Feline leukemia
What is feline leukemia?
Feline leukemia (FeLV) is a globally distributed virus that mostly affects outdoor cats. It is spread from cat to cat through casual contact, mainly through saliva.
This disease can manifest itself in different forms, including cancers such as lymphoma, by damage to the bone marrow leading to blood disorders, or by a weakening of the body’s defenses making them more susceptible to secondary infections.
Unfortunately, most cats stay with this virus for the rest of their lives and some of them will be contagious to other cats for the rest of their lives.
On the other hand, the virus can be inactive for many years, so it is possible to live comfortably with a cat carrying this disease without any risk.
What to do to avoid this disease?
A vaccine can be given by your veterinarian for cats going outdoors. Although this method is relatively effective, it is mainly as a result of the FeLV screening and eradication programs that the prevalence of this infection has significantly decreased. Screening is therefore essential! So, if you intend to adopt a furry little companion in the near future, ask that the latter be tested for leukemia before entering your home, especially if you have another cat at home, or if you plan for it to go outside.
Feline immunodeficiency
What is feline immunodeficiency?
Feline Immunodeficiency (FIV) is a globally distributed virus that mostly affects outdoor cats. It is spread from cat to cat through bites. Males, especially those going outdoors, are at greater risk due to their behavior.
The clinical signs are mainly caused by a weakening of the body’s defenses caused by the virus. These felines are therefore more susceptible to opportunistic infections and oral diseases. These cats are also at greater risk of developing lymphoma during their lifetime than a normal cat.
On the other hand, the virus can be inactive for many years, so it is possible to live comfortably with a cat carrying this disease without any risk.
What to do to avoid this disease?
VACCINATION
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for the FIV.
SCREENING
If you intend to adopt a furry little companion in the near future, ask that the latter be tested for feline immunodeficiency before entering your home, especially if you have another cat at home, or if you plan for it to go outside.
Writer: Vetachroniques – Veterynary student at Montréal (Canada)
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