5 key milestones in your kitten's growth
Over the first year of their life, your kitten will undergo significant changes. Here are five key milestones to look for, and how you can support them during each one.
Feline leukaemia (FeLV) is a retrovirus, belonging to the same group of viruses as HIV, however it can’t infect humans.
It is much less common in cats nowadays than it used to be, with less than 1% of healthy cats infected. This is due to widespread and effective vaccinations amongst kittens and cats since the 1990s.
Feline leukaemia suppresses the immune system and causes a slow infection, leaving the infected cat highly vulnerable to other diseases, including:
In kittens it can cause a slow and gradual decline, which when left untreated will lead to death.
It is passed between cats in saliva when they groom one another, share food bowls and are generally close to each other. It can also pass in other body secretions, blood and milk.
It is a virus that can hide inside the cells of the kitten or cat’s body – this is termed latency. It inserts its DNA into the cat’s DNA, with the virus able to wake up and cause a disease long after the initial infection.
The course of feline leukaemia usually lasts up to three years, although in many cases the cat will pass away sooner.
Fortunately, vaccination is available which helps prevent persistent infection and fatal disease.
The feline leukaemia vaccine is one of the core vaccinations, meaning it is mandatory for all cats and kittens. You should speak to your vet to put an appropriate vaccination programme in place for your kitten.
The ideal age for your kitten to have its first vaccination is at eight weeks, followed by a second three to five weeks later. This will be for the core vaccines that protect the kitten against the most common and high-risk diseases. They include:
Your vet will also advise you on any other recommended vaccines for your kitten depending on their lifestyle, specifically if they’ll be going outdoors or not, or whether they’ll be in contact with other cats.
Yes, as with the other core vaccinations, your vet will administer a first booster injection for feline leukaemia between 12 and 16 weeks of age.
As soon as your kitten reaches one year old, they’ll need their first annual booster which will then be followed up every year. It's important to contact your local vet if you need any more information or specialist advice.
If you have any concerns about your cat’s health, consult a vet for professional advice.
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