Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a disease that affects cats. With as many as 3 percent of cats infected with it, it is considered one of the most contagious and most common feline diseases. While healthy cats might not show any symptoms of the disease, it can lead to serious health complications for very young cats, very old cats, or those with compromised immune systems.
What Is Feline Leukemia Virus?
FeLV is a retrovirus spread through saliva, mating, feces, or even to kittens through the placenta. It develops into different stages in the body, which include:
- Abortive: The abortive phase happens when the cat is infected with the disease. It quietly begins to replicate within the cat’s body. Most cats display no symptoms of the disease at this phase. A healthy cat’s immune system can often remove it before it becomes an issue.
- Regressive: During the regressive phase, cats typically have no outward symptoms and are often not even contagious.
Progressive: This is the most serious phase of the disease, as it has spread to both the lymph nodes and the gastrointestinal system. During the progressive phase, cats might develop an infection in the bone marrow. They are also highly contagious and susceptible to other illnesses. Even cats who have been regressive could return to the progressive stage.
Symptoms of Feline Leukemia Virus
Since FeLV causes immunosuppression, a variety of symptoms can develop as a result of the disease. In general, though, cats with progressive Feline Leukemia Virus will have:
- Decreased interest in food
- Progressive weight loss
- An unhealthy coat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Pale gums
- Gingivitis or other inflammation of the gums
- Skin, bladder, and respiratory infections
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Eye problems
- Changes in behavior
If you notice any of the above symptoms, schedule a visit with your veterinarian and get your cat tested.
Managing FeLV In Cats
While some FeLV-positive cats can live a full life with no issues, others will have a shortened lifespan. In fact, some cats will only live 2.5 years after developing symptoms. While there is currently no cure for the disease, there are ways that you and your vet can manage it.
These include:
- Monitoring your cat’s behavior and bathroom habits
- Minimizing stress for the cat when possible
- Working closely with your vet to treat other illnesses that develop as a result of FeLV
- Focusing on healthy nutrition
Preventing Feline Leukemia Virus
The best way to keep your cats safe from the Feline Leukemia Virus is to avoid infection altogether. The FeLV vaccine is one of the vaccines your veterinarian might recommend based on your cat’s lifestyle and potential exposure. Keeping the cat inside and thus away from other unknown cats can help as well. If you know another cat is infected, separate cats and use different food and water bowls and litter boxes. Your vet can also regularly test for FeLV to ensure your cat is healthy and free from the disease.
At Westarbor Animal Hospital, we provide the veterinary services your pets need to stay healthy through their senior years. From wellness and vaccination visits to dental cleanings and surgery, we’re here when you need us. Call (734) 769-5391 to learn more or to schedule an appointment. I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
