Cat Owner's Manual › Chapter 9: Emergency Care For Your Cat › Contagious Diseases in Cats ›

Contagious Diseases in Cats: Leukemia Virus

Vaccines are available for many of these disorders and should be administered on whatever schedule your veterinarian recommends, based on your cat's potential for exposure. In the case of diseases for which there is no cure, the best approach is to make sure your cat remains indoors, away from potentially infected animals. Be aware that indoor cats are not exempt from vaccinations. Dangerous diseases can be conveyed to them by their owners or during an unauthorized outdoor excursion.

For quick reference, disorders are flagged with a cross (disorders) to indicate that immediate veterinary attention is required. A skull (lethal disorders) designates potentially lethal disorders.

disorderlethal disorderFeline Leukemia Virus: A dangerous threat, feline leukemia contributes to the development of cancer while also weakening a cat's immune system. Vaccines exist, but they are not 100 percent reliable. Because it is so dangerous, any cat you consider bringing into your home should be tested for this disease during its pre-acquisition checkout. Remember that it is not transmittable to humans; that cats who contract it can sometimes live for years in comfort; and that in some rare cases felines can actually reject it from their systems. For this reason, regular retesting is important (consult your veterinarian).

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Chapter 9: Emergency Care For Your Cat

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Quirk BooksThe Cat Owner's Manual is a basic guide to cat care.
The book was written by a celebrated veterinarian and an acclaimed author. It provides cat owners with well-researched and helpful information presented in a lighthearted manner. The creators chose to write the book in a style similar to what you'd find in "operating instructions" for a car or computer. Of course they--and we--respect the fact that our beloved pets are not products or machines!