Cats, just like any other animal and their caretakers, can get sick. If you love cats and own them, there are some things you should know about the illnesses that can affect your feline friend.
Leukemia
Even for humans, this word is one you never hope to hear. For Felines, it's a virus, that works by producing an enzyme that it then inserts into healthy cells infecting them. Just like a retrovirus. Because of this, it is a particularly nasty illness.
It doesn't matter where you are, your cat can be infected with this disease. The best prevention is to keep your cat healthy by maintaining its diet and seeing the vet regularly for any and all shots.
What are the ways your cat might become infected?
Feline leukemia spreads from cat to cat. There is no limit to the ways it can be spread. Even just sharing a litter box with an infected cat might be enough to spread the disease. Unborn kittens aren't safe from this disease since mother cats can pass feline leukemia off to their unborn offspring.
What type of cats have a greater risk of being infected?
While all cats are at risk for infection with feline leukemia, there are some cats that have a higher risk factor for contracting the virus. Multiple cat homes, especially if it's one that contains strays increase the risk factor for infection.
If you allow your cats to roam free out of doors then their chances of contracting this disease increases. They run a greater risk of coming in contact with infected cats and being bitten or scratched, allowing the virus to transfer itself. Kittens have a greater risk of becoming infected, especially when they are nursing since the virus can be transmitted through the mother's milk. Also, they have weaker immune systems.
Feline Leukemia: How to spot the symptoms and what it does to your feline
The virus can effect the cat in many ways. It is the major cause of cancer in cats and is responsible for many blood disorders. The virus affects the immune system of the cat, making it difficult for the immune system to protect him from other illnesses and diseases.
The main things to look for with feline leukemia is loss of appetite, weight loss and general loss of health for your cat. These may not be noticeable at first, since this virus can progress slowly. If you don't see any other sign see if you notice your cat becoming sick more often. Continual illness is a possible sign.
There are also other signs that usually show up a bit later in the diseases progression. These include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, pale gums or gums that are inflamed.
By paying attention to your cats health and following these tips, you may be able to avoid this dangerous cat illness.
| David Lee is an expert on pet care. See his site for more information on Cat Health, Cat Care, Cat Leukemia & Cat Kidney Disease |
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