Can Cats Really Get AIDS?

I am sure that by now most people know that humans can contract the AIDS virus. However, did you know that cats can get feline AIDS?

I know what you are thinking. Can Cats contract AIDS from humans? Or humans contract AIDS from Cats? No, fortunately it is not passed from humans to cats or vice-versa. But cats contract it from other cats. How does it happen?

Well it comes in 3 stages: First stage is when cats are outdoors and they come into contact with another cat who has it. The most common means of transmission is being bit by an infected cat, or through saliva or blood. Signs of the first stage is Fever, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea and anemia.

Feline AIDS can only be detected through a blood test at the veterinarian's office. In the second stage of the disease symptoms are virtually non-existant and cats can live long healthy lives this way for a long time with proper diet and regular vet check-ups.

It is the 3rd stage which is most traumatic to the cat and to their owners as well. In this 3rd stage they can develop sores or ulcers in their mouths making it almost impossible to eat. Eventually these sores will develop in the stomach and the cat will be in extreme pain. In the very last stage before death, their kidneys and other vital organs will shut down putting them into an unconscious state and then they die.

If you don't want your cat to contract this horrible disease, please keep them indoors. Your cat will truly thank you and they will live a healthier and longer life.