Cat HIV/AIDS Common Among Strays, Outdoor Cats

(IDAHO FALLS) – Picking up a stray cat and giving it a loving home is common for many people, but it can be deadly for other cats living in the home. Dianna Newman, who had recently adopted a stray, took it to the vet only to find that it had feline immunodeficiency virus – the cat version of HIV. Experts say the disease is more common than people might think. Between 2.5 and 4.4 percent of cats worldwide are infected, which is mostly transmitted through fighting. They tell KIDK that tests for FIV cost about $40 and last around ten minutes.