreading the disease.
How is FIV in cats transmitted to other cats? - in detail
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is primarily transmitted through deep bite wounds, as the virus is present in high concentrations in the saliva of infected cats. When an uninfected cat is bitten by an FIV-positive cat, the virus can enter the bloodstream through the puncture wound and infect the recipient cat. The risk of transmission increases with the severity and depth of the bite, as well as the amount of virus present in the saliva of the infected cat. Additionally, FIV can be transmitted from a pregnant FIV-positive cat to her kittens during pregnancy or through nursing. However, casual contact such as grooming, sharing food bowls, or using the same litter box does not pose a significant risk for transmission, as the virus is fragile and cannot survive outside the cat's body for long periods. It is important to note that FIV is species-specific and cannot be transmitted to humans or other animals. To minimize the risk of transmission among cats, it is recommended to keep infected cats indoors and prevent them from fighting with uninfected cats.