Read About Symptoms of Feline Leukemia

 - Causes and Facts

  1. Problem Definition:

    Feline leukemia is a disease that acts upon the cat's immune system thus weakening it Imageand making the animal susceptible to various other diseases like pneumonia, etc.
  2. Most Common Cause:

    The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is transmitted by other infected carrier cats.
  3. Physical Reasons:

    Feline leukemia is caused when a healthy cat comes into contact with an infected cat, or by sharing food, water bowls, and litter boxes. The disease is spread through saliva, feces, blood, urine and tears of the infected cat.
  4. Emotional Reasons:

    Though emotional stress or trauma cannot cause a cat to become infected, it would most definitely make the animal highly vulnerable or, if already infected, cause a very significant aggravation of the condition.

 - Prevention and Treatments

  1. What to Watch for:

    Pet owners should be wary of signs of depression, chronic weight loss, constipation, excessive urination, or appetite loss. Also, recurring diseases is a sign of FeLV.
  2. Precautions:

    Vaccinations against the disease are available, so make sure your pet is vaccinated. ImageThis reduces the risk of infection. Maintaining a healthy diet also helps in keeping your pet away from this disease.
  3. Prevention:

    Make sure that your cat does not come in contact with other cats that are infected by the disease. If you are not sure, better not let a stranger cat hobnob with your pet. Annual vaccination is also a must.
  4. Treatment:

    There is no known cure for the disease. But the best treatment for your cat is to keep it in healthy condition both physically and emotionally. Also always be on the lookout for any signs of ill health; timely treatment of other diseases is of utmost importance.
  5. Helpful Supplies:

    A healthy diet can boost the cat's resistance, more so after infection. Regular visits to the vet are highly recommended.

 - Concerns

  1. Level of Seriousness:

    Feline leukemia can be a fatal disease. Sometimes the cat's immune system can override the virus, but other times, the virus may multiply and cause death to your pet.
  2. Genetics:

    The vital role heredity plays is often an indirect one but nevertheless pertinent. An offspring from affected parents may be with a genetically weak immune system.
  3. Lifestyle Accommodations:

    Never accommodate a new pet, without making sure your previous one is tested for the virus. Also be firm on which of the neighboring pets enter your household. Remember 1 in 10 cats is often a carrier.
  4. Family Issues:

    Undue stress upon your cat can only increase its susceptibility to the disease, so make sure the kids don't play rough with the pet. Also train the pet to stay away during times of bustle like in the mornings when everybody is in a hurry to leave.
  5. Expense:

    A cat's weakened immune system proves to burn pockets unless proper precautions are taken.