Feline Aids is a virus similar to the Aids virus in humans. It affects the cat's immune system, making them more suseptible to catching other diseases and there is no cure. Cats contract Feline Aids through the exchange of bodily fluids; shared food bowls, litter boxes, mating and bite wounds. Signs of the disease are similar to those in humans suffering from AIDS and include swollen lymph nodes, severe weight loss, diarrhea, respiratory infections, anemia, and parasitic infections.

There is no evidence to indicate that the disease is transmittable to humans. Cat owners should not be concerned that their cats could expose them to human AIDS. Other cats however are at risk.

What animals are at risk?

All cats that go outside AT ALL - even just on the back patio under the owner’s supervision are at risk. Cats that live in a household with an infected cat or live with another cat that goes outside are at risk. There is no cure for this disease.

The good news is that we now have a vaccine to protect outdoor cats from the Feline AIDS virus. The vaccine is 85% effective in protecting cats from INFECTION! (Most vaccines protect against disease but not infection). This is very promising, and the reactions to this vaccine occur no more often than with other routine vaccines available. Three doses must be given 2 - 3 weeks apart initially to produce immunity. All cats being vaccinated with this vaccine must be tested for Feline AIDS first. Once vaccinated, routine ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) tests for Feline AIDS virus will show positive for both vaccinated and infected animals.

We require testing all cats for Feline AIDS prior to vaccination, then give three vaccines 2 to 3 weeks apart. The manufacturer, Fort Dodge, has advised us that if there is a delay of more than 3 weeks, then the vaccine regimen will have to be started over - completely. After the initial regimen, your cat will only require a yearly booster to maintain immunity.

Just to let you know the risks, there is a 9.4% infection rate among “at risk” cats in the South Central USA. This is the highest rate in the country, AND, urban centers represent the highest concentration of these infected cats. This means that the Houston area could have as high as 15 - 20% infection in “at risk” cats.

Too often we see well meaning people feeding stray cats. Then one of them becomes sick and we test and find FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). Unfortunately, most owners do not know that their cats are really at risk, or already infected. Just like people with AIDS, we can help keep these animals healthy longer with good nutrition, prophylactic antibiotics, and prompt attention to any health problems that may occur.

We offer this vaccine in a pre-paid package to encourage follow-through and to make sure the vaccine is available for your cat’s 2^nd and 3^rd booster. These injections must be done 2-3 weeks apart, and at the time the package is paid for, your doses will be set aside for your cat.

Please call (281) 444-8387 if you would like more information or to set an appointment to test and vaccinate your cats.

There is no evidence to indicate that the disease is transmittable to humans. Cat owners should not be concerned that their cats could expose them to human AIDS. Other cats however are at risk.

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