However, some changes in kidney and lung tissue have been observed over time in cats affected with FeFV, which may or may not be directly affiliated.

Some of these characteristics include the lack of a nucleocapsid protein and the equal binding affinity of the carboxyl-terminal portion of the GAG gene to DNA and RNA.

Foamy viruses have two bel genes, located between env and the 3 prime long terminal repeats of the FeFV provirus.

The virus has many long attachments or spikes (15 nm) that aid in the viral entry into various cell types in the host.

Once inside the host cell, the viral core makes its way along the microtubules to its destination; the microtubule-organizing center.

The foamy virus protease cuts the Gag protein and thus activates the viral core disassembly at the organizing center.

Although the major mode of transmission has not been specifically documented, FeFV has been identified in the saliva of many affected cats.

FIV, also a retrovirus, will have more noticeable symptoms such as swollen joints, enlarged lymph nodes, and difficulty walking.

However, ongoing studies are exploring the role of FeFV in viral gene therapy to treat other pathogenic feline diseases.