As with any pet you adopt, the first thing you always want to do as the responsible pet owner that you are is to make an appointment with your Vet. Be sure your new pet gets a clean bill of health, and get your doctors’ advice as to a vaccination regimen necessary to raise a healthy family member.
If you just got a new kitty, among the vaccinations you may want to inquire about is the one to protect your cat against Feline Leukemia, which is a very serious disease. It is caused by a virus. Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is very complex, is cancer of the white cells and cancerous other tumors. Other attributes of this disease can also be anemia, atrophy of the thymus gland, and ulcers of the mouth, skin lesions, reproductive problems, digestion, respiratory problems and more.
This is a serious disease and the reason it causes so many problems is because the virus impairs the cat’s immune system similar to the way the AIDS virus affects humans. As a result your cat loses all ability to fight bacteria and fungi which causes these disease problems.
If you are wondering how your feline best friend can be in danger of contracting this disease, it is usually spread by an infected cat. It can be transmitted through saliva, urine and feces, by licking, biting, sneezing, sharing food and water dishes, plus the litter boxes.
You may be a bit safe and secure from contact with this disease if your cat is strictly an indoor cat and does not accidentally get loose. There is always the danger of boarding your cat where there may be or has been an infected cat. I would hope that these places would be a little more careful and all “boarders” entered with a required medical record and history.
If your cat has been “possibly” exposed to an infected cat (by getting out, being around a cat you are unfamiliar with, whatever makes you leery) but you are not sure, be safe than sorry and visit your Vet for a test. There are signs you can look for such as long lasting infections, unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite, swollen glands and gum problems. Don’t hesitate to call your Vet ASAP.
Prevention, prevention, prevention. The way to prevent your cat from getting the disease is a preventative program. First, is to limit any contact with other cats. Easier said than done sometimes, I am sure which is why it is best to contact your Vet and get the most effective and safest vaccine that is available.
There is a whole website of Feline Leukemia Support as there are thousands of domestic and wild cats that suffer from this disease each year . . . with newer methods of treatment readily available all the time. For more extensive information on this subject, go to the felineleukemia.org. It is always comforting to know that there is help out there for you as you are never alone.
