Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection is one of the leading causes of death in pet cats and kittens. Within the past 20 years researchers have discovered that this virus is associated with numerous diseases. Persistent FeLV infection is virtually always fatal, and cats persistently infected rarely live more than three years. Fortunately, a vaccine is now available to protect cats against feline leukemia virus.

Many FeLV Diseases

Leukemia, a blood cell cancer, is only one of many outcomes of infection with FeLV. Another cancer – lymphosarcoma – is actually a more common FeLV disease. The cat with leukemia or lymphosarcoma tumors may die quickly or after a lengthy period of suffering and deterioration.

Still more common are “associated diseases” that result when FeLV impairs a cat’s immune system. Cats infected with FeLV have limited ability to resist other infections by even the most ordinary bacteria, viruses, and fungus. They may experience reproductive failures; a high rate of infectious diseases such as colds and pneumonia; frequent stomach problems; skin and mouth sores; and anemia. In fact, one notable FeLV researcher has said that FeLV infection must be suspected and investigated whenever a feline patient develops anything but the simplest of problems. Most infected cats die of associated diseases before FeLV cancers develop.

A Contagious Virus

Feline Leukemia virus is contagious. It is present in the saliva, urine, and feces of infected cats, and is passed to healthy cats by licking, sneezing, and sharing contaminated food bowls and litter pans. Kittens can even pick up the virus by nursing and infected mother.  Certain populations of cats are at high risk of infection because of greatest exposure to FeLV. Theses cats live in multiple-cat households where FeLV infection is present in one or more of the household cats. Incidence of persistent FeLV infection in cats in this environment is as high as 30 percent. Cats in single-cat households also may be exposed if they ever encounter other, infected cats.

Diagnosis of FeLV Infection

Because FeLV is associated with so many disorders, observable signs of FeLV disease vary dramatically. It’s impossible to diagnose a cat precisely from observable signs in the early stages of infection. Still, signs such as depression, fever, loss of appetite, and swollen glands in the neck of abdomen suggest onset of FeLV related disease.

Prevention Now Possible - Vaccination Recommended                       

Cats can be protected against the many forms of suffering associated with and caused by FeLV    infection with a simple vaccine. Vaccination against FeLV is recommended for all healthy cats nine weeks of age or older.