The Feline leukemia virus is a virus that you can protect your cat from. There are lots of virus that your cat can contract, and you can protect your cat against many of them if you understand how particular viruses are spread and what characteristics make your cat more vulnerable to getting a particular virus.
How FeLV Is Spread
FeLV is one of the most common diseases that your cat can pick up.FeLV is so common because it can so easily be spread from one cat to the other. The virus is carried in the urine, feces, and blood of infected cats. The virus is also carried in the saliva and nasal secretions of infected cats as well. So basically, if an infected cat sneezes around your cat, they could pick up the infection.
Feline leukemia virus is spread most commonly by cats sharing food or water dishes, where they can easily pass their saliva to one another. Mutual grooming behaviors can also spread the disease, as cats like to groom and take care of one another. More aggressive behavior, such as fighting with another cat, is also a way that FeLV is spread. If a mother cat is infected with FeLV, their kittens can pick up the virus from their mother's milk.
The FeLV virus can live on hard surfaces, clothing, and hands. You could spread the disease by touching an infected cat and then touching your cat. A cat that just groomed itself could rub against your leg, and then an uninfected cat could do the same thing and pick up the virus.
It is really easy to spread the FeLV virus from one cat to another, which is why FeLV is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats today.
What Makes Your Cat at Risk for FeLV
Any contact with other cats puts your cat at risk of contracting FeLV. Your cat is also at risk if they come into contact with any individual who comes into contact with other cats. Since the virus can so easily be spread from other surfaces, virtually any contact with others cats, directly or indirectly, puts your cat at risk of catching FeLV.
How To Protect Your Cat From FeLV
One way to protect your cat from FeLV is to keep it away from all other cats. However, that is not an option if you have multiple cats, take your cat to the groomers or vet, let your cat outside or even board your cat when you go on vacation. The best way to protect your cat against FeLV is by getting your cat vaccinated against FeLV. The FeLV vaccination is easy to administer, and most cats do not experience side effects from it. After your cat is giving the first shot, they will need to get two more shots, each a month apart, for a total of three shots over a two-month period of time. The two follow up shots are necessary to provide your cat with lasting immunity from the disease. Considering FeLV can be fatal, it is important to get the follow-up doses of the FeLV vaccine.
If you suspect your cat has contracted FeLV or another virus, get your cat to the vet right away. When your cat is in poor health, your vet is your best line of defense. Contact a veterinarian for more information and assistance.
