Free Cat and Kitten Content For Your Site

Important

Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccination in Cats

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a common agent in cats that is usually transmitted through virus-infected saliva via cat fight wounds, mutual grooming, or sharing food and water dishes. The most hazardous situation for FeLV transmission is a multi-cat household in which a large number of cats are crowded into a limited space.

The virus causes a fatal infection through development of malignancy or depression of immunity (inability to fight infection) with the development of secondary diseases. The virus lives only a few days in the environment and is easily killed by common detergent and disinfectants. Thus, most of the risk of transmission is due to direct contact between cats.

Most cats with FeLV infection die within 2 or 3 years of the time of infection. The most common problem is depression of the immune system, which makes the cat susceptible to a variety of secondary infections. Cats may have persistent and recurring abscesses, chronic mouth infections, chronic respiratory diseases, diarrhea, and poor appetite. The virus can also suppress the cells of the bone marrow that produce red and white blood cells. Red blood cell suppression produces severe anemia. Suppression of the white blood cells needed for prevention of bacterial invasion allows the development of uncontrollable infections.

Development of malignancies is also a major concern in FeLV-infected cats. FeLV was originally identified in 1964 in Scotland in catteries where there was an epidemic of malignancies. It was later found that months to years after infection, many cats develop malignancies of the cells of the lymph nodes and the bone marrow. When these malignant cells are found in the blood, the malignancy is called a leukemia. These malignancies can also be found in many organs including the bone marrow, chest, kidneys, liver, and intestinal tract (called lymphoma).

There is no treatment to terminate FeLV; only supportive care and treatment of the secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics are possible. Some of the malignancies induced by FeLV can be controlled with chemotherapeutic drugs for a few months to a year of longer.

Fortunately, there are vaccines that are quite effective in preventing FeLV infection. Young cats are more susceptible to Infection than adult cats and should be vaccinated before they come in contact with possible FeLV carrier cats. The current recommendation is an initial vaccine after 9 weeks of age and a second booster dose 3 weeks to a month later. Yearly booster vaccines are recommended for cats at risk.

Only killed virus vaccines are available for vaccinating cats against FeLV because of concerns that a modified live virus in a vaccine could undergo a mutation into a potentially dangerous virus. Killed virus vaccines of any type can cause the development of a tumor called a fibrosarcoma. This is an aggressive malignancy of fibrous tissue that develops in response to inflammation at the site of vaccination.

The rate of development of malignancies at vaccine injection sites is estimated to be 1 in 5000 doses of vaccine given. In cats that are exposed to FeLV, outside cats, and cats that come in contact with cats that go outside, the infection rate of FeLV is 2 per 100. In these cats, the benefit of vaccination far outweigh the possible problems of vaccine induced tumors. In cats very unlikely to be exposed, the risk/benefit ratio of vaccination is less evident. Cats that are kept strictly indoors are not at risk for infection if other cats in the same household are not infected with FeLV and all cats in the household are kept indoors.

There are a number of in-office blood tests that your veterinarian can perform to identify FeLV-infected cats. Cats in multiple-cat households should be checked to be sure they are not carriers of FeLV. All new cats introduced into the household must be quarantined for 3 months and checked twice for FeLV infection before being admitted into the household. Checking cats in the household and preventing the entry of infected cats are effective in developing a FeLV-free environment where vaccination is not necessary.

FeLV infection is a lethal infection of cats that can be readily prevented. All cats at risk should be vaccinated regularly.

The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.

About the author:

From the Textbook of Veterinary Internal Information: Client Information Series. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company. All rights reserved.

Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital and its cat-only affiliate, Coastal Cat Clinic, are small animal practices located in Pacifica, California. To find a veterinarian or to learn more about the vet clinic and our staff, visit:[http://lindamarvet.com/]

Buy at AllPosters.com

Also see : I'll Take My Cat The battle between cats & dogs has been waged since the dawn of time. Seemingly opposites, cats & dogs can be seen as metaphors for the two sides of our own psyche. Training a Cat Around The Plants Oh but kitty loves plants, Grow them one? Yes, cats love green grass or plants.

