About Us Feline Immunodeficiency Virus by Holly R. Frisby, DVM Drs. It attacks the immune system , and as a result, the cat is unable to fight off various infections and cancers. There is no evidence FIV can be transmitted to mammals other than cats.
Retroviruses are species-specific.
In the host , the RNA is transcribed into DNA and incorporated into the DNA of the host s cells. Retroviruses are fragile, being easily inactivated by ultraviolet light, heat, detergents and drying. FIV is shed in the saliva and is transmitted by bite wounds. FIV transmission in utero or through the milk is very rare. It can occur if the queen is infected during gestation or lactation .