How to care for a cat with feline leukemia

Leukemia in cats is one of the most frequent and severe viral diseases that affects the immune system, mainly in young cats. It is not transmissible to humans, but it is usually easily transmitted among cats living in feline collectives and feral cat colonies.

In order to demystify feline leukemia and know how to prevent it, recognize and proceed with its diagnosis, it is necessary for it to be informed. This time, AnimalWised offers you an article to know a little more about the life expectancy of a cat with leukemia.

What is the life expectancy of a cat with leukemia?

Estimating how long a cat lives with feline leukemia is a complex issue and difficult to pinpoint even for veterinarians who are experts in this pathology. If we want to mention some figures, we can say that about 25% of cats with feline leukemia die within 1 year after being diagnosed. But 75% survive for 1 to 3 years with the virus active in their bodies.

Many owners feel desperate when they think that their cats can carry the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV or VLFe), but this diagnosis does not always mean a quick death sentence. In fact, about 30% of FeLV infected cats carry the virus latently, and do not even develop feline leukemia.

Factors that influence life expectancy in Leukemia in cats

In general, the life expectancy of a sick cat depends on many aspects inside and outside its body. Below, we summarize the main factors that can influence how the life expectancy of a cat with leukemia.

• Diagnosis stage: Even though this is not a rule, early diagnosis almost always improves the prognosis of feline leukemia and increases the life expectancy of the sick cat. During the first stages of feline leukemia (mainly between phases I and III), the immune system tries to “stop” the action of the FeLV virus. If we begin to strengthen the cat’s immune system already during these stages (which requires an early diagnosis), the result can cause a delay in the severe harmful effects that the virus causes when reaching the bone marrow, which allows a better survival of the animal.
• Response to treatment: if we succeed in strengthening the immune system of the sick cat and their response to treatment is positive, their life expectancy will be greater. Certain drugs, holistic treatments and vitamins for cats with feline leukemia are often used for this purpose.
• Health status and preventive medicine: a vaccinated cat with their deworming schedule up to date, which maintains a balanced diet and is physically and mentally stimulated throughout their life, usually has a stronger immune system and respond better to the treatment of feline leukemia.
• Nutrition: A cat’s diet has a direct influence on their quality of life, mood and also on their immune system. Leukemia in cats requires a diet that is reinforced with vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients that can be found in premium range balanced foods.
• Environment: cats who experience sedentary routines or live in negative, stressful or unstimulating environments can suffer the harmful effects of stress on their immune system, making them more vulnerable to numerous conditions.
• Owner’s Commitment: The health and well-being of our pets always depends on our commitment. And this becomes even more decisive when it comes to a sick animal. Although a cat may have been very independent throughout their life, they will not be able to treat, feed properly, strengthen their immune system or provide a better quality of life on their own. Therefore, the dedication of the owner is essential to improve the life expectancy of a cat with leukemia.

Truths and myths about feline leukemia

How much do you know about feline leukemia? As it is a complex condition that, for many years, has raised many doubts even among specialist veterinarians, it is understandable that there are many fanciful ideas about leukemia in cats. In order to be better aware of this pathology, we invite you to know some myths and truths.

• Feline leukemia and blood cancer are synonymous: MYTH!

Feline Leukemia Virus is actually a type of oncological virus (or oncovirus) that can cause tumors, but not all cats diagnosed with leukemia develop blood cancer. It is important to clarify that feline leukemia is also not synonymous of feline AIDS, which is caused by Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

• Cats can easily get feline leukemia: TRUTH!

Unfortunately, cats can easily contract the Feline Leukemia Virus through direct contact with the bodily fluids of other infected cats. FeLV is mostly found in the saliva of sick cats, but it can also be deposited in their urine, blood, milk and feces. This is why cats that live in groups are usually more susceptible to this pathology, since they are in permanent contact with possibly sick animals.

• Humans can get feline leukemia: MYTH!

As we said, feline leukemia is not transmitted to humans, nor to dogs, birds, turtles and other “non feline” pets. It is a typical cat pathology, although it may show similarities in their symptomatology and prognosis with leukemia in dogs.

• Feline leukemia has no cure: TRUTH!

Unfortunately, a cure for feline leukemia is still not known and there is no cure for feline AIDS either. Therefore, in both cases, prevention is key to preserving animal health and welfare. Currently, we there is a vaccine for feline leukemia, which is around 80% effective, and is an excellent preventive measure for cats that have not been exposed to FeLV. We can also reduce the likelihood of infection by avoiding contact with infected or unknown animals. And if you decide to adopt a new kitten to keep your cat company, it is essential to carry out the necessary clinical studies to diagnose possible pathologies.

• A cat diagnosed with feline leukemia dies quickly: MYTH!

As we explained, the life expectancy of a sick animal depends on several factors, such as the stage at which the pathology is diagnosed, the animal’s response to treatment, etc. So,to know the life expectancy of a cat with leukemia, you should have all the factors mentioned assessed, which is why it does not have to be negative.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Life Expectancy of a Cat with Leukemia, we recommend you visit our Viral diseases category.

Feline leukemia is one of the most common diseases to befall cats, especially those that go outdoors. It is highly contagious amongst cats and is a virus that attacks the immune system of the host, causing immunodeficiency problems that can lead to a host of secondary infections, many of which can be fatal if not treated swiftly.

How can I tell if my cat has FeLV (feline leukemia)?

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Not all cats who are exposed to the virus will get it. Those that do will begin to show symptoms two to four weeks later during the acute stages of the disease. These cats will have a fever, be lethargic, vomit, and have swollen lymph nodes. Excessive vomiting is always a sign that your cat needs to see the Vet, so if you get your cat to the vet early then they can begin treatment and you can work on protecting them from secondary infections.

Secondary Infections?