Buy at AllPosters.com

Recently added articles Korean scientists clone red fluorescent cats Korean scientists have cloned cats possessing red fluorescence protein (RFP) that can be used to treat human genetic diseases Fancy a Cat Clone Sure, you can clone your favorite cat. But the copy will not necessarily act or even look like the original. The Scottish Fold Cat The first Scottish Fold cat came from a farm in Pearthshire, Scotland, England in, 1961. The cat was discovered by a local shepherd who noticed the strange folded ears Cats Help Shield Owners From Heart Attack Whether it's a frisky kitten or a tubby tabby, a cat at home could cut your heart attack risk by almost a third, a new study suggests It is estimated that a cat can kill up to one hundred birds each year. Millions of birds are killed by pets and feral cats as are tens of millions of rodents and other small animals. Cats are not a natural part of the ecosystem. They were introduced to North America in large numbers in the 1800's. Unlike other predators, cats are fed and inoculated against disease, and are not reliant on their hunting skills for survival. In addition to killing birds through hunting, cats can transmit diseases, which kill wildlife. Feral, or wild cats are descended from domesticated pets When cats are lost or abandoned, they return to a more primitive wild state, know as feral. Although feral cats may live alone, often they join large groups or colonies of other wild cats. Their lives are hard, and their life expectancies are much lower than their domesticated kin The two most obvious reasons a cat may no longer want its food, is firstly has the food gone bad. Sometimes cat food can become tainted in its packaging, check to see if the can has any dents in it or if there is damage to the packaging in any way. Smell the food your self and see if there are any unusual odours or any mould on the food. Secondly, is the cat ill in any way? Sometimes bad teeth can cause problems or they have a stomach bug. A vet should check out any suspicions of illness immediately. Build a four-perch cat tree Complete plans for a cool cat tree Even though felines tend to be very healthy for the duration of their lives, they do have some common cat ailments. For the most part, a healthy diet and careful grooming will alleviate and even prevent many common cat ailments. If your cat changes its behavior or schedule of activities, a checkup with a veterinarian is highly recommended. While the turnout may be one or more common cat ailments, it never hurts to be on the safe side. Cat Stomped to Death in Film Draws Outrage Cyber sadists have figured out a way to profit from cruelty to small creatures Animal rights activists say it's high time China enacts tough laws to stamp out such abuse. A Potential New Pet Food Scare The issue this time is jerky treats made in China. Specifically, veterinarians are reporting an increase in cases of dogs being sick after eating certain jerky treats. The symptoms of the sickness include vomiting, diarrhea and severe lack of energy. Fortunately, no pet deaths have been reported as of yet although veterinarians are only becoming aware of the problem on a large scale now. Also see : The Manx Cat Myth A neighbor or someone you know has a tailless cat. You've never seen anything like this so you inquire, they tell you it's a Manx cat. Nervous Cats, Wining the Trust of a Timid Cat: Nervous cats hide from people, they do not readily present themselves for petting, and may seem downright scared of you

Buy at AllPosters.com

Also see : On Declawing Cats: Declawing is a controversial procedure. Some people feel it is inhumane. Some veterinarians won't do the surgery," says Dr. Greenfield. "I believe there are appropriate reasons and times for declawing to be performed. It is a valuable procedure in many circumstances. It can be a life-saving procedure when the options are to euthanize the cat or have it declawed Cats Indoors!: Keeping Cats Indoors is for the Cats... Each year, millions of cats are run over by cars, mauled by dogs, poisoned and lost. Hundreds of millions of birds and small mammals are killed annually by free-roaming cats

Buy at AllPosters.com

Is Your Cat A Mac Daddy Cat? Mac Daddy Cat Challenge- Can your cat hack it? Think you have a Mac Daddy Cat? Upload your cats photos and let the world decide.Can your cat hack it? Check out today's featured article! Also see : The ESSENTIAL nutrients that you MUST feed your cat: to ensure that it is kept in the best possible health and will live a long and happy life "CORRECTING YOUR CAT'S BAD BEHAVIOUR - HOW TO DISCIPLINE YOUR CAT - YOU WILL BE HAPPY AND YOUR CAT WILL BE, TOO"

Buy this Mini Poster at AllPosters.com

Also see : Cats and Dogs Living Together: There is a common misconception among some pet owners that dogs and cats cannot co-exist together within a house. While there are some breeds of dogs that do not naturally interact well with other pets most breeds of dogs can be socialized to interact appropriately with cats and live together in a house. The way that the two species are introduced to each other as well as the age of both the dog and cat are key. In addition the pets prior history with the other species really makes a difference as well Cat Anxiety and Cat Litter Box Problems: Frazzled felines will sometimes relieve their anxiety by urinating, or marking (spraying) outside the cat litter box. Here are a few of the causes and the solutions to calm your kitty down.

