Meet Mickey! This handsome fella is looking for a good home. He will come with all of his vaccinations and will be neutered. He is only a year old. Mickey is a special case because he is leukemia positive. He will require a special home who understands the responsibilities that goes along with adopting a pet with FeLV.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a common infection in cats. The virus is transmitted via saliva or other bodily secretions from mutual grooming, sharing of food/water or from the mother to the kittens during pregnancy. Some cats can become immune from FeLV by contracting and eliminating it. However, there are some cats who are not able to develop immunity and the virus can spread to their bone marrow causing immunosuppression. Those cats also have an increase chance of contracting other illnesses.
Unfortunately, there is no curative treatment. However, supportive therapy can be administered. A high percentage of cats have a short life span (usually 3 years after being diagnosed) than those who are not infected.
With proper care some cats can live several years with a good quality of life. It is best to maintain FeLV cats within a household, preventing them from going outdoors where they have an increased chance of contracting other illnesses. Annual exams, vaccines and lab work should be performed with your veterinarian to monitor changes. Year-round anti-parasitism should also be implemented to protect against fleas, ticks, heartworm and other internal parasites.
FeLV negative cats can be vaccinated for FeLV to increase their protection against the virus.
If you have any questions in regards to FeLV or are interested in giving Mickey a good home, please give us a call!
