New Cat Owner? What to Know About Feline Leukemia

What do new pet owners need to know about feline leukemia (or FeLV)? According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, this common cat disease affects three percent of U.S. felines. If you recently adopted a cat, take a look at these top FeLV questions.

Is Feline Leukemia a Type of Cat Cancer?

Leukemia in humans is a form of cancer. But for cats, this is a different type of disease. The V in FeLV comes from the word virus. Unlike human leukemia, feline leukemia is from a communicable virus. This means FeLV is an illness that a cat can catch from another cat, provided the other feline is infected with the virus.

Even though feline leukemia starts as a virus, it can cause a form of cancer in cats. It can also result in anemia or depressed immune function.

How Can a Cat Catch Feline Leukemia?

Is FeLV a contagious disease that spreads through cat sneezes, coughs, or something else? The feline leukemia virus doesn’t spread via passing contact with an infected cat.

Instead, this virus spreads through body fluids and feces. A cat infected with FeLV can pass the virus to another feline through their urine or saliva. This can happen during grooming, fighting, or sharing a litter box or food and water bowl. An infected mother can also spread the FeLV virus to her kittens while pregnant or nursing.

What Type of Illnesses Does Feline Leukemia Cause?

Again, the feline leukemia virus can cause cancer in cats. This virus can result in blood cancer or lymphoma. But it won't always cause cancer in every cat. Some cats may experience other issues — especially immune system dysfunction.

Both cancer and a failing immune system can allow other opportunistic infections to invade. This can increase the infected cat's risk for other viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.

What Are the Most Common FeLV Symptoms?

A cat may not always show immediate symptoms after infection. This makes it important to test your cat if you suspect that they had exposure to the virus. As the illness progresses, common symptoms in cats include weight loss, decreased appetite, noticeably poor coat, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, gym paleness or inflammation, GI illnesses, eye infections, or behavior changes.

Even though these symptoms are common in cats that have feline leukemia, they can also indicate another disease or medical condition. If you notice these symptoms and think your cat had exposure to FeLV through a bite or for another reason, contact the vet as soon as possible.

Do Vets Need to Diagnose Feline Leukemia?

Yes, FeLV requires a professional diagnosis from a licensed veterinarian. The vet will conduct a physical exam; ask you questions about your pet's health history, vaccinations, and potential exposures; and order blood tests. A blood test is the definitive measure to diagnose this disease. If your pet has FeLV-like symptoms but tests negative, the vet will want to explore or rule out other options.

Is Feline Leukemia Treatable?

The symptoms and secondary infections a cat with FeLV has are treatable. But the virus is not curable. The vet may prescribe medications to treat opportunistic bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections a cat with FeLV experiences. While these treatments can stop the secondary infection from spreading, the cat will still have feline leukemia. Other treatments may include supportive care to keep the infected cat comfortable.

Is Feline Leukemia Preventable?

Yes. The FeLV vaccine is an effective way to prevent this disease in your cat. If your newly adopted pet has never received a FeLV vaccine or is not up-to-date on their immunizations, ask the vet about this series. Even though the vaccine can reduce the risks, keep your cat indoors to avoid bites and never allow your cat to share food, a litter box, or other close spaces with an infected feline.

Does your cat need a checkup or immunization? Contact the Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach for more information.