I'm really worried about my fur baby, Simba. He's been acting a bit off lately, and I can't help but panic about all those scary cat illnesses like FIP, FIV, and FeLV that I've read about. How do cats even catch these diseases? He’s an indoor cat, but we do let him out on the balcony and sometimes he gets really curious about the neighbor’s outdoor cat. Could he be at risk? I just feel so overwhelmed with the thought that he might pick up something serious. I've scheduled a vet appointment, but it’s not until next week, and I can't shake this anxiety. If anyone knows more about how these diseases spread or has experience dealing with them, your advice would be a lifesaver right now.
Thanks for reaching out with your question. Understanding these diseases is key to keeping your cat healthy. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are all serious viral infections in cats, each with unique characteristics and transmission methods.
FIP is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus. Most cats are actually exposed to this virus but never develop FIP. The disease spreads through contact with infected feces, which is more common in crowded environments like shelters.
FIV is similar to HIV in humans. Cats typically contract FIV through deep bite wounds from infected cats. It's important for outdoor or aggressive cats, who may fight, to be regularly tested.
FeLV spreads more easily through casual contact, such as grooming or sharing food bowls with an infected cat. It's especially prevalent among young kittens and cats in close living quarters.
At home, keeping your cat indoors and ensuring they’re vaccinated can reduce risk. Look out for symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, fever, or recurring infections, which may indicate something more serious.
If you're concerned about your cat’s exposure or notice any worrying symptoms, it’s best to have them evaluated. I recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet to discuss your cat's health in more detail.
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