Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
to get results. If the result is positive, blood is sent to a laboratory for a
confirming test.There are false positive results, especially for FeLV, so no
decisions should be made about a cat until a second test proves or dis-
proves the first result.
Cats most at risk for these viruses are strays, pet cats who go out-
doors and cats who live in households with FeLV- or FIV-positive cats,
since fighting and direct contact are the main routes of transmission.
Although vaccination helps protect cats, those with a high risk for
exposure should be regularly tested.
WHAT ABOUT VACCINES?
Vaccines are an important aspect of preventive health care. However,
many people wrongly believe that vaccines are more important than
the hands-on exam by the doctor. Low-cost vaccine clinics have flour-
ished on this premise, and as a consequence many cats do not receive
adequate health care.
For years, owners have mistakenly believed that vaccinating their cat
every year was the best they could do in terms of health care, but this
is not the case. Studies show that vaccinating cats annually may not be
necessary. Some cats have adverse reactions to vaccines and are better
off without annual boosters.Vaccinations are a complex subject and will
be discussed in Chapter 9.
A CHESHIRE CAT SMILE
In a perfect world, cats would brush their teeth every day just like we
do.The reality is that cats cannot brush their own teeth, and many own-
ers are not willing, too busy or don't know how to brush their cat's
teeth. Like humans, cats develop dental disease as plaque and tartar build
up on their teeth.This can progress to gingivitis, which is inflammation
of the gums.
As dental disease progresses, it can cause bacteria to enter the cat's
bloodstream and affect other parts of the body. Some experts attribute
the frequent occurrence of kidney disease in senior cats to long-term
exposure to bacteria in the blood. Dental abscesses and infected jaw-
bones may also be a result of dental disease.
