Feline Leukemia
Feline Leukemia is an infectious disease of the immune system. When a kitten’s immune system is suppressed, they are more susceptible to contract other serious illnesses such as Feline Infectious Peritonitis or Feline Panleukopenia. Kittens with Feline Leukemia can be actively sick or may be carriers. Feline Leukemia is responsible for most cases of fatal illness in cats and kittens, and there is no known cure. Feline Leukemia is transmitted from cat to cat through contact with infected saliva and tears and through contaminated food and water bowls. Repeated exposure is often required since the disease does not live long outside of the body.
Signs of Feline Leukemia
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory distress
- Death
Your kitten should be tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS before receiving their first Feline Leukemia vaccine Your kitten should receive their first Feline Leukemia vaccination at 8 weeks and then boostered in 3-4 weeks for full immunity. Your kitten will then be boostered once yearly after that.
Feline Leukemia/Feline AIDS Testing
Before beginning your kitten’s vaccines you should have your kitten tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS. Feline Leukemia is an infectious disease of the immune system that causes a poor response to other serious illnesses. Feline AIDS is an infection that suppresses the cat’s immune system and doesn’t allow the body to fight off infections. It is a very serious disease with no cure.
To run a Feline Leukemia/Feline AIDS test we only need a few drops of blood and can have the results in ten minutes. If your kitten is positive for either Feline Leukemia or Feline AIDS, please keep them indoors and away from healthy cats.
