A IVF and FELV, which correspond respectively to feline immunodeficiency syndrome and feline leukemia, are often infectious diseases caused by viruses.
To help you understand more about cat diseases IVF and FELV, We have prepared today's article with some important information. Are you interested in learning more? Then follow me right now!
Characteristics of FIV and FELV cat diseases
FIV or feline immunodeficiency
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a virus that causes a condition called feline acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is a very serious disease. This virus is responsible for a condition that makes the cat fragile and therefore vulnerable to infections.
This virus is not transmissible to humans and is ONLY transmitted BETWEEN FELINES:
- When biting each other during cat fights. The virus is in the saliva.
- By blood when there is injury.
- It can also spread between cats during “nose to nose” or shared licking.
- It is possible through sexual contact during pregnancy or lactation. A cat infected during pregnancy can transmit the virus to the fetus through the placenta or to the kitten through milk. In other words, during pregnancy, the female does not have time to create protective antibodies, her natural defenses decrease and she becomes more vulnerable. However, this case is very rare.
How to prevent IVF?
Infections are more common in stray cats because of their promiscuous conditions, while they are rare in domestic animals (which are not in contact with other cats).
Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine against FIV. Possible prevention is sterilization or avoiding contact between healthy and sick animals.
Feline viral leukemia or FeLV
Feline viral leukemia is found all over the world. This disease is the most deadly in domestic cats. If your cat goes out and comes into contact with other animals, especially other felines, you should be extra careful.
The disease is transmitted by:
- Body fluids exchanged during biting and injuries (in case of contact with blood in fights)
- Saliva (when licking each other, sneezing, sharing the same bowl)
- Urine and feces
It should be noted that the infectious agent FeLV does not survive for long outside, that is, it has a very low persistence in the environment. However, once lodged in an organism, in this case in an infected cat, it will be contagious throughout its life.
How to prevent FELV?
Vaccination is the only means of preventing FeLV. It is particularly recommended due to the existence of the asymptomatic phase, which makes diagnosing the disease extremely difficult! The vaccine has been shown to be effective for 80 to 90% of the vaccinated feline population.
Another way to prevent FeLV contamination is to separate healthy cats from sick cats.
