FeLV or Feline Leukemia Virus is a cat only disease that is spread by cat saliva and nasal discharge. Most cats have a strong immune system that works to fight the disease. However, once a cat tests positive it can infect other cats. FeLV is a cancer of the blood like in humans.
There are test for the disease and most shelters perform this test before adopting an animal into a new home. The first test is called an ELISA snap test and results are easily seen in 10 minutes. A more intense test called IFA can be sent into a lab and results are back within 2-3 days. However, the tests are only a "snapshot in time". This means that they are negative now. In 6 months they could possibly be positive, so it is very challenging to be 100% sure.
Cats can be carriers of FeLV but never show signs of the disease. A carrier can infect another cat though. A positive cat can even lead a long and healthy life with no one knowing they are positive. One should always be on the lookout for certain symptoms that are connected to FeLV and also many other diseases. They are: * Cats not interested in grooming or having a poor coat * A loss of interest in food * Upper respiratory infection * Urinary tract infection * Weight loss that occurs quickly * Stomatitis ( an oral disease that causes the body to reject the tarter on teeth) * Infections of the dermis * Diarrhea
Of course, this list could be greatly extended but the idea is that FeLV needs an expert's skills and knowledge as the disease can look like so many others. Your vet will probably want to retest your cat as a precaution if the cat has chronic issues.
The best bet is to prevent any cat from becoming infected. Cats should live indoors and when another cat is added to the home all precautions should be taken to keep the current cats safe. Talking to a trusted vet would be the best prevention. Although there is a vaccination for the virus it has not been proven to be very effective.
And remember that FeLV is a feline disease only and cannot be transmitted to other species.
There are test for the disease and most shelters perform this test before adopting an animal into a new home. The first test is called an ELISA snap test and results are easily seen in 10 minutes. A more intense test called IFA can be sent into a lab and results are back within 2-3 days. However, the tests are only a "snapshot in time". This means that they are negative now. In 6 months they could possibly be positive, so it is very challenging to be 100% sure.
Cats can be carriers of FeLV but never show signs of the disease. A carrier can infect another cat though. A positive cat can even lead a long and healthy life with no one knowing they are positive. One should always be on the lookout for certain symptoms that are connected to FeLV and also many other diseases. They are: * Cats not interested in grooming or having a poor coat * A loss of interest in food * Upper respiratory infection * Urinary tract infection * Weight loss that occurs quickly * Stomatitis ( an oral disease that causes the body to reject the tarter on teeth) * Infections of the dermis * Diarrhea
Of course, this list could be greatly extended but the idea is that FeLV needs an expert's skills and knowledge as the disease can look like so many others. Your vet will probably want to retest your cat as a precaution if the cat has chronic issues.
The best bet is to prevent any cat from becoming infected. Cats should live indoors and when another cat is added to the home all precautions should be taken to keep the current cats safe. Talking to a trusted vet would be the best prevention. Although there is a vaccination for the virus it has not been proven to be very effective.
And remember that FeLV is a feline disease only and cannot be transmitted to other species.
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Cat condos are perfect exercise for the cat. A cat towers is also great for the cat to rest on. Your cat deserves one right now.
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