Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Protection Against the Virus
There are steps that can be taken to prevent your cat from contracting
FeLV.These include:
•
Test all cats for FeLV before introducing them into your
household.
•
Keep your cats indoors.
•
If your cats go outdoors, vaccinate them against FeLV.
•
Spay and neuter your cats so that they are less likely to fight
and come in contact with cats who carry FeLV.
•
Lock any pet doors to prevent unknown cats from entering
your home.
Kittens are most at risk for infection with FeLV because of their
immature immune systems. Even if you don't plan on letting your kit-
ten go outside, it is a good idea to test him and initially vaccinate him
against FeLV: If your kitten's lifestyle changes and he starts going out-
doors, you would want him protected. If, after a year, the cat never goes
outside, vaccination for FeLV can be discontinued.
Coping With FeLV
If all tests and clinical signs point to a diagnosis of FeLV and the animal
is sick, the prognosis is poor. At this time there are no effective treat-
ments or cures for FeLV. There has been experimentation with some
drugs that stimulate the immune system, and although none has been
conclusively shown to have any effect, they are worth a try.
Treatment of FeLV-positive cats is aimed at making the cat as com-
fortable as possible and controlling secondary problems. If clinical signs
respond to treatment, FeLV cats can live for years. If clinical signs are
not well controlled, an owner is usually faced with deciding whether to
continue to support the cat as his condition declines, or to humanely
euthanize him.
Humans cannot transmit FeLV from one cat to another. FeLV does
not live outside of infected cats, but it is always a good idea to wash
your hands and clean thoroughly if an infected cat has been around.
FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is in the same family as human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but it is not transmissible to humans.
