Feline immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is primarily spreads through bite wounds, and outdoor cats and territorial tomcats are most susceptible to infection. However, unlike feline leukemia, casual contact through sharing food and water bowls doesn't significantly the increase risk of contracting FIV. Although a mother cat may pass the virus along to her kittens, this happens rarely.
Once the virus enters the bloodstream, it can remain dormant until it progresses into an active disease. FIV is terminal, and because it targets the immune system, cats that have the disease run an increased risk of enlarged lymph nodes, ulcers of the tongue, inflamed gums, progressive weight loss, poor coat and skin disease, diarrhea, anemia, eye disease and cancer.
To prevent FIV, keep your cat indoors and up to date on vaccinations. According to CatHealth.com, vaccinating for this virus after your cat is at least 8 weeks old can prevent infection about 60 to 80 percent of the time after three doses.
In house test and examinations can diagnose if your cat has FIV.
Clinical signs may include:
In house test and examinations can diagnose if your cat has FIV.
Clinical signs may include:
- weight loss or poor coat
- mouth ulcers
- recurring fungal or bacteria infections
- neurological issues ( such as seizures)
feline leukemia virus
Feline Leukemia Virus is a disease that spreads through urine, nose discharge and saliva. Cats can catch the disease through bites, sharing food and water bowls, and from simply living together. Mother cats can pass the disease along to their kittens, and kittens are more likely to contract the disease than adult cats.
Some cats will immediately become ill upon contracting the virus; however, in other cats, symptoms of the disease will not manifest for several weeks.
Feline leukemia can result in a number of conditions:
- system-wide infections
- diarrhea
- skin infections
- eye disease
- respiratory tract infections
- bladder infections
- infertility
- anemia
- cancer
Although there is no cure for feline leukemia, the disease is easily preventable. Keeping cats indoors, restricting exposure to other cats, maintaining a clean living environment and ensuring your cat is vaccinated can all help prevent feline leukemia. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, veterinarians rarely see cases of feline leukemia among vaccinated cat populations.
Information Source:
http://animal.discovery.com/pets/5-most-dangerous-cat-diseases.htm
http://animal.discovery.com/pets/5-most-dangerous-cat-diseases.htm