Part of knowing how to keep your furr-kid healthy,
is to know whats out there, that could affect him/her.
There are many dangers in this world, many that could shorten
and end the life of your cat. I hope to open your eyes to some
of those dangers, so that you can take preventative measures.
- Click for More Info on FELV
- Feline Leukemia Virus, thats FELV, and its spreading rappidly amongst
cats. Thank goodness, there is now a vaccine against FELV, though it isn't
100% effective, it will give your baby a better chance. FELV is often
found in cats the are coinfected with FIV, however FELV is the deadliest of
the too. More info on FELV to come.
- Click for More Info on FIV
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, often compared to HIV in humans, and branded
Feline AIDS. FIV is not AIDS, nor is it HIV, but the connection to HIV is strong
in its charcteristics.
FIV is another good, sound, reason to keep your cat indoors. This virus is spread
by bodily secretions, and intimate physical contact is necessary for complete
transmission, and subsequent infection of FIV. Common scenarios are: Fighting among
male cats, bite wounds and breeding, from mother to nursing kittens.
Beyond a doubt, the greater shared bodily fluid, the higher the risk of infection.
Keep in mind however, that humans cannot catch FIV from cats, and that if your furr-kid
has FIV, you needn't think all is lost. Its not.
Pay attention to symptoms:Skin infections, gingivitas, and weight loss. Visit your
vetrinarian, have them test for FIV.
If you have an FIV+ (positive) cat, keep in mind that there have been cases of the
cats FIV antibodies fighting off the virus, and leaving the feline free of FIV. Now,
with that in mind, start working with your vetrinarian to find ways to enhance your cats
life, and improve the chances for survival.
How to keep your cat safe?: If you already own a feline who has been diagnosed FIV+,
it is time to start thinking about protecting other cats from catching the virus. Keep
your cat inside only. He or she can have a full life without going outside, and without
risking others health.
If your worried about your FIV- (negative) cat?: Inside is the only way to go. By keeping
your cat inside only, you will rule out the chances of contracting FIV, and prolong your
cats life. There are people out there working to keep your cat safe, do your part, and
they can continue to search for a vaccine to FIV.
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