The Cat Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Feline Leukemia
I was wondering what the symptoms of Feline Leukemia are. I have two, three month old kittens that keep getting respiratory infections and was told by a friend that this may be a sign of Feline Leukemia.
Thanks,
Heidi
Dear Heidi,
Yikes! You have sick kittens and haven't been to the vet?
Don't wait on answers from Little Old Me, get right over to the vet clinic for tests and treatment. (And while you're at it, sign those kitties up for pet insurance RIGHT NOW before anything serious happens to them - which can wipe out your bank account. It can also devastate you emotionally if you cannot afford care they may need down the road.)
You have to go to a vet when your kittens are sick -- do not self-diagnose or let your friends be your medical advisers! Except in this case, your friend has either given you a "heads up" to get right to the doctor or change doctors to one is who is more thorough.
But if you HAVE been to the vet then he or she should definitely have checked for feline leukemia. Any competent vet would do a simple blood test for leukemia as the first line of defense.
I hope they will be feeling all better soon.
Best wishes,
Tracie
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You To Know, and from CAT CHAT™ The Radio Show, broadcasting live on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Channel 112 on Sirius Satellite Radio, every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. EST.
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
