Feline leukemia (FeLV) is a common viral disease in cats. Some specimens can contract this infection when they are still very young, if they were born from a sick cat; others, on the other hand, can be infected through direct contact with the saliva of an infected specimen. Most cats with FeLV have full, normal lives, but they need a special environment and hygienic conditions, as they are susceptible to some health problems in the long run.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Confirm the FeLV
Step 1. Make sure your cat truly has FeLV
Take him to a veterinary clinic so they can take a blood sample from him and have him analyzed. This type of examination is very sensitive and precise.
- Testing for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is also often done.
- Testing for FeLV (and for FIV in cats that are 6 months old or older) is done as a practice in recovery centers and catteries before the animals are adopted by families, so the results of the tests can be included in the " medical record "at the time of adoption.
- If you find a cat or puppy, or if it is given to you by a private individual, then you should have it tested immediately, as part of its check-up. This is even more important if you plan to take your cat to a house where other cats already live.
Step 2. Check for symptoms or infection
Cats that have recently come into contact with the virus may show the first nonspecific signs of infection, such as a decrease in energy, fever or a reduction in appetite.
After an initial "viremia" (when the virus multiplies in the blood system), some specimens with a stronger immune system are able to fight and completely eradicate the infection; while in others the disease progresses until it becomes a persistent infection or enters a "latency" phase. At this stage, the virus is often asymptomatic and can remain so for many years
Step 3. Learn about the complications that can arise when your cat has FeLV
Although it is a disease that can be easily managed and often enters a submissive phase, flare-ups of symptoms can always occur. In fact, it can cause cancer, make the animal more prone to infections, weaken the immune system and cause severe anemia. It can also contribute to reproductive problems and abnormal arthritis due to an alteration in red blood cells.
Step 4. Be prepared to take extra precautions and special measures to care for your FeLV-infected cat
If you can guarantee him adequate care, he can live for many years without suffering from major problems. In many cases it can also be negative for leukemia, which means that you can live a long and happy life.
Part 2 of 4: Caring for an Affected Cat
Step 1. If your cat has never been vaccinated against FeLV and has recently been exposed to the virus, give him the injection as soon as possible
There are no treatments or "cures" for viruses; however, the vaccine greatly increases the cat's chances of eradicating the infection if it becomes infected, instead of developing a chronic disease (which is very common among unvaccinated animals). The cat can undergo a course of vaccines from 8 weeks of age. Boosters can be given every 1-3 years, depending on the risk of exposure to the virus and the type of vaccine.
Step 2. Treat your cat to appropriate treatments for worms, ear mites, fleas, ticks, and any other health problems that may cause her discomfort
Do not give him the different treatments all at once, otherwise you could even aggravate his situation. Wait a week or two before treating him for another ailment.
Step 3. Create a stress-free atmosphere in the house
If your cat is frightened or upset about something in the house, get rid of the cause of anxiety. Ask family members or friends you live with to stay quiet and not make noise when they are at home.
Maintain a suitably warm environment. Your kitty needs more heat than a healthy pet. It is important to provide him with blankets and a good warm bed to sleep
Step 4. Feed him quality food and ensure a balanced diet
Good food helps improve his health, because it provides him with all the nutrients he needs, compared to cheaper, but also poorer products. If your cat is sick with FeLV, do not feed him any type of commercial product or raw food prepared at home, as he has a compromised immune system; this way he could get even more sick, due to the bacteria present in these unhealthy foods.
Don't feed him fish only, as he won't get all the essential nutrients he needs
Step 5. Make sure your cat's everyday items are sanitized
Make sure the litter box, food bowl, water bowl, and so on are thoroughly clean. This means that you have to wash them every day without ever forgetting about them. If you can't do it, you have to hire someone else to take care of it.
Part 3 of 4: Limiting the Spread of the Infection
Step 1. Maintain good hygiene habits
The FeLV virus does not survive long outside the cat's body, but it can be transmitted through clothing or objects. Practice good personal hygiene and always wash your hands when touching several cats, especially if you are stroking or holding a cat who is definitely sick with FeLV.
FeLV is not transmitted to humans
Step 2. Keep your cat indoors to prevent it from spreading the disease or worsening its situation
FeLV is transmitted through blood, saliva and excrement. Cats that live outdoors are at greater risk of contracting the infection, because they have more opportunities to come into contact with sick cats.
