Letter: There are things that cat owners can do to ward off cat leukemia
July 21, 2008
To the Editor:
It has come to my attention that there is a serious disease running rampant through the cat population, known as Feline Leukemia (FeLV). I thought that I might take a moment to educate my fellow citizens on some of its effects and what can be done to prevent it.
FeLV is an immunodeficient virus similar to HIV in humans. It attacks and weakens the immune system, and is spread through all bodily fluids — breast milk, reproductive fluids, blood, and even saliva, urine and feces. Not all cats that catch it die from it immediately; some will never show signs, and others deteriorate rapidly. From what I understand, there are two stages, which I will refer to as the “active stage” and the “inactive stage.”
The inactive stage is usually when the cat becomes infected with the virus and its immune system kicks in and is able to keep it at bay. These are the cats who, if taken proper care of, fed nutritionally balanced meals, not let outside, or not unnecessarily exposed to diseases, can live long, healthy lives.
The active stage is when the disease begins to win. This usually occurs two or three years after the animal is diagnosed. Symptoms can include loss of appetite, drastic weight loss, inflammation of the gums and mouth, infections of the stomach, upper-respiratory tract, or any other kind of infection. Cats who are in the active stage can weaken quickly, or their agony can be long and drawn out.
What can be done to prevent such a terrible tragedy? Well, here are a few things that you can do to help prevent the spread of this disease:
• Keep your cat indoors. Worms, fleas, other parasites, dogs, wild animals, cars and other cats are all threats to your cat if you choose to let them romp freely. If you do choose to let your cat outside, be sure to take proper veterinary precautions, such as vaccines against diseases, and be sure to keep them up to date.
• Spay or neuter your cat. Unspayed females who go into heat will exchange bodily fluids with feral males, and since feral cats run unchecked, they have a much higher chance of catching it; they can then pass it on to their kittens. Unneutered males are much more likely to get into a fight over territory, possibly with an infected cat, and will even mate with feral females, once again exchanging bodily fluids.
• Yearly checkups with your vet. Even some cats that have been immunized against FeLV have contracted it and died. If you have an outdoor cat, make sure it gets tested once a year at least, to make sure that it’s healthy. Be positive that all new cats brought into your house have been tested and vaccinated against it.
Can’t afford to go to the vet? Contact your local animal shelter. It is in fact possible to receive extremely discounted rates; simply e-mail at info@athenshumane.org, or call 592-6047 and leave them a message.
Marjorie Smith
West Washington Street
Athens
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