Feline leukemia virus is a retrovirus that infects cats. FeLV can be transmitted from infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved. If the animal's immune system fails to neutralize the virus, it may become severely weakened by it, potentially leading to lethal disease. 

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) symptoms vary, as the virus causes immune suppression, cancer, or anemia. Common signs include persistent fever, weight loss, poor coat, pale gums, swollen lymph nodes, and recurrent infections (respiratory, skin, or urinary). Many cats may appear healthy initially, but show progressive decline over time. 

Common Symptoms of Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV):

• Weight Loss and Appetite: Loss of appetite (anorexia) and progressive weight loss.

• Appearance: Poor or "unthrifty" coat condition.

• Lymph Node Changes: Enlarged lymph nodes.

• Infections: Persistent or recurring infections, including upper respiratory tract infections, skin, and bladder infections.

• Mouth and Gum Issues: Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or mouth (stomatitis).

• Blood and Fever: Pale gums (indicating anemia) and persistent fever.

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Chronic diarrhea and vomiting.

• Neurological and Eye Issues: Seizures, behavioral changes, and eye conditions.

• Reproductive Issues: Reproductive failure or abortion

Rabies in cats is a fatal viral disease affecting the central nervous system, transmitted via saliva through bites from infected wildlife (bats, raccoons, skunks). It causes drastic behavioral changes—extreme aggression or paralysis—and death usually occurs within 10 days of symptoms. Vaccination is the only effective prevention and is mandatory in most areas. 

Key Facts & Symptoms

• Signs: Sudden temperament changes (shy pets become aggressive), excessive drooling/foaming, paralysis, staggering, and vocalization changes.

• Forms: The "furious" form causes extreme aggression, while the "paralytic" form causes weakness and incoordination.

• Incubation: Symptoms may take 2 to 24 weeks or longer to appear after exposure.

• Diagnosis: There is no live test; diagnosis requires brain tissue examination after death. 

Transmission and Risks

• Incidental Hosts: Cats are not reservoirs but can contract it from wild animals and pass it to humans or other pets.

• Frequency: Rabies is more common in cats than dogs in the US, with hundreds of cases reported annually, often in unvaccinated or feral cats.

• Indoor Risk: Indoor cats can still be exposed if rabid bats or rodents enter the home.