Kittens and Cats
Feline Leukemia
Feline Leukemia Virus, or FeLV, is a serious viral
disease that researchers now considered the number one infectious
disease causing death in cats.
FeLV can potentially affect any cat at any age.
Indoor cats living in single cat households are least likely to
be exposed. In the natural environment with cats going outside,
the incidence of infection is only about one percent. In multi-cat
households or in catteries, it can run as high as ten percent.
The virus itself is highly contagious, readily
transmitted from cat to cat through saliva, blood, feces and urine.
Close cat contact is necessary for transmission, yet without the
cat the virus is very unstable and will die within a few hours
outside of a victim. It is highly unlikely you will bring this
virus home on your clothing.
Research has shown that kittens can become infected
while still in the womb, and for this reason it is very important
for breeders to have their cats tested for FeLV prior to mating.
What is surprising to many cat owners is that the
majority of cats at some time in their lives actually come in
direct contact with FeLV. Fortunately, some cats will never show
any clinical signs, let alone succumb to the disease. In these
fortunate cats, their own immune system is able to fight off the
virus.
For the cats in which FeLV does cause disease,
it occurs either in the form of cancer or as a suppression of
the immune system. This, in turn, causes the system to be weak
against other offending diseases.
A second form of cancer, although less common,
occurs when the virus attacks the bone marrow and blood cells
leading to leukemia.
Testing
Trying to determine if your cat suffers from FeLV is not a straightforward
issue. Diagnostic testing has its limitations. In most cases the
test results have to be determined by a veterinarian in the light
of all the other information on your cat's condition. Routine
screening of your cats should be done before being introduced
into a household containing any other cats.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there are no long term, successful treatments or
cures. Efforts have therefore directed at finding a means of prevention
in the form of a vaccine.
Vaccination
The initial vaccine program consists of a
series of two injections followed by an annual booster. It is
important when the vaccine program is initiated for your cat that
you carefully adhere to the booster schedule outlined by your
veterinarian. Missing a booster will require starting the program
again from the beginning.
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