Believe it or not, there is a relatively common and potentially deadly virus among cats; we are talking about feline leukemia. The feline leukemia virus or VLF for short is a potentially fatal disease, but if it is prevented and treated in time, we can improve the quality of life of our cat and thus extend its life itself. This virus is easily contagious. Secretions such as saliva or mucous are enough to cause a feline to contract this disease. Despite the fact that there are currently vaccines, many animals die from this virus, either because they did not have the proper sanitary environment or because the disease was not detected or treated in time.
We must remember that this is a type of cancer. Cats are prone to different types of cancer, and this is one of the most dangerous and easy to get. Above all, the most exposed felines are those that are born in dirty environments, and generally as puppies, since small felines are the most vulnerable.
In order for you to identify some symptoms that can help you to have a partial idea of whether your cat is infected and has feline leukemia virus, we recommend that you read this article and apply the advice that we will describe below.
What do you need
- Cat
- Veterinarian
- Note
Instructions
- This disease is potentially contagious because it is caused by a retrovirus that works as RNA, that is, it directly invades its cells, creates a copy of the cell’s information and finally acts by infecting its genetic material such as DNA.
- Because of this, the virus can easily pass into the animal’s body without considerable resistance, since the body basically considers it part of itself. This is what makes this virus a highly risky and easily acquired disease.
- Official records indicate that this virus was isolated for the first time during the 1960s. In healthy cats it is estimated that between 1% and 5% of domestic cats are infected, while in the case of healthy cats unstable or sick, this virus affects between 16% and 18%.
- The estimate varies from country to country and from the health situation in different regions. Homes where there is an adequate level of constant hygiene are less likely to be risky for cats to acquire this virus, although this does not ensure that there is no possibility that they will get sick later.
- In homes where the level of hygiene is minimal or it is an unhealthy area, the risk of contagion is potentially greater; this especially affects small cats that carry the disease even for a long time before dying, and are a danger since they can infect other cats.
- Feral cats are most commonly picked up by this virus because they are constantly in contact with unsanitary environments and with other cats that may be infected. While in the case of domestic cats, although this risk exists, the possibility of contagion is lower.
- This virus is transmitted through saliva and other secretions and excretions that the cat may have. Saliva, urine, feces, blood, or even breast milk from lactating cats can be potential mechanisms of infection.
- Fights, bites, toys, or sharing containers where they eat or drink water, can be tools that facilitate the transmission of this virus. However, many cats are in contact with the virus and do not get sick, but that does not mean that they are not stealthy carriers of the disease.
- If your cat has had contact with stray cats, do not be too alarmed, it is estimated that a third of domestic cats develop immunity to this disease, especially among older cats. Of course, this does not mean that they are not carriers, which is why we should vaccinate them, but it does mean that they are less likely to become infected.
Tips
- Although a total protection efficacy against the virus is not guaranteed, the possibility of contracting it can be radically reduced if the feline is vaccinated against this disease. The ideal is to vaccinate our cat when he is young, since during the cat’s infancy, it is when he is most exposed to die from this disease.
- Preventing our cats from having contact with stray cats is also an adequate way to prevent our cat from acquiring this other virus that affects its health. It is also advisable to take our cat at least once every six months for a check-up with the veterinarian and, if appropriate, perform a blood test to see if the cat has leukemia.
- If your cat is a puppy, we recommend carrying out a blood test between 6 and 12 weeks after birth to find out if there is a risk of leukemia or another retroviral disease.
