Feline Leukemia Virus is a serious threat to your cat's health and longevity. But, extra at-home care and regular veterinary treatments help many infected cats go on to live normal lives for long periods. Read on to learn more.
What is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)?
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats across the United States, often affecting cats with other health issues.
FeLV is spread from one cat to another through direct contact with the saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk of infected cats. The FeLV virus does not live very long outside of the body but is easily spread between cats during fights or mutual grooming. On occasion, the disease can spread through the use of shared litter boxes or feeding dishes.
Infected mother cats often pass the virus on to their kittens before or after birth.
What are Common Feline Leukemia Symptoms?
Feline leukemia symptoms gradually become more pronounced over time. In the early stages of infection, a cat with FeLV may show no symptoms. However, as your feline friend ages, their health will be significantly impacted by the disease and you will see a sharp decline in their overall health. Signs of FeLV can include one or more of the following:- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Poor coat condition
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Persistent fever
- Pale gums and other mucus membranes
- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis)
- Infections of the skin, urinary tract, and upper respiratory tract
- Recurrent diarrhea
- Seizures
- Behavioral or personality changes
- Eye conditions infections and irritation
- Reproductive failures (miscarriages)
How is Feline Leukemia Virus Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of feline leukemia virus typically involves running two blood tests to detect a protein in the virus called FeLV P27.
The first test is called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and may be used during the initial screening for feline leukemia virus. ELISA-type tests detect free FeLV particles commonly found in the bloodstream during all stages of infection and can often be performed at your veterinarian's office.
The indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) test is typically sent to an off-site diagnostics lab to confirm a positive FeLV result from the initial ELISA test.
What is the Treatment for Feline Leukemia Virus?
Currently, there is no known cure for FeLV. The goal of treatment will be to decrease and manage the levels of feline leukemia virus in your cat's bloodstream. Lowering the viral load helps to ease symptoms and reduce transmission, although this may not be effective in all cats.
A large part of treating FeLV-positive cats is managing symptoms to your kitty to feel better. At Carolina Veterinary Specialists, our internal medicine specialists has extensive experience treating cats with complex health issues associated with FeLV.
Can Feline Leukemia Virus Be Prevented?
The only way a pet parent can ensure their cat does not contract feline leukemia virus is to keep them away from infected cats. Keeping your feline friend inside is one of the best ways to ensure this. If you allow your cat to play outdoors, provide supervision or restrict them to an area that will keep them away from other outdoor cats. All cats should be tested for FeLV prior to introducing them into a home, and infection-free cats should not be allowed contact with infected cats.
FeLV-infected cats should have their own litter boxes and dishes, with no access to those of the non-infected cats.
A FeLV vaccine is available, although like most vaccinations it is not 100% effective. That said, the vaccine is recommended for outdoor cats and those at risk of contact with the disease. Speak to your primary care veterinarian to find out if the FeLV vaccine is right for your cat. Your vet can help you determine whether your kitty is at risk of catching the disease and give you a rundown on the pros and cons of vaccinating your cat.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.