Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a disease caused by a virus and is relatively common in cats. Some cats contract the infection at a young age because they are born to parents who are also infected with FeLV, while others contract the disease through direct contact with the saliva of an infected cat. Most cats with FeLV live a normal and ordinary life, but these cats have special needs for the environment and their health. This cat is also very susceptible to several health problems after being infected.
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Part 1 of 4: Confirming FeLV
Step 1. Make sure that your cat does have FeLV
Take the cat to the vet's clinic so that the cat's blood can be drawn and examined. The blood test to check for FeLV is a very sensitive and accurate test.
- Cats are also usually tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
- FeLV tests (and FIV in cats 6 months of age or older) are routinely performed by animal shelters before cats are adopted, so the results of these tests should be included with the cat health record provided by the veterinarian when the cat was adopted.
- If you find a cat or kitten, or adopt it from a certain party, virus testing should be part of your health plan. This virus test will be especially important if you plan to bring a new cat into a home that has cats.
Step 2. Look for signs of infection
Cats that have recently been in contact with FeLV will show some early signs of a viral infection, namely with non-specific characteristics such as lack of enthusiasm, fever, or decreased appetite.
After the initial appearance of "viremia" (a virus that reproduces in the bloodstream), some of the cat's immune system will fight it and eradicate the virus, others will be infected continuously or in the "latent" phase of infection. In this phase, cats usually do not show any symptoms (asymptomatic) and will remain that way for years
Step 3. Understand the complications that can occur if your cat has FeLV
Although this disease can be treated, and even cured, it is still dangerous. FeLV can cause cancer, affect susceptibility to ongoing infection, suppress the immune system, and cause acute anemia. FeLV can also cause some abnormalities and arthritis abnormalities with red blood cells.
Step 4. Stay alert and take care if your cat has FeLV
Cats can live for several years without getting any dangerous diseases if properly cared for. In some cases, a cat can be negative for leukemia, which means he can live a long and happy life.
Part 2 of 4: Caring for a Cat Diagnosed with FeLV
Step 1. Give the vaccine if an unvaccinated cat comes in contact with a cat with FeLV
This virus cannot be treated and treated medically. Vaccines against FeLV will increase a cat's chance of eradicating the infection if it comes into contact with a cat with FeLV. Cats are definitely infected with FeLV if they are not vaccinated. Cats can start being vaccinated for leukemia at 8 weeks of age. Boosters are given every 1-3 years depending on the risk of exposure to the virus in cats and the type of vaccine used.
Step 2. Give your cat medication for worms, ear mites, fleas, and other parasites that can make your cat uncomfortable
Don't tackle these problems all at once, as the cat will feel more and more uncomfortable. Wait a week or two before dealing with other problems with your cat.
Step 3. Keep your home stress-free
If your cat is afraid or uncomfortable with something in your home, it's best to get rid of it. Ask your family or friends to stay calm and don't make noise when you're at home.
Keep the temperature of the environment around the cat warm enough. FeLV-infected cats need more warmth than uninfected cats. Warm blankets and areas to sleep are essential
Step 4. Provide high-quality cat food with a balanced diet
Food with higher quality will improve cat health. This food can be a guarantee that your cat is getting essential nutrients that are not obtained from cheap cat food. Don't feed your cat home or canned raw food, as cats with FeLV have a weakened immune system and can get sick from the bacteria.
Don't just give fish as food as your cat will lack essential nutrients
Step 5. Make sure all cat equipment is clean
Clean all litter boxes, feeding areas, drinking containers, and other cat equipment. In other words, you have to clean it every day, without exception. If you have a need, you should ask someone for help to do this task.
Part 3 of 4: Limiting the Spread
Step 1. Keep yourself clean
FeLV doesn't live long outside of an infected cat, but it can be transmitted by touching hands, clothing, or other objects. Pay attention to personal hygiene and wash your hands if you touch different cats, especially if you pet or handle a cat that is positive for FeLV.
FeLV does not infect humans
Step 2. Do not let your cat out of the house to avoid spreading the disease or making the condition worse
FeLV can be transmitted through blood, saliva, and feces. Cats that live outside are at a higher risk of contracting the disease because of the increased tendency to interact with infected cats.