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Yes. FeLV is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body begins to attack itself and this decreases the amount of immune system able to fight off serious infections and diseases that would normally get all the attention. Secondary conditions can include anemia, kidney disease, cancer, respiratory disorders, and a host of other problems. Secondary symptoms include weight loss, recurring infections, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, and difficulty breathing. If your cat begins to suffer from severe diarrhea, pale gums, or difficulty breathing, you will need to seek emergency treatment as your cat may be in serious condition.

Is it a type of cancer?

Feline Leukemia is an autoimmune disease and some forms of the virus can mutate into cancer. Cats who develop cancer will show symptoms of cloudy eyes, diarrhea, liver and kidney damage, respiratory problems, and vomiting. These cats may be able to receive chemotherapy to treat cancer, however, there is no treatment for FeLV.

What will my Vet do to tell if my cat has FeLV?

Blood tests are the most common way of determining if your cat has FeLV (feline leukemia). This is generally run in the house and if positive, your Vet will want to rerun it a few weeks later to ensure that it was not a false positive.

What about my other cats?

FeLV (feline leukemia) is a highly contagious virus that is transmitted through saliva. Many cats receive it through bites, mutual grooming, and sharing litter boxes. If your cat is positive, they can still live a very long and happy life, however, in order to protect your other cats, you will want to isolate them. Make sure that you remove any shared food and water dishes, litter boxes, and toys.

How can I prevent my cats from getting FeLV?

The best course of prevention is to keep your cats indoors. Test all your cats when you get them and then keep them from going outside where their risk of exposure increases significantly. If your cats must go outdoors, get them vaccinated. While the vaccine is not 100% effective in all cats, it is in some cats and will provide some level of protection against the disease. There is no treatment for FeLV, so prevention is the best course of action. If your cat is diagnosed, you will want to take steps to help manage pain to keep them comfortable and to prevent them from being exposed to secondary infection risks.

My kids fell in love with a cat at a shelter that has feline leukemia. If we were to adopt the cat, what would it be like to take care of him, and how long would he likely live?

Answers

For one, you will not be able to have another cat in the home unless they are FeLV positive as well. Also you need to find out if they are A, B, or C positive. Depending he may be more prone to anemia, or different types of tumors/growths. A yearly vaccine is usually recommended to help support immune system. He will always be more susceptible to illness and parasites. Many FeLV cats will pass due to secondary infection. If he happens to get a secondary infection it will most likely result in a trip to the ER with fluids, monitoring, possibly a transfusion, etc. Lastly you will have to be more cautious to prevent such infections by doing things, such as getting regular dental cleaning to prevent any oral bacteria/infection. It is a lot to think about, the biggest thing being the risk of secondary infection and understanding that you will not be able to add to your family unless it is a canine companion. Hopefully this helps. Good luck to you.

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I can’t fully answer that question beings the cat was my aunt’s and not my own. Her cat (Leo) lived a full life with feline leukemia & diabetes until he was 18 years old. She gave him pills every day and took him to the vet regularly, but he was a pretty normal cat. Of course he had to be indoors and couldn’t be around other cats because the disease (Feline Leukemia) is highly contagious among cats. She had a dog so Leo had company :).

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A cat with Feline Leukemia can live out a semi long indoor life if given the correct care. Typically if a cat with Fe. Leuk. can live to around 10 years if they never get sick. The problem with Feline Leukemia is that cats get very sick from things that would not typically be a big deal. A common upper respiratory infection could kill them.

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As with many illnesses and conditions it’s very hard to predict. None of us comes with an expiration date. If the cat is testing positive but otherwise healthy he might remain healthy for many years and possibly live a normal life. (Some cats develop immunity.) But he might get sick within a few years or even months. It’s a tough choice to make. He should be an indoor cat as the disease can be transmitted. If you have another cat there are some precautions you can take, but it’s probably better not to have another cat that doesn’t already have the virus. IMHO, caring for an animal with possible health issues is not the worst life lesson you can teach your kids. Many people would be reluctant to take this on. You may be this cat’s only chance at a good home.

It’s important to be aware that FeLV is contagious and can be spread from animal to animal. The good news is that 72% of cats in multi-cat households (and 97% in single cat households) can fight and overcome the virus without any help.

What is FeLV

Despite the name, feline leukemia is not a form of cancer at all, but it can cause cancer. It’s a virus, present in around 2-3 percent of cats across the US. While that might seem like a small portion of the population the rate at which this disease spreads means that it is still a very real threat to all cat owners.

FeLV can cause cancer which makes it even more dangerous. There are several subgroups of FeLV. These subgroups are:

FeLV-A is the only one transmitted from cat to cat. Some cats only carry FeLV-A, but others can carry any combination. FeLV-B is associated with development of abnormal tissue or tumors. FeLV-C causes severe anemia and FeLV-T causes a suppressed or weakened immune system in cats.

As well as the different subgroups, the virus also proceeds through stages. There are six stages in total. The virus enters the cat and spreads through the body, traveling through the bloodstream and replicating. Many cats are able to fight off the virus at this stage. If the virus is not stopped the bone marrow becomes infected. Once established in the bone marrow infected cells can be released. Lastly the virus is shed and can infect other cats.

How Is FeLV diagnosed in cats?

There are several tests that can determine whether a cat is infected with FeLV. One test called ELISA looks for the virus in the blood. This test will determine whether the cat has the virus but not at what stage. It’s possible to test positive on this test and find that the virus hasn’t infected the bone marrow. This means that the cat could still fight the virus off themselves.

Be aware though that false positives and negatives are common. As such, if positive, a second test will usually be completed about twelve weeks after the first.

How is FeLV contracted by cats?

As already mentioned this virus is highly contagious. Cats can pick up the virus from saliva, urine, feces, nasal secretions, and milk of an infected cat. Sadly, kittens can also contract it in the womb from their infected mother. While most kittens will die before birth, some die a short time after birth or will survive and remain infected.

