Cat Leukemia
Leukemia
Feline leukemia virus falls into the category of retroviruses because of the way infected cells behave. The virus produces an enzyme that inserts copies of the virus’s own genetic material into the infected cells.
It makes no difference where you are, your cat can become infected with this disease. The best prevention is to keep your cat healthy by maintaining a good diet and seeing the vet regularly for all shots.
How Do Cats Become Infected?
Feline leukemia spreads from cat to cat. There’s no limit to the ways it can be spread. Even just sharing a litter box with an infected cat could be enough to spread the disease. Unborn kittens aren’t safe from this disease since mother cats can pass feline leukemia on to their unborn offspring.
What type of cats have a greater risk of being infected?
Any cat is at risk of being infected, although some cats are at a greater risk than others. If a cat is living with other cats that are infected or it’s unknown whether they’re infected with feline leukemia virus, risks of the cat becoming infected are very high.
If you allow your cats to roam free outdoors then their chances of catching 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’re very young since the virus can be transmitted through the mother’s milk. Also, they have weaker immune systems.
How to spot the symptoms and what it does to your cat
Feline Leukemia works a great deal 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 also cause other health problems, such as blood disorders and has been connected as being a source of cancer for 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. A few of the primary signs that you may notice are loss of appetite and weight-loss. At first, weight-loss will be negligible, but later in the disease, you may notice your cat wasting away.
Poor coat condition and a continual fever, along with enlarged lymph nodes, and persistent diarrhea, are also revealing signs. You may also observe your cat has pale and inflamed gums, infections such as urinary, repertory or skin and eye conditions. Mother cats that have become infected will also have reproductive problems such as aborting kittens.
By paying attention to your cats health, you may be able to avoid this dangerous cat illness.