Ask The Cat Expert

By Dr. Stephanie Raispis

Feline Leukemia virus is a major, deadly infectious disease in cats. The virus attacks and weakens the cat’s immune system, leaving it unable to fight off other infections.  It can also cause tumors and blood cancer in the form of leukemia. Cats that do not develop the disease at the time of exposure may become potential carriers, infecting other cats.  The virus is easily transmitted from cat to cat via the litter box, via food and water dishes, in the saliva, through feces and in the womb. Kittens can be born with leukemia if their mother was infected with the virus.  Symptoms of leukemia can vary but may include weight loss, gum and mouth disease ,upper respiratory infections, lethargy, anorexia, anemia, diarrhea, and vomiting. Some cats show no symptoms at all. Feline leukemia can be diagnosed by your veterinarian by a simple blood test.

Vaccination is key to prevention of this disease. Vaccines are an effective aid to preventing the persistent viremia and feline leukemia- related tumors. Most vaccines consist of an initial vaccine followed by a booster in 3-4 weeks. After this an annual vaccine is necessary.

All cats that go outside need protection from Feline Leukemia virus. Even if you do not see other cats in your neighborhood you can be sure that feral cats are present at times when you are not home. These cats are more likely to be  carriers of Leukemia virus.  Your cat may come into contact with these strays who may infect your cat through bites or by snacking from your cat’s food or water bowl.

Treating Feline Leukemia virus is a challenge. New medications can give some cats a better quality of life but we do not have a treatment to cure the disease. Cats that are diagnosed with Feline Leukemia Virus need to be kept indoors. This keeps them from being exposed to other illnesses and keeps the infected cats from spreading the disease to unprotected cats living outside.

The best way to prevent this disease is to test all kittens and adult cats entering your home and vaccinate according to the schedule that your veterinarian sets for your pet. If you miss several years of vaccination you need to re-test your feline friend to make sure he was not exposed during that time.

By Dr. Stephanie Raispis

Heartworm disease has been affecting dogs in the United States for over 20 years.

Most people know that dogs can be affected, but what about cats? For a long time scientists and veterinarians thought that cats did not get heart worm infections. But it wasn’t long before the discovery of feline heartworms led to more studies for our feline friends. Heartworm disease in the cat is not the same as the dog, but can be just as deadly.

In both species, heartworms are carried by mosquitoes and transferred through the mosquito bite. In dogs a single bite can be infective. In cats, several bites are necessary for infection.  The larval forms migrate to the heart and become adult worms. Dogs can have hundreds of worms living in their heart but cats usually have only a few. In dogs, the heart is the organ that is most affected. In cats the lungs are affected by the larval forms of the worm.

Cats can be affected even if they live indoors. Over 25% of cats with proven infections live indoors. Heartworm disease in the cat can be difficult to diagnose. There may be no signs in the early stages. In later stages cats can have the following symptoms: coughing, vomiting, shortness of breath, weight loss, and lethargy.

Heartworm disease in the cat cannot be treated effectively. Cats cannot tolerate the medicine used in dogs to kill heartworms. It is simpler and healthier for your cat to prevent heartworm disease. Several different products are available to prevent heartworms in cats. Your veterinarian can recommend the best product for your beloved cat.