Social behaviors such as grooming, biting or sharing food areas can also cause transmission of the virus. Ultimately, close proximity is required. The virus will not survive in the environment for very long at all.

Is there a cure?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, and the cat’s life will typically be shortened due to it. However, how much the disease will impact the cat is hard to predict. Some will live with the condition for years. Once a cat becomes infected, it must be kept separate from other cats. It can not be allowed to wander freely outside and should stay inside the house.

While there is no cure, there are multiple ways that you can prolong a cat’s chances when they have been diagnosed with this disease. These cats should be:

Kept indoors and away from other cats

Kept on a strict diet without raw meat or eggs

Have regular checkups with their vet

Seek veterinary care at first sign of an illness

Kept up-to-date on vaccines

Have regular fecal tests and deworming

Remember, cats with FeLV are more prone to developing other illnesses so you must do what you can to protect the state of their health.

Can you vaccinate a cat against leukemia?

There is a vaccination, (typically covered with pet insurance) and you can discuss this with your vet. However, it will do nothing for a cat that is already infected.

You should consider a vaccination if your cat is going to be allowed to roam freely outside and interact with other cats. A cat that will never go out may not need the vaccination. Indeed, keeping your cat inside or in your yard may be the best way to stop them from contracting this disease.

You may also want to consider getting a vaccination if there is more than one cat in the household, especially if that cat is FeLV positive.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

There are various symptoms of this condition to watch out for. These include:

Low levels of energy

Difficulty standing or walking

Swollen lymph nodes

Chronic or recurrent infections

Regular issues with diarrhea

Any or all of these symptoms could be present in a cat with this virus.

How long a cat can live with feline leukemia depends on several variables. Feline leukemia is technically a terminal illness that can have devastating effects on your cat’s immune system, and the complications that arise from the condition are eventually fatal. Although there is no cure for this disease, there are some simple efforts a cat owner can make in order to slow down the illness and strengthen a cat’s immune system during the progression of the illness.

Feline Leukemia Life Expectancy Is Difficult to Determine

So, how long can a cat live with feline leukemia? There is no exact answer to this question because the physiological makeup of each cat is different.

• It is estimated that 85% of cats with feline leukemia will die within three years of the infection being diagnosed by a veterinarian.
• Survey research found the average survival rate of FeLV-infected cats was 2.4 to 2.5 years.
• Strong cats typically survive longer because their immune system deteriorates at a slower pace.
• Weaker cats that were more susceptible to illness prior to their infection with leukemia will usually run through the illness faster and experience more suffering during the latter phases.
• Kittens younger than eight months old are particularly susceptible to fast-paced deterioration if they are exposed to feline leukemia.
• Although not all cats become infected, young kittens have weaker immune systems that are still developing, and they experience a higher rate of infection. So, you can expect that a kitten may suffer faster and more thoroughly from leukemia than a strong adult cat.

Related Articles

• 37 Symptoms of Feline Leukemia
• Spot the Warning Signs of Feline Leukemia
• Stages of Feline AIDS and How a Vaccine Can Help

What Can a Pet Owner Do?

The most important question to ask lies less with your cat’s longevity and more along the lines of what a pet owner can do to make his cat more comfortable and strengthen the immune activity.

Protect Your Pet From Communicable Illnesses

The first vital step any pet owner can make in fortifying a cat’s immune system is to keep the cat indoors. This advice extends to otherwise healthy cats that are not infected with feline leukemia. Indoor cats live significantly longer than outdoor felines. This is partly due to the fact indoor cats are not exposed to the cocktail of harmful and communicable cat illnesses that lie waiting in the outdoor environment. Maintaining an outdoor animal may initially seem like a good idea because many people believe cats need to roam as they do naturally in the wild. However, wild cats frequently suffer from illnesses and often lose their lives to predators. So, keeping your cat indoors is probably the better of the two options.

Outdoor Cats Are at Higher Risk of Other Illnesses

A cat infected with feline leukemia cannot be expected to survive long if he remains in an outdoor environment. A simple flu virus or infection can have extremely deleterious effects on the cat’s weakened immune system, thus spiraling the cat into a debilitating state. Not only does this hurt your cat, the numerous vet visits to treat these uncontrollable secondary infections become very costly over time.

Provide Good Nutrition

Paying close attention to your cat’s diet and ensuring that the food she eats is free of chemicals, sugars, and harmful by-products can also slow the progression of feline leukemia. Many commercial cat food brands are loaded with unnecessary chemicals and preservatives, not to mention that the quality of the meats used are typically not fit for human consumption. A cat that is sick and weak should only be fed the best and most nutritious foods.

About Feline Leukemia

By the time a pet owner is searching the Internet regarding the longevity of a leukemia-positive cat, he is typically already well familiar with the condition. Thus, there is no need to belabor the illness’ details beyond the most important point: feline leukemia causes immunosuppression. When an illness is capable of impairing, and eventually crippling the immune system, pet owners need to prepare for a barrage of symptoms. Nearly any secondary illness can occur in a cat with immunosuppression.

Secondary Infections Can Shorten Lifespan

From kidney disease to mouth ulcers, a cat that is in the last phases of feline leukemia will be sick and suffering an onslaught of secondary health conditions. It’s vital for pet owners to understand the concept of immunosuppression because the degree of immunosuppression is what determines the longevity of a cat with feline leukemia.

Your Cat’s Quality of Life Matters

When it comes to dietary and lifestyle changes, it’s more important to consider your pet’s quality of life rather than the actual progression of the illness. Whether a cat dies quickly or slowly is not nearly as important as how much your pet may be suffering. Even the best environmental and dietary changes will not cure the illness, but they can sometimes do wonders in reducing the amount of complications that arise from immunosuppression.

by Jane Meggitt

Work closely with your vet on treatment options for Kitty.

