3 Contagious Diseases Preventable With A Cat Fence
Cats love to be outdoors in their natural habitat and feel at one with their ancestors but you want your kitty to be safe from illnesses and diseases carried by other cats. By investing in cat fencing supplies around the perimeter of your cat's outdoor play space, you can keep your cat safe as long as they still receive regular immunizations. Here are 3 feline diseases your cat can avoid because they remain in a safe zone free from other cats.
Feline Leukemia
While there is no cure for feline leukemia, there is a vaccination that prevents your cat from contracting the virus. Feline leukemia is spread through contact with other cats via bites or sharing food and water bowls. A cat with feline leukemia will seem ill with common symptoms similar such as diarrhea, fever and weight loss. However, feline leukemia often progresses to other conditions including respiratory infections, infertility, and cancer. Chronic conditions in a cat are usually signs of feline leukemia. Infected mothers can pass the virus to their offspring, but fortunately veterinarians rarely encounter feline leukemia among vaccinated cat populations.
HIV
Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, is similar to HIV for humans except it spreads through bite wounds rather than sexual contact. FIV attacks your cat's immune system, which leaves it vulnerable to other infections and illnesses from bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa found outdoors. FIV can sit dormant in a cat's bloodstream before showing up as enlarged lymph nodes and fever, and later as other active diseases. Fortunately, vaccines are available to keep your cat safe.
Ringworm
Ringworm is not a worm but instead caused by tiny fungus spores. It is easily spread from infected cats simply by contact with the animal itself or bedding and other materials containing contaminated skin cells and hair. You know your cat has ringworm if their coat shows bald, flaky areas of missing fur and round lesions on the skin underneath. Sometimes their skin may just look red and have dandruff. Lesions usually show up on their head, ears, and forelimbs. Ringworm is easily treated with medication, but watch out! Your cat can easily transfer this skin ailment to you. Make sure you vacuum frequently to get rid of infected fur and skin cells, and thoroughly wash your cat's bedding in hot water. If left untreated, your cat will be more susceptible to other skin infections.
These cat diseases are easily avoided simply by staying current on your cat's vaccinations and keeping your cat safely inside their cat fence and away from other cats while enjoying the outdoors.
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