MORE THAN A FELINE: DOES FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS AFFECT HOW CATS RESPOND TO VARYING ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULUS

Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Beulig, Alfred

Area of Concentration

Biopsychology

Abstract

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), bears remarkable similarities in morphology, pathology, epidemiology, and symptoms to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Today we have both a USDA approved treatment aid for cats infected with FIV, Lymphocyte T-­‐Cell Immunomodulator (LTCI), and a vaccine to prevent FIV infection. Through study of the cat we may one day also have an effective vaccine to prevent HIV, the worlds leading infectious killer of man. The purpose of this thesis is to illustrate the commonalities between both viruses; HIV and FIV, to detail how cats may be used as an animal model for a human disease, explore ways of mitigating environmental stressors for infected cats as studies have shown a relationship between stress and ability to fight disease, and investigate the response of synthetic feline pheromone (Feliway®) on a population of cats with and without FIV living in a feline-­‐exclusive animal shelter. The aim of the present study was to determine if a significant difference existed in the two populations in the effect of Feliway ® on the biology and behavior of the cats. The main results of this study are, that: 1) there was no significant statistical difference between the two populations in this study; and 2) both groups that received the pheromone exhibited behaviors of contentment. These findings suggest that there may be no difference in how FIV positive cats respond to pheromones, and that both groups may benefit from adding Feliway® to the environment.

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