Cat Illnesses Symptoms For Feline Leukemia Virus Or FeLV

FeLV is a highly contagious, deadly disease that attacks the immune system and makes it susceptible to disease.

FeLV is passed from a cat to a cat through direct contact via saliva, urine, feces, and blood. A cat who drinks from the same bowl as an infected animal can become a carrier for the disease.

FeLV is extremely deadly to kittens, and about a third who contract it die. Kittens can contract FeLV if they nurse from an infected mother or come into contact with an infected kitten or cat. Vets give vaccinations against FeLV depending on the cat’s risk of exposure (higher risk cats are those who were strays or who came from a shelter, cats who go outside, and cats who live in multiple cat households) and his general health and age. Symptoms include excessive drinking, colds, lethargy, anemia, diarrhea, blood in the stool, loss of appetite and weight loss.

If you are already have a cat and get another one, always get the newcomer checked for FeLV before you bring him home. Do not accidentally risk exposing a healthy car or kitten to FeLV. Some animal rescue organizations place FeLV positive cats and kittens together in FeLV positive cat households. These cats can live together comfortably for the rest of their lives.

Feline Panleukopenia Virus or FPV is also known as feline distemper. This disease attacks the nervous system, immune system, and bowels. Ask your vet to immunize your cat or kitten against FPV.

A healthy cat can contract FPV from a sick cat or from infected fleas. If you handle a cat with FPV and then pet your healthy cat, you could accidentally transmit FPV to him. As a precaution, always wash your hands after handling an unfamiliar or sick cat or after emptying the litter box. You do not want to unwittingly transmit a disease to your healthy pet.

Symptoms of FPV include lethargy, loss of appetite, and lack of balance. If your cat is displaying these symptoms, take him to the vet immediately.