Feline leukemia virus
If your cat or kitten has contact with other cats or kittens then you should be aware of the symptoms of the feline leukemia virus. Modern research is that the disease may lead to cancer at the very least it is highly contagious, and caught from blood, urine, tears, feces or saliva. It is however only a problem for carts it is not possible for humans to catch it, although it can be passed onto kittens even before they are born.
Once a cat has the disease then the virus replicates in the tonsils and then spreads to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. Unfortunately, that is not the end of it as it continues to replicate in the intestines, bone marrow and the lymph nodes.
Some of the symptoms
Ø Lack of pink or red color in the gums caused by anaemia
Ø Weight loss
Ø Recurring illnesses
Ø Persistent illness
Ø Lethargy, fever, diarrhea
Ø Difficulty in breathing
Ø The whites of the eyes may become yellow.
The prognosis does vary amongst cats. Two thirds of cats develop immunity to the disease and they will live a normal life. Other cats develop a partial immunity in the sense that part of the time they are fine as if they have developed immunity, and at other times, the virus reoccurs. This can happen when they are taking medication that suppresses the immune system. At the other end of the spectrum, some cats cannot develop any immunity at all and they do not overcome the symptoms. Approximately fifty percent of these cats will die as a direct result of the disease within a few years.
Given that cats can spread this disease by grooming prevention is better than cure. There is a vaccination against the disease, but if your cat socializes or lives with other cats the food and water bowls can be washed in bleach and so can the cat litter trays. An ounce of bleach in every two pints of water is sufficient. The floor around the feeding and toilet areas should also be washed down with a bleach solution.