Page 67 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

FeLV
A potentially deadly virus, feline
leukemia virus (FeLV) is shed
in saliva, other body fluids, and
feces. Pregnant or nursing cats can
pass it to their kittens. Some cats
may overcome the virus, but
it may take hold in kittens or in
cats that are already sick. The
virus attacks the immune system,
destroying white blood cells, and
may cause lymphoma (see p.63)
or leukemia. It may also destroy
developing red blood cells, causing
anemia (see p.59). Infected cats
die within a few years. Vets may
carry out blood tests to identify 65
FeLV. Cats at risk of infection
can be vaccinated. infected cats have no signs or only △ Vaccinating a cat
mild gastroenteritis. However, Most vaccines are given by injection under
FIV in rare cases the virus mutates the skin, but certain vaccines may be given
as eye or nose drops.
Feline immunodeficiency virus to become FIP, especially in very
(FIV) is carried in saliva, blood, young or old cats. FIP causes
and other body fluids, and is fever, weight loss, appetite loss, “Vaccination protects Infectious diseases
usually passed on by cat bites and jaundice. There are two main your cat from
(FIV cannot be passed to humans). forms. The wet (acute) form causes
Once infected, a cat is “FIV- a bloated abdomen, muffled heart infectious diseases.”
positive” for life. However, it sounds, and difficulty breathing.
may take months or years for The dry (chronic) form causes
signs of the disease to appear. inflammation in blood vessels and
FIV attacks the immune system, body tissues, especially in the eyes
making the cat unable to fight and brain. FIP is usually fatal.
off infections and cancer. Signs Vaccination
include weight loss, lethargy, fever, Rabies A vaccine against an infectious
inflamed mouth and gums, and This viral infection is highly organism is formulated to stimulate
persistent or recurrent infections. dangerous because it can be passed the immune system so that it is
FIV is diagnosed by a blood test. to humans. The virus is ready to protect the cat if exposed to
There is no cure, and currently transmitted in saliva, usually by a the actual infection. All cats should
be vaccinated against feline
no recommended vaccine, but bite from an infected animal. Signs panleukopenia, FCV, and FHV. Cats
preventing further infections may take several weeks to appear at high risk for FeLV, Chlamydophila
can help keep cats healthy. and include irritable or vicious felis, and rabies may also need
behavior, paralysis of facial and vaccination. Kittens have their first
FIP throat muscles, seizures, and death. vaccinations at 8–9 weeks old (12
The virus that causes feline Vaccination can prevent the disease. weeks for rabies), and should have
a full booster vaccination 12 months
infectious peritonitis (FIP) is Cats that are brought into the US later (except for rabies). Boarding
a form of the common feline must be vaccinated at least 21 days catteries will require you to leave a
coronavirus. Cats may catch the before travel and a licensed fully up-to-date vaccination certificate
virus by swallowing it after contact veterinarian must complete the with your cat when he is admitted.
with infected cats or feces. Most US Veterinary Certificate.

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