If you have a kitty, you’ve probably heard of FeLV, the female leukemia virus. But how much do you really know about it? According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, about two to three percent of cats in the U.S. are infected with it.
Cats that have FeLV can pass it to other cats. It’s spread through secretions like urine, feces, and milk, as well as from biting. Outdoor kitties who have the possibility of coming into contact with others who are infected are at risk, as are cats who live indoors with infected ones.
FeLV is the most common cause of cancer in cats, and signs of disease include loss of appetite, weight loss, gum inflammation, skin infections, and diarrhea. There are two types of blood tests a vet can use to diagnose.
The best way to prevent your furbaby from getting sick is to keep her indoors and away from any potentially infected cats. There’s also a vaccine you can ask your vet about.
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