Leukemia...a Killer of Cats

Unlike leukemia that people contract, feline leukemia is caused by a virus. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recently released their findings from an exhaustive study investigating this worldwide disease. This infectious disease is more commonly associated with illness and death than any other contagious feline malady.

Feline leukemia is caused by a virus.

Though you may have an indoor cat, even one that has been vaccinated for this disease, if your cats becomes ill with signs of anemia, cancer, or an immune disease it should be tested. This virus can remain inapparent for years. Sudden stress or other illness can depress your cat’s immunity and allow the disease to manifest itself.

Testing should also be conducted on cats of any age that are going to be introduced into a multi cat household. Remember, no test is one hundred percent accurate. A negative test result is more reliable than a positive. If your cat tests positive and is asymptomatic, your veterinarian can discuss additional diagnostic procedures that can help you determine if your cat is at risk of developing full-blown signs with time.

Cats that are allowed to roam the neighborhood are exposure prone. Remember, even totally indoor cats do escape outside at times. Whether or not you should vaccinate your cat against this condition is a decision that you and your veterinarian need to discuss. No vaccine is a hundred percent effective and this vaccine has been associated with complications.

Discuss the need to vaccinate your cat with your veterinarian.

Kittens can be infected from birth. It is possible to test kittens of any age but often the test will be negative for weeks to months after birth. It’s recommended that all cats with a negative test be retested at least one month later to insure that the results were correct.

Vaccines are a marvelous way to help safeguard your pet against contagious diseases. The best way to prevent a disease however is to prevent exposure. Testing only helps to protect against transmission of the disease to other pets.

For questions concerning your pets' medical well being, see your veterinarian because it is "Your Pet...Health Matters."