Can kittens outgrow feline leukemia?
Though there is no known cure, FeLV is far from a death sentence. They have weaker immune systems, but cats who test positive for FeLV can live fulfilling and happy lives like any other cats—and can live for many years, often without harmful symptoms.
At what age can you test for feline leukemia?
The antibodies of these retroviruses can be passed from infected mothers through nursing and will pass through the kitten in time. Kittens should only be tested if they are above 8 months of age.
How did my cat get feline leukemia virus?
Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV) is a relatively common viral disease of cats. Some cats acquire this infection at a very young age by being born to an FELV-infected female cat, others contract this disease through direct contact with saliva from an infected cat.
Is the feline leukemia virus ( FeLV ) preventable?
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a disease that impairs the cat’s immune system and can cause cancer. This viral infection is responsible for too many deaths in household cats, affecting all breeds. The good news is that it is completely preventable. The bad news is that most cats with FeLV live only a few years after their diagnosis.
When to give a kitten a leukemia shot?
If you have a kitten in the same house as your sick cat, then give the kitten the first vaccine when it is eight to nine weeks old. Give the second one three to four weeks later. Do your very best to keep your non-infected cats away from your sick cat.
How can I prevent my cat from getting leukemia?
Cats pass the virus on to one another through mutual grooming, nose-to-nose contact and bites. Sharing the same food and water bowls can also pass on the infection. Get your cat neutered or spayed, if you haven’t already done so. This will help to prevent passing on the infection to any newborn cats or cats sought through mating.
How does feline leukemia virus ( FeLV ) affect cats?
Feline Leukemia Virus Infection (FeLV) in Cats. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a disease that impairs the cat’s immune system and can cause cancer. This viral infection is responsible for too many deaths in household cats, affecting all breeds.
What to do if your cat has feline leukemia?
Some medications have shown promise in treating feline leukemia, including antivirals used in human AIDS treatment. If your cat has no symptoms when she is diagnosed with FeLV, there is no treatment necessary apart from good at-home care. If your cat is ill, feline leukemia makes it difficult for the cat’s body to respond to treatment.
How long does it take for feline leukemia to show?
Outdoor cats or if your indoor cat spends some time outdoors she can be susceptible to the disease from bites from an infected cat. If a cat is infected and gives birth, the kittens will be infected. In most cats, symptoms of FeLV will not appear for two weeks. Symptoms start of appear slowly.
How old do kittens have to be to get leukemia shots?
Kittens are generally vaccinated for feline leukemia virus around eight to nine weeks old. They are then given booster vaccinations three or four weeks later, depending on the vaccine. This is followed by boosters every year for as long as they are at risk for exposure. These cats include cats that go outside or live with other cats.
