Cats and illness- what you need to know about Feline Leukemia

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.

Cats who have the cat feline leukemia virus are found all over the world. The likelihood of a cat becoming infected can depend a lot on the age of the cat, its health, environment and lifestyle. Cats who are very young or ill have an even greater chance of contracting the virus. This is why cat care is so important.

How Do Cats Become Infected?

Other cats are the main source of the infection being spread. The virus is
passed on in large amounts through saliva or nasal fluids. But it may also be passed on through urine, feces and milk from the cats that are infected. The virus is also passed on through cat-to-cat contact, such as fighting resulting in wounds, when cats groom each other and, sometimes, through sharing litter boxes.

Which Cats Are At Risk Of Infection?

Any cat is at risk of being infected, although some cats are at a greater risk than most. If a cat is living with other cats that are infected or it is unknown whether they are infected with feline leukemia virus, risks of the cat becoming infected are very high.

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

Feline Leukemia works very much like HIV in humans. It attacks the immune system of your cat, making it difficult for your cat to fight off even the most minor of illnesses. It can cause other health problems for your cat as well, such as blood disorders and has been linked as being a source of cancer in cats.

At first, your cat may show no signs of the virus at all. But over time, your cat’s health will begin to deteriorate or he may suffer from re-occurring illnesses. Some of the main signs that you may notice are loss of appetite and weight-loss. At first, weight-loss will be minimal, but late in the disease, you may notice your cat wasting away.

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, learning about common cat disease like cat kidney disease and others, you may be able to avoid this dangerous cat illness.

David Lee is an expert on cat care. See his site for more info on cat related subjects like Nutrition in cat food, why do cats purr and to pamper your kitty,Pet steps cat furniture.