Feline Leukemia Virus
Feline leukemia is a contagious virus which infects cats. Once inside a cat, FeLV can cause blood disorders, tumors, reproductive disorders, or suppression of the immune system so that the cat is very susceptible to other infections. When exposed to FeLV, the cat's immune system (1) may fight off the virus, (2) may allow a 'carrier' situation whereby the cat does not get sick, but harbors the virus and transmits it to other cats (about 80% of the 'carrier' cats will become sick and die within 2.5 - 3.5 years), or (3) may be overwhelmed by the virus and the cat will die.
	INCIDENCE - It is estimated that half, or more, of all pet cats in the United States have been exposed to FeLV. Of the survivors, 33% of all exposed pet cats continue to carry and spread the virus to other cats.
	DIAGNOSIS - There is no one symptom or group of symptoms which can definitely pinpoint FeLV as the cause of a cat's illness. However, in a cat with the non-specific signs of lethargy, weight loss, fever, or loss of appetite we must consider FeLV. A simple blood test will test us within 24 hours if the virus is present in the cat.
	TREATMENT - As with many viral diseases, there is still no one drug which can cause this disease. We can treat the individual symptoms associated with the infection. We also have several new drugs available to stimulate the cat's immune system to help it fight the virus, but it is too soon for us to know the effectiveness of these treatments. It is still only the cat's immune system which can rid the cat of the virus. In most cases, once the immune system has weakened enough to allow disease symptoms to show, the cat usually succumbs to the virus.
	PREVENTION - Our best chance of winning the fight against FeLV is going to be through prevention. There is some very exciting work being done to a perfect a vaccine which will protect cats from FeLV infection! Unfortunately, we are still a few years away from seeing such a product on the market.
	TESTING - At the present time, our best defense against FeLV if through testing. The testing of sick cats helps us to determine the cause so that a decision can be made as to the best plan of action to take for the cat. Testing of healthy cats is also HIGHLY recommended. In this manner we can identify 'carriers' of this deadly disease and protect uninfected cats from them.
We Strongly Recommend:
	(1) Testing any cat with an illness of unknown origin. (2) Testing any cat or kitten which has been exposed to large numbers of cats (breeder, pet store, humane society, or outside cats - in particular, fighting cats).
In doing so, you will protect the important feline members of your household from this dread disease and you will also protect yourself from the emotional upset of losing a pet to an extremely tragic illness. On your next visit to your veterinarian, ask if a test is recommended in your cat's situation.

 

Home

Back to Cats

Back to Kittens