If Kitty tests positive for the feline leukemia virus, don’t despair. Much depends on how far the virus has progressed. It’s quite possible for your cat to live for several years, while some cats who test positive but never actively come down with the disease can live normal lifespans.

Feline Leukemia

Cats pick up the feline leukemia virus, or FeLV, from other felines via bodily fluids. Generally, saliva is the substance of transmission, by cat bites, mutual grooming or sharing water and food bowls. If your cat tests positive for the virus, you must separate him from unaffected cats in your household. If Kitty has a strong immune system, he might never display any symptoms; but as a carrier he can infect other cats. Feline leukemia is a disease that harms a cat in many ways. He might develop cancer, or his body will fail to protect itself from normally harmless bacteria or fungi. In this way, it resembles the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS. Although a FeLV vaccine exists, it doesn’t help cats already carrying the virus. If you have FeLV negative cats at home, make sure they’re vaccinated.

Symptoms

Once a cat develops symptoms of feline leukemia, the prognosis isn’t good. The disease can’t be cured, but symptoms are treatable. If your cat loses weight, vomits frequently, spikes fevers and suffers from chronic infections, it’s likely the virus is active in his system. Other symptoms include diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, respiratory issues, rear limb paralysis and pale mucous membranes, notably the gums. According to the Morris Animal Foundation, approximately 80 percent of affected cats die within three years. Looking at the positive side, 1 in 5 such cats live longer than that.

Treatments

Your vet will prescribe medications based on your cat’s symptoms. If Kitty won’t eat or has lost significant weight, drugs that increase appetite might be appropriate. Such medications include diazepam, a drug you probably know better as Valium. Cats with infections receive antibiotics — the antibiotic prescribed will be determined by the type of infection. Prednisone, a steroid, stimulates appetite and fights solid tumors. Unfortunately, it can also suppress the immune system, so you and your vet must decide whether the risk is worth it. In addition, anemic cats might receive benefits from blood transfusions.

Supplements

You may hear anecdotal information from well-meaning friends about herbs and supplements to help Kitty. Always consult your vet before giving your cat these products. Even in the veterinary world, there’s anecdotal information about help for cats suffering from FeLV. According to no less an authority than the Merck Veterinary Manual, “Anecdotal reports of antiviral agents and immunotherapeutic agents reversing viremia, improving clinical signs, and prolonging survival are abundant. Controlled studies using naturally infected cats have been unable to substantiate a benefit from these therapies.”

Protection

The best thing you can do for your FeLV-positive cat is give him good care and protect him. Keep him indoors, not only to keep him from spreading the virus but also to limit exposure to other diseases he might pick up. Ask your vet about the best foods for boosting your cat’s immune system. FeLV-positive cats should never consume raw food, as they present a greater risk of parasites or bacteria than in cooked meats. Take him to the vet at least twice a year for checkups, that include blood work and urinalysis. Make sure Kitty receives flea and worm protection to prevent parasites externally and internally. Avoid stressing a FeLV-positive cat as much as possible.

Feline leukemia treatment helps control the symptoms but the disease as such has no cure. The following article will cover information related to treatment and prevention of feline leukemia. This will help you save your pet’s life as well as prevent the spread of the disease to other felines.

Feline leukemia treatment helps control the symptoms but the disease as such has no cure. The following article will cover information related to treatment and prevention of feline leukemia. This will help you save your pet’s life as well as prevent the spread of the disease to other felines.

Just as HIV is a deadly virus for humans, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is the most dangerous of all viruses in cats. FeLV is also a retrovirus, just like the HIV. Thus, it can produce an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This enzyme helps the virus insert its genetic material into the cells of the infected host. The genetic material for FeLV is RNA that is transcribed into DNA and then inserted into the DNA of the host cell.

This virus had been first discovered in 1960s that inhibited the cat’s immune system to a great extent. It soon became known as the most common disease in cats that resulted in high number of deaths in domesticated cats. FeLV does not always exhibit the symptoms as soon as it infects the cat. Thus, the owner is unaware of the infection in his pet cat and does not seek treatment right away.

How Does a Cat Get Infected with FeLV?

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The feline leukemia virus is shed in body fluids of the cat. This includes the nasal secretions, saliva, urine, feces as well as blood. The virus spreads from an infected kitty to a healthy one by direct contact, mutual grooming and sharing the same litter box, food bowl and water bowl. It can also be passed on from the mother to the kitten in utero as well as during nursing. Thus, one should vaccinate their healthy cat over 3 months of age with FeLV vaccine.

What are the Symptoms of FeLV?

In most cases, cats do not exhibit any of the feline leukemia symptoms. The cat will show some acute infection symptoms when the number of viruses increase in the blood stream. These include –

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Poor coat
• Abscess
• Pale or inflamed gums
• Fever
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Jaundice
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Chronic skin diseases
• Lethargy
• Vision problems
• Breathing trouble

How is FeLV Diagnosed?

If the veterinarian suspects FeLV, he may suggest some tests for diagnosis of the infection. The diagnostic test is also recommended for people who bring home a new cat. The most common way to diagnose this infection is by performing an Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) test. The ELISA test helps in detecting the antigen of FeLV in the blood. Other tests like indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) help in confirming the positive results of ELISA.

What are the Treatment Options for Feline Leukemia?

Once the cat is diagnosed with FeLV, the veterinarian will check for anemia, kidney diseases, lymphosarcoma, etc. This is because the disease makes the cat prone to these infections and cancer. There is no specific treatment available for feline leukemia. This is because the treatment helps control the symptoms, but does not cure the disease. Just like HIV, medications and therapies prevent the disease from spreading, but does not get rid of the virus completely. The veterinarian may give antibiotics to the cat, if any signs of secondary bacterial infection are spotted. If the cat develops cancer or a tumor, it may be given chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Antiviral drugs, Lymphocyte T-Cell Immune Modulator therapy, etc. are advised as a part of FeLV treatment.

