How can I protect my cat from getting viruses?

Historically, cats have been vaccinated against Enteritis and the two major flu viruses. Vaccination has gone a long way towards the eradication of these diseases, but many cats are still not vaccinated, making flu in particular, a common disease amongst unvaccinated cats.

Two other cat viruses, FeLV (Feline Leukaemia Virus) and FIV (Feline Immuno-deficiency Virus) are less well known, but it is important that cat owners are aware of these viruses, and the steps which can be taken towards minimising the risk of their pets catching them.

FeLV and FIV will soon be causing as many fatalities in cats as the motor car. FeLV is very easily transmitted from mother to kitten, and between cats through fighting, mating, and even sharing food bowls. FIV is more difficult to catch and can be spread from mother to kitten and through mating and fighting.

Both viruses can affect cats of any age, but young cats are most commonly affected. The viruses lie dormant within the cat for varying periods of time and in rare cases, a cat may fight off the infection itself.

However, both FeLV and FIV are incurable and can cause a wide variety of symptoms such as persistent high temperatures, recurrent infections, eye and gum disease and even tumours. For this reason, your vet may ask to test your cat to rule out these viruses if your cat is frequently ill or not responding to treatment. There is a vaccine available for FeLV, but at present, there is not one for FIV.

Because the main risk of your cat catching FIV is from unneutered tomcats, it is advisable that you have your cats neutered as early as possible in order to try to minimise the risk to your pets.