What is Feline Leukemia Virus?
It is a disease of cats that weakens their immune system making them susceptible to illness and cancer.
How does a cat become infected?
It can be spread from cat to cat via bite wounds, from mother cat to kittens, mating, and close contact such as mutual grooming, sharing of litterboxes, food and water bowls.
Can FeLv be transmitted to humans or dogs?
No, it is cat specific.
How is FeLv diagnosed?
Through a blood test performed at your veterinarian’s office. This usually also tests for Feline Immunovirus also (FIV). If it is positive, then it should be sent out to a lab for confirmatory testing.
Is there a cure for FeLv?
There is no cure for FeLv.
What is the lifespan for cats with FeLv?
While a small percentage of cats live normal lifespans with FeLv as carriers, the majority of cats pass away due to complications from FeLv within 6 months to a year after diagnosis.
Should I euthanize my cat if he/she tests positive for FeLv?
If your cat is currently showing no symptoms at the time of diagnosis, then there is no need to euthanize. If your cat becomes symptomatic, discuss quality of life and palliative care with your veterinarian.
Do cats with FeLv require any special care?
FeLv+ cats do not require “extra” care, but the following things are important for a FeLv+ cat to live its best life:
- Must be an indoor only cat (living outdoors or going outside exposes your cat to many pathogens and predators and, since fighting off infection is more difficult, they should be put at increased risk of infection).
- Do NOT feed a raw food diet. Raw food can contain parasites and pathogens that a cat who is immunocompromised cannot fight off.
- Regular veterinary care – annual check-ups are important for FeLv+ cats as well as maintaining them on flea/mite/intestinal parasite prevention.
- Spay or neuter your cat to prevent aggressive territorial behavior and mating.
Does a FeLv+ cat need to be the only cat in the household?
Generally yes. Because FeLv is spread by casual long-term contact, a FeLv+ cat should be an only cat or live only with other FeLv+ cats.
Is there a vaccine for FeLv?
Yes. If your cat goes outside or your think you may foster other cats in the future, or even take in a stray, please vaccinate for this disease!