What is Feline Leukemia Holistic Treatment?

As far as medical treatment is concerned, there isn’t much a veterinarian can do. Feline leukemia holistic treatment will help improve the quality of life of the cat. You have to keep your cat indoors at all times to prevent any exposure to an infectious agent. The cat’s immune system is now compromised and it will not be able to resist attack from infectious agents. Also, it will prevent your cat from spreading the virus to other healthy cats in the neighborhood. You will have to spray or neuter your cat immediately. This will curb its outdoor nature to some extent and prevent pregnancies.

Thus, the kittens will not be born infected with the virus. You will have to feed your cat a nutritionally balanced diet and avoid feeding it uncooked meats and eggs. Unpasteurized dairy products should be avoided as it increases the risk of food borne parasitic and bacterial infections. Take your cat for regular visits to the veterinarian. The veterinarian will perform a physical examination of the cat that includes eyes, ears, gums, skin, lymph nodes, etc. Urine, blood and biochemical tests too will be performed regularly. Close monitoring of the cat’s health and any changes reported to the veterinarian, will avoid any cat health complications.

An infected cat’s life is no more than a few months to 3 years. The treatment cost for feline leukemia may prove to be expensive as you will have to give the cat regular medications as well as take it for visits to the veterinarian. If the cat is severely ill or suffering from last stage cancer, the veterinarian may suggest euthanasia. This will help the cat to die in peace, rather than suffer in pain. One should make sure they give their pets feline leukemia vaccine to prevent this life-threatening infection. This was all about feline leukemia treatment and prevention. For more details on feline leukemia, speak to an animal expert as it is important to prevent this disease.

The best natural treatment for feline leukemia, or for any other health issue, always starts with looking for the cause. Most people, including vets and doctors, have no idea what the cause is for any condition. That is, not the real cause.

Instead, most people start looking for a cure. However, you can never cure anything until you rectify the cause. Certainly you can palliate or suppress the symptoms, but that comes at a price. This is the way of the medical paradigm. And the price referred to here, isn’t financial, although that can be bad enough. It’s the consequences, the sequela, that results from suppressing the symptoms.

The body of any being is always trying its hardest to maintain life. That is its priority. Symptoms are a gateway into understanding what it is trying to convey. Heart symptoms tell us the heart is the area most affected by this being. It’s their weak link, if you like. Leukemia shows us that the blood is the weak link of these individuals. However, the cause is the same in both.

Feline leukemia and feline cancer, as in anyone, is really the last effort the body has in trying to make itself heard. When this still doesn’t work, death is the preferred option. There is no energy, no reserves left.

To help you understand this idea, as it is well outside the normal thinking range of society, consider the epigenetic model.

In this model, the environment is the main influence on health. Certainly genetics play a part, but it is only a minor part and is simply the personal expression of the disharmony.

Consider the environment of a wild cat, one who has evolved for millenia in perfect harmony with Nature, to a typical domestic cat. Then you can begin to understand why the natural treatment for feline leukemia can have the best prognosis, the best outcome. In fact, it is possible to turn it around completely, totally and permanently.

Compare a wild cat’s diet, with a typical domestic cat’s diet. The wild cat’s diet is fresh, full of nutrition, in balance and provides all their needs to keep the body working optimally. If it wasn’t, cats would have died out long ago.

A typical domestic cat’s diet is stale, poor quality (whatever the price tag), is out of natural balance and topped up with dangerous and toxic chemicals masquerading as nutritional supplements.

Compare the toxic load of a wild cat. In a natural environment, unhindered by man’s influence, there isn’t any.

A typical domestic cat is subject to the toxins in the diet, the toxins in the veterinary medications and the toxins in the home.

Compare a wild cats main stress, which is to find food. When food is plentiful, that fades into fun. They are able to soak up the healing energy of the earth at will. And bask in the healing rays of the sun at will. Another stress is to avoid predators, but cats don’t have that many and are so very sensitive to their environment, this is probably minor.

A domestic cat’s stress includes helping us shoulder our own stress, which can be enormous. And too often they have no access to the earth or the sun. In addition they are subjected to the stresses we still have such little knowledge about – such as the deleterious effects of wifi.

There will always be areas in many cat loving people’s lives that they can’t change. But you don’t always have to change everything. If you simply started by changing the diet of you cat and got help unloading the toxins, any feline ailment can be fully reversed. Including feline cancers and feline leukemia, the last of the major illnesses.

The natural treatment for feline leukemia is best managed with the help of a qualified holistic therapist such as a homeopath or homeopathic vet. Do check out my contact details if you would like to explore this area.

You know how often people struggle with their cat’s health? They want to know WHY they suffer with health issues and all their veterinarian can offer is drugs and more drugs? They feel helpless and at the mercy of another. Well, what I do is to help you pinpoint WHY your cat is getting sick and implement a strategy that takes you to a feeling of empowerment, of being in control of their life. A strategy that restores their health and allows you, and them, to enjoy life. Discover Your Cat’s Path to Vibrant Health Naturally.

Some cats with leukemia are seriously ill and die quickly, but many live for several years after being diagnosed. Death is usually caused by a secondary infection because these cats are not able to fight off bacteria and viruses.

Since there is no specific treatment for leukemia in cats, cats are given supportive care. For example, cats with anemia are given blood transfusions. Cats with infections are given tetracycline antibiotics (Doxycycline and Oxytetracycline) or Liquamycin. These antibiotics are chosen because they help eliminate a very troublesome bacteria (Haemobartonella) that worsens the anemia that accompanies the leukemia.

If your cat is dehydrated or not eating, he or she will be given fluids and nutritional supplements. Cats with gum and mouth disease are given supportive dental care. Cats can be given immune modulating drugs such as oral interferon, IV ImmunoRegulin (propionibacterium acnes), or oral acemannan. Injections into the abdomen of immunomodulator staphylococcal protein A have helped some cats with infected bone marrow. For cats that develop tumors, chemotherapy with Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Chlorambucil, and Prednisone may induce short periods of remission.