Cats can pass the virus to each other through mutual fur care, nose-to-nose contact, and bites. They can spread the infection even when they share the same food and water bowl
Step 3. Have your cat neutered or spayed if you haven't done so yet
This way you can prevent any contagion to the puppies or cats it tries to mate with.
Tell the staff at the veterinary clinic you are visiting for cat neuter that your cat is suffering from FeLV. This will allow them to take extra precautions and take better care of the cat, as well as properly sterilize the instruments and the operating room
Step 4. Test all other cats living with you for FeLV
If they don't have the infection, consider getting them vaccinated. Keep in mind, however, that the vaccine does not allow them to immediately come into contact with the diseased specimen. You have to wait a while for the vaccine to take effect; in this regard, ask the veterinarian for more details.
- The vaccine is effective if it is given "before" the cat gets sick.
- All cats in the house must have the booster every three years.
Step 5. Get every puppy vaccinated
If there are also kittens in the same house as a sick cat, you must have them first recalled when they are 12-14 weeks old. The second will need to be done 3-4 weeks later. This way, as kittens grow up they will be able to create natural immunity to the virus.
Step 6. Do everything possible to keep healthy cats away from the sick one
They may not like being separated from their friend, but it's better for everyone, at least until the sick cat starts to feel better. Unfortunately, even if they are vaccinated (the vaccine is not 100% effective), prolonged contact with an infected cat can still cause the infection and the development of symptoms. Therefore it is best to avoid this risk.
- Bites and scratches are common means of transmission of the virus, but the usual interactions between cats, such as touching their faces, sharing food or water bowls, and caring for each other's fur, can also cause the infection to spread..
- Avoid getting other cats. The fewer animals you have, the less chance there is for the infection to spread.
Part 4 of 4: Continuing Care
Step 1. Take your feline friend for a medical check-up every 6 months
The longer an infected cat lives, the more likely it is to develop certain types of eye problems, oral infections, blood diseases and even cancer. A sick cat should have a vet visit and a blood test twice a year. Instead, a more thorough blood, urine, and stool test should be done every 12 months.
- Your vet will ensure that your cat is vaccinated regularly, including against rabies, if it is a real problem in the area you live in.
- It is essential that the cat is examined every 6 months, even if there is no sign of the disease.
Step 2. Go to the vet visit calmly and without anxiety
If you are worried and agitated, the cat will feel it too. Keep calm, provide your cat with a comfortable, dark kennel and try to visit the vet at a time with little traffic to avoid being stuck on the roads for longer than necessary, both on the outward journey and on the way out. return. Reassure the cat during the visit and, if the vet allows you, make sure to always remain in his field of vision. Put aside your fears; remember that the vet is on your side and will do everything possible for the cat.
Step 3. Pay attention to any changes in your cat's health
Any sign of illness requires prompt intervention, as it is certainly better to manage problems in the bud, rather than having to deal with them and treat them when they are already rooted.
- Ask your vet for a list of things to monitor if the disease progresses. When you notice any of the symptoms on the list, talk to your doctor and discuss with him how to change, if necessary, the care you give to the animal.
- Keep in mind that it is important to quickly identify any secondary infections, as his immune system is compromised and he can get sick with other diseases faster than other healthy animals; Also, as always, the sooner you can find the right treatments, the more likely your cat will heal quickly.
Step 4. Do your best to provide your cat with maximum comfort
Play with him, give him attention (when he wants it) and make sure he is always comfortable and happy.
Advice
- If your cat refuses to eat, try playing a game while feeding it. Throw bits of food on the floor. The cat may start chasing them and perhaps even eating them.
- FeLV spreads more easily in environments with many specimens, such as catteries, cat boarding houses, cat shows and cat colonies. The best boarding houses generally require owners to have their animals vaccinated, while catteries are often run by animal welfare organizations that sometimes give some specimens up for adoption. If you wish to get a puppy or cat from these organizations, ask the staff to provide you with information about their general health; will be able to show you the history of vaccinations and all other useful information regarding the well-being of the cat.
Warnings
- Although the virus that causes feline leukemia does not survive long outside the cat's body, practice good hygiene after handling or touching it to avoid the risk of unintentionally passing the disease to other cats. Always wash your hands with soap after coming into contact with your pets.
- Do not give your cat raw meat, eggs, unpasteurized dairy products, or chocolate. His immune system is compromised by the virus, so he may be more prone to other diseases.
- Don't be afraid to pick up the cat. There is no evidence that this virus can be transmitted to humans.