Support Your Local Cat Adoption Programs

New Article - Pet nutrition basics for dogs cats


New Article - Keep your cat disease free


New Article - Groom your cat to avoid hairballs


New Article - Dental disease in dogs and cats


New Article - Cat litter box location strategies

Add Your URL To Our Directory
Submit your link to our open link directory - all websites are welcome to post their link

---

More Cat, kitten, cat litter, free content, Articles

Top Toys That Your Cat Will Have A Ball With
Cats need to play, no mater how young or how old they are, they need to have some toys in order to stay entertained. Cats love all kinds of different toys and just like people each cat with have his or her own special preferences.

Tell a friend:

Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com

---

Vote for our site

Pet Classifieds Free Pet Classifieds

Our Awards

An Engineer's Guide to Cats

New Article - Five cat food factors that discourage feline utd


New Article - Training a cat to do tricks




New Article - Health risk of catnip


New Article - Feral cats

More Articles from my Article Directory

Taking Care of an Older Cat:
Cats are not turtles. Okay, I know what you're thinking, people aren't turtles, either. However, when you really think about it, people are a lot closer to turtles than cats in the sense that turtles, as well as people, can live to be 100 years

Pet Horoscopes - SCORPIO (10/22-11/21): Scorpio cats are extremely loyal. Kindness shown to these animals at an early age will come back to you for the rest of their pet life.
If they are mistreated early in life, gaining their trust back will be along and involved process. They tend to snap or nip if they have been mistreated. Scorpio cats are intimidating to other animals. Rarely will they back down from a confrontation. They are full of pent up energy and need to run around a lot to release it. Keep a close watch on them, however, as they are possessive and have a tendency to fight. (Watch them closely with mail men or delivery people

A Detailed Guide To Grooming Cats:
If you notice rice-like particles around your cats anus (or in her bed), she probably has worms and needs medication from a veterinarian. The grooming session is a good time to check your cat's ears, eyes, teeth and claws. If your cat is a young kitten, be sure to frequently manipulate these areas to get her used to handling

Cat toilet training - pros, cons & how to:
Cat toilet training in easy steps: Toilet training your cat is an easier task than you might think. Several techniques can be used for training your cat to use the toilet, and you can even buy products that will assist you in toilet training

How To Prevent Cat Urine Odor Damage in Rental Property:
Feline owners who are renters can face challenges every time they move with their cats

Important nutritional information on cat food
Protein is crucial for your cat's health, and generally comes from fish, meat or poultry. Advertisers will often say their brand is beef, turkey or mackerel flavoured, but it may not actually contain those products

Protect Your Cat With Vaccinations
If you want to enjoy the companionship of a healthy and happy cat, 1 of the most important things you can do is to safeguard its health. Vaccinations can protect your cat from many common cat diseases.

Train Your Cat to be Groomed
Grooming for a cat should be done on a daily basis for proper care of your cat. In addition, with the proper care, your cat will stay healthy.




New Article - Cloned cat kittens


New Article - Natural food for dogs and cats


New Article - Scottish Fold Cat


New Article - The right cat litter box for your cat


New Article - When to vaccinate your cat your kitten


New Article - Cats and kidney disease


New Article - Dog and cat allergies


New Article - Your cats first Vet visit


New Article - Train a cat to listen

Newest Cat and Kitten Articles

Give your cat a longer and healthier life: For that reason it is no surprise most indoor cats in the U.S are overweight and have health problems when they get old.
We all usually rather not think of the far future, but if you really care about your pet don't you want it to live long and strong?

Stopping your cat chewing on your plants once and for all:
Give your plants the chance to grow and avoid messes made by a plant-loving cat!

Cleaning Cat Urine With A Blacklight: The biggest issue you face in cleaning cat urine is finding the right spots to clean. That is why you need a fluorescent blacklight to show where the stains are.
A blacklight in a darkened room will make any cat urine stains glow brightly so you will know where to apply the cat urine cleaner and you will be able to use the light to check afterwards to make sure you have thoroughly cleaned the urine spot

Got A Cat As A Pet? Here's How To Keep Them Healthy:
Our pet cats are often as close to us as members of our family. In fact, they virtually are members of our family! That's why cat owners should know as much as they can about cat health

How To Stop Your Cat Spraying:
The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail and releases a fine spray of urine. Yes, your cat is spraying. You have a problem. But one you can solve

Leashing a Cat
Shadow had been the cat in our house for over seven years when we moved from the country into town. His usual lifestyle including roaming our five acres whenever he wished. Moving to town required him to be a "house" cat"

Wisconsin Cat Hunt
A friend of mine in Minnesota asked me recently about the feral cat hunting proposal in Wisconsin and whether feral cats were such a problem here that we needed a special law about it.


New Article - Common cat ailments


New Article - Taking care of an older cat


New Article - Get ready for kittens