Veterinarians recommend giving vitamins and antioxidants to cats with leukemia, such as Soft VitaChews for Cats. It is beneficial to give Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, such as those found in Be Well for Cats and The Missing Link Ultimate Feline Formula. Enzyme toothpaste, such as C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste helps remove bacteria and decrease gingivitis.

If your cat is infected with leukemia, three things can happen: your cat can clear the virus, develop a latent infection, or develop an overwhelming persistent infection. Rather than relying on your cat to clear the infection, it is best to prevent it. The best prevention is to test all female cats and either prevent pregnancy or remove kittens from mothers that have tested positive for the virus before the kittens have nursed. Testing all male cats also helps prevent disease if cats that have the virus are kept indoors and away from others they might infect.

Keeping your cat healthy, unstressed, and housed in peaceful circumstances helps prevent infection. To promote health, feed as much fresh cat food with as wide a variety as possible. For example, offer cats bits of sweet potatoes, rhubarb, yogurt, liver, etc. Use calming pheromones, such as found in the Sentry Calming Collar for Cats and the calming flower remedy, Be Serene.

If your cat already has leukemia, he or she should not be vaccinated. Vaccines are effective in cats when they have healthy immune systems, and any cat with the leukemia virus does not have a healthy immune system. If your cat is going to be vaccinated, killed vaccines rather than live vaccines are used.

Vaccines help protect kittens from developing leukemia. To be effective, they should be given to kittens under four months of age. Before vaccinating, have your kitten’s blood tested to confirm that no exposure to the virus has occurred. If your kitten has been exposed, giving the vaccine is not helpful.Many veterinarians do not believe the FeLV vaccine protects older cats. Either your cat has been exposed to the virus when he or she was young or not. If not, and your cat has a healthy immune system, there is little chance of your cat being infected as an adult. This is known because researchers tried to give FeLV infections to adult cats, and they could not infect the cats unless they immune suppressed them first.

Some healthy cats develop cancer called a fibrosarcoma when they are given the FeLV vaccine because their bodies react in an unhealthy manner to the material in the vaccine. The incidence of cancer is higher if cats are vaccinated for rabies at the same time and in the same area.

The leukemia virus is not hardy and dies quickly in the environment. Because the virus is easily killed by cleaning with household detergents, it is not necessary to wait a long time to get another cat. Thoroughly wash your bedding, cat beds, cat toys, floors, and counters, and feel confident that your new cat can live a healthy life in your home.

Feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV is responsible for the spread of feline AIDS, a condition that is not transmissible to humans. This condition commonly occurs in stray cats, cats living in groups and also in domestic cats that often leave home and spend time on the street. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected cat and unfortunately no cure exists to date. It is therefore important to give your pet the necessary care to ensure his or her well-being. We’ll explain how to do so in this oneHOWTO on how to treat a cat with Feline AIDS.

Keep in mind that the spread of feline AIDS is unlikely in domestic cats that live alone and do not leave home. This disease is usually present in animals that live in groups or those that go outside, particularly if they’re involved in fights with other cats, because biting is the most common form of transmission.

It is not contagious to humans or other animals. Once the veterinarian confirms that your cat has FIV, it is very important to provide the necessary care to ensure your pet’s welfare.

There is no cure for feline AIDS, but with certain guidelines, your cat can live a long and healthy life. Just as humans who get sick from HIV can live for many years, this does not mean you’re going to lose your feline friend. You just have to be responsible and careful to protect the health of your cat, because its immune system will be weakened by the virus.

Feline AIDS progressively destroys the cat’s bodily defenses, weakening the immune system and allowing invading viruses or bacteria to cause damage. Caring for your pet is essential to ensuring that he or she continues to live a happy and comfortable life, so the first thing to consider is giving your pet age-suitable high quality food that provides all the protein and nutrients your cat needs.

Consult your veterinarian if you think another type of cat food might be more suitable for your pet’s condition. Above all, avoid giving homemade food or ingredients if you don’t know the effect it may have on your cat’s care. Read our article on toxic foods for cats to learn which ingredients are unsafe for cats.

It is very important to stay up to date with your cat’s vaccination schedule. Remember, if your pet has a weakened immune system and you forget the vaccinations or booster shots, illnesses that are normally harmless can cause major complications. Taking good care of your cat’s health is more important now than ever.

As we’ve mentioned, treating the immunodeficiency will focus on treating the symptoms. If the cat has a fever, you can give it antipyretics, if it loses its appetite, you should look find a special diet or serum for it. You will also have to treat any emerging bacterial infections with antibiotics. Regarding the virus, an antiviral called interferon (for cats) has recently been tested and has been found to improve symptoms and the quality of life of the cat. Consult a specialist veterinarian about using this.

To treat a cat with feline AIDS it is essential that you keep your pet free from all kinds of parasites, including fleas. Do not forget that parasites are capable of transmitting diseases and significantly harming your cat because of the weakened immune system, so fleas, ticks and internal parasites can be very detrimental to their welfare.

Read our article on how to prevent parasites in cats to avoid this problem.

It is important that your cat have a pleasant and comfortable environment at home and a well-established routine. Always feed your cat at the same time, keep the litter box very clean and make sure your pet gets all the TLC he or she needs. Do not make your cat anxious or stressed, and avoid forcing it to do things it doesn’t want to.

An air freshener with pheromones can help to reduce stress and improve your cat’s mood. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

It is critical that it does not leave the home, except when you take it to the vet and that it has no contact with other cats because it could infect them if they fight. Remember that this disease is contracted mainly through saliva, especially bites. So be prudent, and do not let your cat out when it wants to go, because it could not only worsen from contact with street cats but because it could also infect others.

