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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NAPSI)-A growing number of Americans now think cats are the purrrfect pet. The frisky felines have passed dogs as the most popular pet in America (77 million cats compared to 65 million dogs) and approximately 34 million U.S. households own at least one cat.
With the number of cats jumping in the U.S., and more people bringing home kittens than in the past, vets say it's especially important for pet owners to learn about their cat's health.
"One of the most important things that cat owners can do to ensure their pet's health is to have them tested for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), the feline version of HIV, and feline leukemia virus (FeLV)," explained Lynn Buzhardt, D.V.M., a national veterinary expert. "FIV and FeLV are two of the most deadly retroviruses affecting cats."
The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends testing all newly adopted cats and kittens for FIV and FeLV. Yet it's estimated that 31 million cats in the U.S. are at risk for the diseases and only a small percentage of cats are being tested. (Both diseases affect only cats and cannot be spread to people.)
Early Detection Is Key
There are often no visible signs of FIV and FeLV; the only way to know if a cat is infected is to test. "The good news is, with early detection, veterinarians can implement appropriate health care protocols for positive cats to keep them happy and healthy longer," explained Dr. Buzhardt. "By knowing their cat's status, pet owners can also play an important role in curtailing the spread of FIV and FeLV by monitoring their cat's behavior around other felines and by isolating positive cats when necessary."
For more information regarding FIV and FeLV, cat owners should contact their veterinarian. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also provides information about FIV and FeLV online at www.fivtest.com.
National veterinary expert Lynn Buzhardt, D.V.M. says it's important to have kittens tested for FIV and FeLV-two of the most deadly feline diseases.
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