Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death for cats in the past. Today, we have vaccines that can treat the disease. Your cat will need to be given the shot before they are exposed. Death doesn’t happen right away, but cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t live very long. The virus is highly contagious, so you should never allow other cats around your cat if you know they have feline leukemia.
What are the signs of the disease?
It is common for cats to exhibit no signs of disease at all during the early stages of infection. Over time, it could be weeks, months, or even years, the cat’s health will progressively deteriorate. They might have recurrent illness followed with periods of relative health.
Signs can include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis)
- Persistent fever
- A variety of eye conditions
- Persistent diarrhea
- Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders
- Slow but progressive weight loss, followed by severe wasting late in the disease process
- Poor coat condition
- Loss of appetite
- Pale gums and other mucus membranes
- Infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract
- In unspayed female cats, abortion of kittens or other reproductive failures
Always take your cat to the vet for their regular check ups to protect their health. They should lead a healthy and productive life, if you keep them up to date on their vaccinations. Some health problems can’t be avoided, but most of them can. Keeping your cat indoors will protect them from a variety of health problems. Rregular visits to the vet will keep your outdoor cat healthy. Your cat will be your companion for years to come as long as you take them to the vet and keep them healthy.