When it comes to treat a cat with feline AIDS it is appropriate to provide your pet some supplements to keep it well-nourished. Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, lysine and Omega 6 are some nutrients that will be very helpful.

To find the best supplements for your pet, consult your veterinarian. Last but not least, remember to always take your pet to the veterinarian if you notice that your cat is not feeling well. Taking care of your pet’s health and consulting a health care professional are very important.

Whether your cat is male or female, we always recommend spaying/neutering it. This will avoid jealousy which makes cats escape from home and look for trouble on the street with other cats. If your cat is female, is FIV positive and becomes pregnant, it could transmit the virus to the fetus, even through breastfeeding. Therefore, sterilizing it is a responsible decision either way.

If you have more cats at home and one has been diagnosed with FIV, have the others tested to see if they are infected. If they are, do not be alarmed, you just have to be more aware of all of their health, nutrition, temperature changes, etc., in short, take very natural precautions so that your pet does not ever get sick. If they are not infected, and since these cats have lived together for some time, the probability of catching it is next to nothing, unless they get into a fight.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Treat a Cat with Feline AIDS, we recommend you visit our Pets category.

Your cat may have feline leukemia virus and you may not know it. Here’s what you need to know.

With the long list of ailments any pet can get, it’s hard to add species-specific diseases to it. Just like humans, however, your cat can get sick without any signs, symptoms or warning. The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an immune disease that affects only your cat, so it’s important to know how to specifically prevent it — and what to do if your kitty has it.

What is FeLV, and Who’s at Risk?
The FeLV virus isn’t just one particular sickness. “The feline leukemia virus causes 10 different diseases,” says William Hardy D.V.M., a veterinarian at the National Veterinary Laboratory in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey who helped develop the first test and laboratory for FeLV in the 1970s. “Some cats have the virus and are healthy and show no symptoms, while others show mild signs and others can get really sick.” So your cat might have it and you — and your kitty — could have no idea!

Not that many cats have it in this country. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, approximately 2 to 3 percent of all cats in the United States are infected with FeLV. Of course, the rate of FeLV is a lot higher — 13 percent or more — in cats who are already sick, very young or otherwise at high risk of infection.

The virus is transmitted through saliva and nasal secretions, then circulates in your cat’s blood. Social cats are extra vulnerable. “Cats lick each other and then fight or bite, passing it onto each other,” Dr. Hardy says. “Your cat is not at risk if you only have one that is housebound and not around other cats.” So if Snowball is an only cat and an indoor cat as well, you might not have to worry about it.

What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of FeLV look like those of other common ailments. Your cat might have a decreased appetite, weight loss, poor coat condition, enlarged lymph nodes, a persistent fever and inflammation of the gums. Your cat might also have infections of the skin, urinary bladder and upper respiratory tract. The virus can also cause seizures and chronic illness.

What about behavior? If your cat isn’t feeling well, don’t be surprised if she isn’t as cuddly as usual, says pet sitter Cynthia Flood of Green Dog Pet Sitting Services with Love in Pleasantville, New York. “Cats become more distant and aren’t looking to be loved very much when they are sick,” she says. “You don’t want to bother them. Let them be in their own world to get better.” But it is definitely time to call the vet.

Treatment of Feline Leukemia
If you suspect that your kitty has been exposed to the virus or is already showing symptoms, go to a vet for a blood test called ELISA, which identifies FeLV proteins in the blood. A second blood test, the IFA, basically lets your vet know how far the infection has gotten into your cat’s bloodstream. A positive result means the cat is most likely not going to get the virus out of her system.

Once cats have the virus, says Dr. Hardy, they can then get “secondary diseases that lower the immune system and they become susceptible to other conditions, such as anemia. One of the diseases that the virus can also cause is blood cancer (or leukemia).”

A cat with a positive diagnosis, if healthy enough to fight off the virus, can be fine. If the cat’s immune system is not very strong, “the virus can definitely kill some cats within an average of three years and others in just a few months,” says Dr. Hardy. “Unfortunately, the feline leukemia virus is a condition that needs to run its course once it’s transmitted. There are treatments out there, but in my opinion none of them work.” He suggests the best way to keep your pets healthy is by vaccinating them against this virus.

It’s also good to keep your cat away from other pets with the disease and make sure your feline’s on a balanced diet with a multivitamin. While it seems mean, if you have one cat with the disease, but the another one is healthy, make sure to isolate the water and food bowls. Also, keep infected cats indoors — for their sake, and for the sake of other cats in your neighborhood.

Talk to Your Pet Sitter
Flood, who has taken care of many cats with FeLV, suggests homeowners make sure pet sitters know everything about the cat’s illness. “We need to know if they’ve been given medication and when,” says Flood. “My clients love their pets, so they treat them like family. You should have a talk with your sitter if something is wrong.”

You can protect your cat from one of the most deadly viruses with some precautionary measures. Whether your cat is a solitary animal or has a buddy, you can be prepared for feline leukemia wherever or whenever it might show up.

Lisa Iannucci owns a three-year-old cat named Puss, who likes to chase aluminum foil balls and can sit on command for treats. Find out more about Lisa and her writing at @GalSportswriter.

Written by: Dr. Jean Hofve, Holistic Veterinarian, DVM | December 18 2019

Written by: Only Natural Pet Team
December 18 2019

What is the best food & supplement for cats with feline leukemia?

Question:

I have a 5 year old male cat that has leukemia. I had beed giving him Lysine 500mg once a day, crushed in moist food. He has decided not to eat the moist food anymore, so unfortunatly he has not been on the lysine for quite sometime. He is also on 1ml of interferon (roferon) once a day. I was just looking for a herbal supplement to help his immune system since winter is fast approaching. What are your recommendations for FeLV?

