What shots do indoor cats really need?

What does FVR look like in cats?

Also known as feline herpesvirus type-1 or FHV-1, FVR is an upper respiratory infection. Infected cats may show signs of: Red, watery, goopy, or crusty eyes. Conjunctivitis (pink eye).

How soon can a cat test positive for FeLV after infection?

“PCR turns positive earlier than any other test—as early as 2 weeks after infection,” Dr. Little said. Veterinarians have a couple of options for retesting a cat that initially tests FeLV positive using a POC test kit. “You can retest the cat immediately using a different but reliable brand of POC test,” she said.

What is the difference between FeLV positive and FeLV negative cats?

Because FeLV-positive cats have weaker immune systems, they do need to be treated for upper respiratory infections more often than FeLV-negative cats. Also, they tend to need dentals at a younger age than other cats.

How long does it take for a cat to test positive for rabies?

Cats can test positive within a few weeks after exposure, but almost all cats who are positive for the virus will be so by 28 days. However, testing positive just means that the virus is circulating in the cat’s blood; it does not mean that the cat will be permanently infected.

What happens if a cat is infected with FeLV?

A cat persistently infected with FeLV is highly likely to develop clinical disease related to the virus, which can cause suffering and death in cats.

Is FeLV and FIV the same thing?

FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) are often confused because they are both retroviruses – in fact, they belong to the same retrovirus family. Similarities of FIV & FeLV. As mentioned above, both of these diseases belong to the same retrovirus family.

How do vets test for feline leukemia?

Your veterinarian can perform a screening test for FeLV in the clinic setting using a special ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) based test kit. These kits contain feline leukemia antibody, a special protein that specifically recognizes the viral antigen and combines with it.

How do cats get FIV from other cats?

It can also be transmitted via blood, in utero and from the milk of an infected mother cat. It is very rare for cats to get FIV just from being around infected cats, sharing food bowls, or from a person touching an FIV-positive cat and then touching an FIV-negative cat.

Is it safe to have two cats with FIV?

Yes, as long as the cats get along and do not fight. The risk of an FIV-positive cat spreading the virus to an FIV-negative cat can be minimized by putting both cats in separate rooms until you are confident that they will not fight with each other. Spaying or neutering your pets will also reduce any risk.

Can kittens get FeLV from mother cats?

In the case of FeLV, young kittens are susceptible to infection in part because the virus can be transmitted from infected mother cats. Young cats are at greatest risk of infection if exposed but older cats may become infected as well. All kittens over 8-weeks of age should be tested when first presented for vaccinations.

Should I test my community cat for FeLV?

Alley Cat Allies, informed by the advice of our veterinary experts, strongly recommends against testing community cats for FeLV. Studies show that FeLV is present in community cats at an equally low rate as in owned cats. There is no need for particular concerns about community cats, who thrive in their outdoor homes.

Can cats with FeLV live a normal life?

She wants owners to know that their infected cats can live normal lives. FeLV is caused by a retrovirus that becomes part of the animal’s DNA. This virus is transmitted when cats are in close contact with each other.

What is the difference between FeLV and FIP?

Ok, FeLV and FIV share an affinity for attacking the immune system, whilst FIP causes leaky blood vessels. So what does this mean in terms of symptoms?

How does FeLV affect a cat’s body?

FeLV adversely affects a cat’s body in many ways. It is the most common cause of cancer in cats, may cause various blood disorders, and may lead to a state of immune deficiency that hinders a cat’s ability to protect itself against other infections.

What is the best test for rabies in cats?

The direct fluorescent antibody test is the most accurate test for diagnosis, but it can only be performed after the death of the animal. The rabies virus can incubate in a cat’s body anywhere from just one week to more than a year before the virus appears in the saliva and the cat is capable of transmitting the disease.

How do vets test for FeLV in cats?

If this test comes back positive for FeLV, many vets will suggest sending out a blood sample to a lab that can detect how far along your cat’s condition is. This laboratory test is referred to as an IFA test, which searches for the virus within the white blood cells.

What are the risk factors for feline leukemia in cats?

Your Cat’s Risk Factors. Exposure to infected cats raises your cat’s risk of contracting FeLV, especially for kittens and young adult cats. Older cats are less likely to contract the infection, because resistance seems to increase with age. For indoor-only cats, the risk of contracting FeLV is very low.

How is feline leukemia transmitted from one cat to another?

The Feline Leukemia virus is transmitted from cat to cat through close social contact, including mutual grooming, sharing food bowls and litter boxes or trays, and close physical contact such as sleeping together. Can a cat with feline leukemia live with other cats?

How long can a cat live with FIV after infection?

A cat who contracts FIV will usually still have a strong immune system for several years after infection, it is only over time, that the effects of the virus may start to show, and even then, most infections can be treated with the appropriate medications.

What is FeLV B in cats?

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), which is subclassified into three subgroups of A, B and C, is a pathogenic retrovirus in cats. FeLV-A is minimally pathogenic, FeLV-C can cause pure red cell aplasia, and FeLV-B is associated with a variety of pathogenic properties such as lymphoma, leukemia and anemia.

How is feline leukemia transmitted from cat to cat?

Feline leukemia virus is transmitted between cats via infected saliva and urine. Direct contact with these body fluids, mutual grooming, shared litter boxes and food dishes, and fighting (bite wounds) all expose uninfected cats to the virus.

What is the difference between FeLV and FIV?

Pregnant females can pass both diseases to their offspring. A big difference between FELV and FIV is the way in which we screen for infection. FIV screening tests look for antibodies; in other words, evidence of the body responding to the virus.

Does neighborhood cats test for FIV or FeLV?

Like the great majority of TNR programs, Neighborhood Cats does not test every cat trapped for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) or FeLV (feline leukemia). Testing is performed only when a cat is a candidate for adoption or is ill and the veterinarian believes the results would assist in diagnosis and treatment.

What should I look for when testing my Cat for FIV?

We do recommend testing cats with a clinical portrait supportive of these diseases (bite wounds, abscesses, dental disease, lethargy, etc.). When used on cats with clinical signs consistent with FeLV or FIV, the test results are more reliable.

What percentage of cats with FIV have FeLV?

One study detected FeLV in 4.3 percent of community cats and FIV in 3.5 percent, which are similar to the rates in owned cats. Several large-scale Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs report a 1 to 2 percent incidence of FeLV. Test results can be unreliable and result in false positives.

Should I put my cat down for FIV?

Everything checked out fine, cat was completely healthy. Over the past month, her cat’s eating has decreased and he’s lost two pounds. She took him to the vet earlier this week and they have concluded he has FIV. They have told her it is best to put him down to keep him from suffering.