What is Feline Leukemia Virus?
Feline Leukemia Virus is a retrovirus that lowers a cat’s immune system and leaves her prey to a multitude of secondary illnesses. A cat with weakened immunity is prone to infection, blood disorders, and even cancer (it is the most common cause of cancer in cats). FeLV is similar in some ways to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (Feline AIDS or FIV), but due to their shape and genetic makeup, they are caused differently.
It is estimated that between 2 to 13% or more of all cats in the United States have FeLV, with it being more common in high-risk cats, like young kittens, cats living with infected cats, and cats that live outdoors.
There are two stages of Feline Leukemia, Primary viremia, and Secondary viremia. Most cats can fight off Primary viremia, but once it has reached the secondary stage, there is no help for the cat. Secondary illnesses will eventually take the cat, but life expectancy after diagnosis varies depending on the circumstances. Some cats live a few years after diagnosis, while others only months or even less.
How is Feline Leukemia Virus Spread?
FeLV can be transmitted from cat to cat through saliva, feces, blood, and even mother’s milk. Much like FIV, Feline Leukemia Virus is most commonly spread through deep bite wounds received in cat fights, making non-neutered outdoor male cats at very high risk, as well as by the sharing of food dishes and litter boxes, or through mutual grooming.
What Are the Symptoms of Feline Leukemia Virus?
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Poor coat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Pale gums and mucus membranes
- Inflammation of the gums and mouth
- Skin infections
- Persistent diarrhea
- Seizures, behavior changes, neurological disorders
- Eye problems
- In females, aborted litters of kittens or other reproduction problems
How is Feline Leukemia Virus Diagnosed?
There are two different types of test to determine if a cat has Feline Leukemia Virus: 1) ELISA, and 2) IFA. The ELISA test can normally be performed at a vet’s office, while IFA has to be sent to a lab for results. There are pro’s and con’s to each test. Some vets will use both tests, and the tests often have to be repeated in order to properly diagnose FeLV.
How is Feline Leukemia Virus Treated?
If FeLV is detected early, there are things that can be done to prolong a cat’s life. The cat should be confined so that the disease isn’t spread, and they should be spayed or neutered. Avoid raw foods and feed a nutritious diet. The cat must be monitored closely for health changes and seen by the vet about every six months. It should also be noted that there is no evidence that FeLV medications provide any benefit.
How Can Feline Leukemia Virus Be Prevented?
Before adopting a cat or kitten, have them tested by the vet for Feline Leukemia Virus, and only adopt kittens that are free from FeLV. If there is already an FeLV positive cat in the household, isolate the cats from each other. There is also a Feline Leukemia Virus vaccination that has shown to be beneficial for many cats, though it will not help cats that have already been infected. Unlike the FIV vaccine, the FeLV vaccine does not cause false positive test results in the future.
Can Humans Catch Feline Leukemia Virus?
There is no proof that humans can be infected with FeLV, but those with suppressed immune systems should refrain from contact with infected cats. This includes those on AIDS therapy, pregnant women, infants, and the elderly.
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Resources: Cornell University.com
