Protecting Your Pet: Feline AIDS

(WSVN) -- Joy King, Silver's mom: "To say spice had a rough start in life - is putting it mildly. He's cross eyed and his little tail has been cut off and he's minus an ear."

So did Silver.

Joy King Silver and Spice's mom: "He was found on the street in Miami Beach."

Before Joy King rescued these stray cats they got feline aids while living in the streets.

Like aids in humans - the virus destroys their immune system.

But rest assured - you couldn't get it from your cat.

They can't give to other animals.

Only cats get it.

Dr. Michael Fusco from Adams Veterinary Clinic: "Exactly -- like most viruses -- this is a species specific virus."

How common is it?

Dr. Michael Fusco: "feline aids is very common in south Florida because of our feral cats or wild cat population."

To protect your cat - limit their contact with other felines.

Dr. Michael Fusco: "It's transmitted from cat to cat by direct contact with bodily fluids -- saliva, urine, feces -- it's probably easier for a cat to contract aids if they have dental disease or sores in their mouth or some type of gingivitis."

But all felines are at risk - especially outdoor - older and cats who fight.

Kittens can get it during birth and from nursing.

Symptoms include fever - loss of appetite - diarrhea - weakness - swollen lymph nodes - mouth sores and a dull coat.

A simple blood test can detect it.

A vaccine can prevent it.

Dr. Michael Fusco: "To play it safe -- really all cats should be vaccinated."

Hey spice -- say I have got beautiful eyes.

While there's no medication to treat feline AIDS - Silver and Spice King can live a rich life with lots of T.L.C.

Joy King: "Just love them they you know they need a lot of affection they need a lot of quality time."

Before bringing any kitten or cat home have it tested for feline AIDS.

Contact: mmitzel@wsvn.com