Pick n Pay’s bandanna promotion is on right now, to raise funds to help human leukemia sufferers, which made us think of our cats with feline leukemia (FeLV).
Here are some surprising facts you should know:
- Feline leukemia is actually a viral infection, not a cancer!
- It’s spread in saliva and other secretions. Cats spread it by grooming each other, and sharing feeding bowls and litter trays. It’s also spread from mother to kittens.
- The virus is quite fragile. FeLV can only survive for around 2 hours in a dry environment (such as cat bedding), or 48 hours in a moist environment (such as a litter tray).
- It can’t be transmitted to humans or dogs.
- Infected cats can live long, healthy lives. FeLV-positive cats can live from a few months to 10 years or more after being diagnosed. The FeLV virus attacks the immune system, making the cats more susceptible to opportunistic infections and to some types of cancer.
- Around 35% of cats exposed to FeLV develop immunity to the virus.
- FeLV-positive cats need loving homes too! Their ideal home is an indoors-only home, where there are no other cats. (All the better so they can give you their undivided love and attention!) As the owner, you need to treat any infections as soon as you notice them, so they don’t turn into something more serious. Good nutrition and good dental health are particularly important to keep kitty healthy.
Interested in adopting a cat with special needs? Meet some of our favourites:
- Row 1: Sheena, Simon, Pebbles
- Row 2: Blossom, Cathy, Bobby
- Row 3: Munsky, Bob, Samantha
- Row 4: Milo
Some of our FeLV-positive cats may not find a home. Would you be interested in sponsoring them to help us give them the affection, nutrition and medical attention they might need?
A donation of just R25 a month would make a difference!
You can elect a cat to sponsor, or choose to make a general donation towards the care of all our special needs cats.
