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Feline Leukemia: Before Acquiring a Cat

Adopting a Cat, Feline Leukemia, Feline Leukemia Virus, Leukemia

As a leading cause of disease and illness in cats, feline leukemia has become a major health scare for cat owners. Protecting the health and security of a family cat is crucial. For this reason, understanding the cause, origin, symptoms and treatment options for feline leukemia may improve the longevity and health of the family cat you plan to adopt.

Feline leukemia is a general term used to describe a non-curable viral infection affecting both domestic and wild cats. Most commonly found in wild male cats, feline leukemia can afflict any cat, both wild and domestic, at any time. Considered a retrovirus, feline leukemia is often fatal as it progressively weakens the cat’s immune system resulting in a general inability, by the cat, to fight a variety of infections. Considered an auto-immune disease, both the domestic and wild cat can acquire feline leukemia through transmission from other cats via saliva, tears or even feces and urine. Unfortunately, pregnant cats may also pass the feline leukemia virus to a litter of kittens. For this reason, when adopting a cat or kitten, it is imperative the kitten or cat be tested for feline leukemia prior to accepting ownership. Through pre-adoption testing, as a cat owner you will better understand the nutritional and medical status of the cat providing for a more educated decision during adoption.

Symptoms of feline leukemia are varied. When the domestic cat is struck with feline leukemia symptoms will often exhibit as general fatigue, diarrhea, weight loss, bloody stools and, in some cases, difficulty breathing. Upon examination by a veterinarian, the domestic cat will show evidence of anemia and lymph node disorders. However, because feline leukemia attributes to a depressed or supressed immune system, the range of symptoms are endless depending on the secondary infection the cat may acquire due to the feline leukemia virus. The most important aspect of symptomatic cats is to seek veterinarian attention as soon as abnormal symptoms appear.

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Treating feline leukemia primarily involves a strategic approach to ward off feline leukemia symptoms. While some cats carry a natural ability to ward off the infection, other cats will fall on the deep end of the spectrum and suffer from severe illness and disease throughout their entire life span. Again, for this reason, prior to adopting a cat or kitten, be sure the feline leukemia test is completed. If the cat or kitten is fortunate to test negative for feline leukemia, acquire the vaccination for the feline leukemia disease prior to bringing the cat home. Although the vaccination is not 100 percent effective, it does provide a significant protection against acquisition of the disease, if exposed. If the cat or kitten you plan to adopt tests positive for feline leukemia, adoption may still be an option but, as a new cat owner, be sure you are well educated in the medical implications.

As a new cat owner, protecting the cat from disease and illness is a primary concern. While most cat owners assume a cat is healthy at adoption, it is an unfortunate fact that many are not. Adopting a cat with feline leukemia is encouraged when and if the potential cat owner is fully aware of the significant impact feline leukemia virus will have on the cat and the family unit. Additionally, when adopting a cat with feline leukemia it is highly recommended the cat remain in a home where no other cats face potential for exposure. Whether afflicted with feline leukemia or not, the cat or kitten you plan to bring home will be a great addition to your family and provide many years of enjoyment.

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