Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

It is estimated that 2-3% of all cats have Feline Leukemia. Animals with the highest risk are the young, old, the infirm, and strays with susceptibility as high as 13%. Feline Leukemia attacks the immune system, similar to HIV in humans. It is the number one viral disease of cats. This virus is not transmittable from cats to humans.

Some cats do not become infected with the virus, but may become a carrier of the virus. Cat can be infected in two ways. A cat's immune systems can be affected leaving it susceptible to infections and leukemia. Other cats contract cancerous tumors.

The virus is spread through the litter box, food and water dishes, grooming, fighting, and nursing. The virus can live for several hours outside the cat's body. Healthy, adult cats have a higher level of resistance, but no cat is immune.

A simple blood test can reveal if your cat has Feline Leukemia. Cats infected with FeLV can live up to three years. Once an infected cat is introduced into the household, all cats in the household should be tested. Those who are free of the virus should be separated and given designated food and water bowls and litter boxes. A preventive annual vaccination is effective in the prevention of FeLV.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Cats with Feline Leukemia are often found to have Feline Infectious Peritonitis too. This is the second leading viral disease for cats. About 1% of the cat population has FIP. Like Feline Leukemia, FIP is similar to HIV in humans; it affects the immune system. This virus is not transmittable from cats to humans, just as HIV is not transmittable from humans to cats. FIP is a mutated form of the feline coronavirus.

This fatal disease causes small tissue abscesses on the internal organs. If the cat's immune system is strong, the cat will contract a 'dry' form of the disease and will suffer from eye disorders, seizures, and neurological problems. If the cat's immune system is weaker, the cat will contract a 'wet' form of FIP and will suffer from fluid retention inside the body that will be indicated by swelling of the abdomen. Cats with the wet form of FIP will often have respiratory problems. There is a blood test of FIP and an annual vaccination.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

FIV is another virus similar to HIV in humans. Cats that have been diagnosed with FIV often have Feline Leukemia also. About 1% of all cats have FIV.

The virus does not live outside of the body, therefore, transmission of this disease from cat to cat is usually through penetrating bite wounds. Infected mothers can pass the virus on to their kittens during gestation or nursing. Cats infected with FIV have inflammatory problems of their teeth and mouth. Diarrhea, pneumonia, skin, eye, and sinus problems as well as neurological problems have been seen to be chronic FIV-positive cats.

There is no cure for FIV and no vaccination. The best defense against FIV is to spay or neuter your cats and do not allow them to roam free outside. If you allow your cats to go outside, provide a contained supervised area.

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