Cat Leukemia??

Who have thought that cats may also have the possibility to get leukemia?Cat Leukemia, also known as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), is a transmittable RNA retrovirus that can severely inhibit a cat's immune system. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of disease and death in domestic cats. (Now I'm worried about my cats at home. I wonder how are they doing now? Well, I hope that they are still living healthily.)

In case you are curious to know more about this cat disease, of course you would like to know what are the causes? How do cats get that disease?

The FeLV virus is shed in many bodily fluids, including saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces and blood. FeLV is most commonly transmitted through direct contact, mutual grooming and through sharing litter boxes, food and water bowls. It can also be passed in utero or through mother's milk. Outdoor cats who get into fights with other cats can transmit the disease through bites and scratches.

How would you know whether your cat is having FeLV?? Let us see the signs:

+Cats can be infected and show no signs.
+Loss of appetite and weight loss
+Pale or inflamed gums
+Poor coat condition
+Abcesses
+Fever
+Upper respiratory infections
+Diarrhea and vomiting
+Seizures
+Changes in behavior
+Vision or other eye problems
+Enlarged lymph nodes
+Reproductive problems (in females)
+Jaundice
+Chronic skin disease
+Respiratory distress
+Lethargy

(fewh!that's a lot!i pity the infected cats)



What Happens to Cats Who Are Infected with FeLV???

FeLV weakens an animal's immune system and predisposes cats to a variety of infections and diseases, including anemia, kidney disease and lymphosarcoma, a highly malignant and fatal cancer of the lymph system.

Which Cats Are Prone to FeLV???

Young kittens and cats less than one year of age are most susceptible to the virus. Cats who live with an infected cat, cats who are allowed outdoors where they may be bitten by an infected cat, and kittens who are born to a mother who is FeLV positive are most at risk for infection.

It is a wise decision if cats are given vaccination as an early step to prevent this horrified FeLV. What makes me sad is that this disease has no cure....So, if cats owner observe something wrong with the cat and have the signs as I mentioned, rush to the vet nearby and let the vet do the diagnosis. Maybe your cat can still be cured with some miracle that only Allah can gives..

Last words, love our cats and protect them. They hold onto us because they need shelter, protection and our attention.. Give your attention to them, make sure they maintain healthy.. I love my cats and I will really, really take good care of them now.. How about you??