Are you planning to adopt a cat like the American Longhair? If so, you may want to talk to your vet to learn about health conditions that your cat should be tested for prior to purchase or adoption. For instance, all cats should test negative for FeLV or the Feline Leukemia Virus. This disease is the second largest cause of death among cats. The virus can cause anemia or lymphoma as well as suppress their immune system making cats highly susceptible to deadly infections. When American Longhair cats are vaccinated they have a stronger chance of resisting the deadly virus. In fact, research has found that 70% of cats that came in contact with FeLV were able to either resist the infection or overcome it on their own. Your best vet Rochester, NY can tell you that FeLV affects cats only and is not contagious to dogs, people or other animals.