Cats transmit the virus by gazing at each other, making nose-to-nose contact, and biting. Sharing food and drinking in the same bowl can also transmit the infection
Step 3. Sterilize or sterilize your cat if you haven't already
This can prevent the transmission of infection to newborn kittens or cats who want to mate.
Make sure the clinic where your cat is operated on knows that your cat has FeLV. They will perform special care and sterilize the operating room and the tools that will be used
Step 4. Perform a FeLV test on your other cat
Vaccinate if the cat is free of infection. You should be aware that having a cat vaccinated doesn't mean it's okay to play with a sick cat; wait a moment before you allow the vaccine to work; ask your vet for more details.
- Vaccines are more effective if given before the cat catches the disease.
- All cats living in your home should be given a boost every 3 years.
Step 5. Vaccinate all kittens in the house
If you have a kitten living with a sick cat, give your kitten the first vaccine at 12-14 weeks of age. Give the second vaccine about 3-4 weeks afterward. Due to the young age of the kittens, the vaccine will provide a natural resistance to FeLV.
Step 6. Do everything you can to keep uninfected cats away from sick cats
Your cat may not like being separated from their friends, but this is the best way to do this until your sick cat starts to feel better. Unfortunately, even if your cat has been vaccinated (vaccinations are not 100% effective), continued contact with an infected cat will cause a healthy cat to contract the disease; It would be better if you avoid this possibility.
- Bites and scratches are common means of transmitting the virus, however, minor interactions such as touching the face, sharing a place to eat or drink, and looking after each other can also lead to infection.
- Don't keep another cat. The fewer cats you keep, the less likely it is that the infection will spread.
Part 4 of 4: Continuing Treatment
Step 1. Take your cat for a check-up every 6 months
The longer a cat lives and is infected with FeLV, the more likely the cat is to have certain types of eye disorders, mouth infections, blood diseases, and cancer. Infected cats must undergo a series of physical examinations and blood cell counts twice a year. A more comprehensive blood, urine, and stool examination should be done once a year.
- The vet will ensure that your cat has been given the regular required vaccinations, including rabies if relevant to your location.
- It is very important to check every 6 months, even if you do not see any signs of disease in the cat's body.
Step 2. Keep the vet meeting calm and stress-free
If you're feeling worried and sad, your cat will know it. Stay calm and provide a comfortable, dark medium of transportation to take your cat. Travel when there is less traffic so you don't get stuck in traffic jams, as it will take you longer than it takes to get to the vet and get home. Calm your cat while in the vet's office and continue to supervise your cat at all times if the vet allows it. Don't be afraid-the vet is by your side and he will do what's best for your cat.
Step 3. Watch out for changes in the cat's attitude
Any symptoms of illness should be given special attention because the cat's condition will be better if problems can be detected and treated more quickly.
- Ask your veterinarian for an up-to-date list of any cat disease transmissions that need attention. When you notice any of the symptoms listed on the list, contact your veterinarian immediately to discuss the changing needs of caring for your cat.
- Be aware that you need to spot a secondary infection quickly, as the cat's immune system is weakened, so she will be more susceptible to other diseases than a cat that isn't infected with FeLV. The sooner treatment is given, the greater the chance for your cat to be free of FeLV.
Step 4. Know your cat's primary comfort
Play with your cat, give him attention (when he wants it), and make sure your cat is always comfortable and happy.
Tips
- If the cat refuses to eat, try making a game that makes the cat want to eat the food. Throw a few bits of cat food on the floor. Your cat will run after it and eat it.
- FeLV spread is more common in multi-cat environments such as breeding cats, show cats, and in breeding colonies. A trusted cat breeder will ask for vaccine proof from all of its clients, while a breeding colony usually handles animal welfare groups that occasionally adopt multiple cats. If you adopt a kitten or cat from any of these organizations, ask about the cat's health background. They will explain about the cat's vaccination history and other information.
Warning
- Although the virus that causes Feline Leukemia can't live long outside the cat's body, always practice good personal hygiene after touching or handling your cat so you don't inadvertently pass it on to other cats. Always wash your hands with soap after contact with pets.
- Do not feed your cat raw meat, eggs, unpasteurized products, or chocolate. FeLV's immune system can be lowered so that cats are more susceptible to various health problems.
- Don't be afraid to take care of your cat. There is no evidence to suggest that this virus can be transmitted to humans.