Answer:

1. Work on his diet if at all possible. Dry food is not a good diet for cats, especially those with a compromised immune system. Try as many different canned foods as you can to find one or two that he will eat. Better yet try some home-cooked chicken or salmon as a tasty treat to get his supplements in him. You might find Dr. Siegler’s article about pet foods to be of interest: What You Need To Know About Your Pets Food. Many guardians of finicky cats have had great success in using freeze dried treats crumbled over the food to entice them to eat canned or raw food.
2. Only Natural Pet carries a number of herbal/neutraceutical immune support supplements. Some of the most popular are:
   • Feline Immune Support Formula by Genesis Resources is a good nutritional supplement to help build the immune system. It is a tablet that can be crushed and mixed in with canned food.
   • CAS Options by Genesis Resources or are two immune building options that contain a blend of Reishi, Maitake and Shiitake mushrooms along with other herbs that have been shown in numerous studies to be potent immune enhancers.
3. In addition to one of the immune support supplements above, I would recommend supplementing with a product that has DMG (Dimethylglycine), which comes in a liquid for easier dosage.
4. You may also want to consider long term supplementation with an immune support supplement like Only Natural Pet Immune Balance. These supplements can help to modulate the immune system over time and help the animal become less vulnerable to viral diseases.

What is Feline Leukaemia Virus?

Feline Leukaemia Virus, or FeLV, is a virus that causes a fatal disease by affecting the immune system. It can cause vulnerability to other infections, anaemia or tumours. It does not affect humans.

You can vaccinate your cat against the virus and although the amount of FeLV in the cat population has reduced significantly in recent times, it is important you take your cat for annual boosters to maintain their protection.

Signs and symptoms of FeLV

Cats usually catch FeLV through direct contact with the saliva of infected cats, through grooming or sharing food or water bowls, or through mating behaviour. There is an incubation period of months, or sometimes years, before signs of infection show in those that are infected.

Signs include recurrent infection with respiratory infections, sore gums or digestive problems. The cat might also appear ‘off-colour’ or have a high temperature. Enlarged lymph nodes, severe anaemia and breeding problems are also signs.

If your cat has FeLV

If you suspect your cat has FeLV, it’s best to speak to your vet. They’ll perform a test to detect the virus in the blood. Unfortunately there is no current reliable treatment for FeLV. Each vet will treat a FeLV-positive cat individually, depending on the signs they develop. Sadly, the outlook is likely to be poor.

Keep infected cats inside and ensure they are fully vaccinated to protect them against other infectious diseases. Unfortunately, many affected cats have to be euthanased because they have a poor quality of life. If you’re having to make the sad decision to euthanase your cat, you can find out more in our guide on when to let go.

Feline leukemia (or FeLV) is the leading viral killer of cats. It weakens the immune system, increases susceptibility to other diseases, causes blood disorders and is the most common cause of cancer in cats.

Symptoms

Feline leukemia is sneaky. Cats may have no signs during early stages, and then over weeks, months or even years, health may progressively deteriorate. Or, an FeLV-positive cat may have recurrent illness interspersed with periods of relative health. Symptoms include:

• weight loss
• lethargy
• fever
• diarrhea
• unusual breathing patterns
• pale gums or a yellow color around the mouth and whites of the eyes

Methods of Infection

The virus occurs in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces and milk from infected cats. It is spread cat-to-cat through:

• bite wounds
• from an infected mother cat to her kittens
• during mutual grooming
• through shared litter boxes and feeding dishes (although this is rare)

Outdoor cats and indoor/outdoor cats are at greater risk than indoor-only cats.

Prevention

It’s best to take preventive measures against this typically fatal disease, because there is no cure for FeLV:

• A vaccine is recommended for all cats at risk of exposure, but the only sure way to prevent transmission is to prevent exposure to infected cats.
• Keep your cats indoors, away from potentially infected cats who might bite them.
• If you do allow your cat outdoors, provide supervision or place her in a secure enclosure.

The good news is that the virus will not survive outside a cat for more than a few hours in most environments.

Diagnosis

There are two types of blood tests for feline leukemia, and usually both are required for accurate results.

Care of FeLV-Positive Cats

If your cat is infected with feline leukemia, keep her indoors to reduce exposure to other infectious agents and prevent the spread of infection to other cats. We can’t predict the life expectancy of an infected cat, but unfortunately, most will succumb to a feline leukemia-related disease within two or three years after becoming infected.

It’s a good idea to replace food and water dishes, bedding, litter pans and toys used by an FeLV-positive cat — or clean and disinfect them using 4 ounces of household bleach diluted in a gallon of water — before getting a new cat.

And remember: Any new cats or kittens should be properly vaccinated before entering the household.

Leukemia means white blood cells (leukocytes) within the blood (emia). With the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), the number of white blood cells is drastically abnormal—either higher or lower than normal. This leads to tumors and overwhelming infections.Leukemia in cats is a contagious disease that causes two potentially fatal problems in cats:

• Immune system failure, and/or
• Tumor development

FeLV usually infects kittens less than four months old. Some infected kittens are able to clear the virus from their bodies and never become ill. Other kittens will be permanently infected but will not show any sign of disease for several years. These kittens usually become infected by their mothers who transmit the virus in their saliva or milk. Healthy older cats are normally immune to the virus.

• Kittens less than four months old are susceptible to feline leukemia, but healthy older cats are resistant to infection.
• Of all cats that die of cancer, about one-third will die of leukemia-caused tumors.
• If your cat is infected with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), three things can happen: your cat can clear the virus, develop a latent infection, or develop an overwhelming persistent infection.
• Kittens and mature cats with extraordinarily weak immune systems are predisposed to feline leukemia.

The medical term for White Blood Cell (WBC) is leukocyte (leuko=white and cyte=cell). WBCs are essential for fighting infections that all pets are constantly exposed to through their skin, digestive system, and lungs. To maintain protection, WBCs are produced in many areas: bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and tonsils.

Some WBCs live only a few days and others live for months and years. Cats typically have 5,500-20,000 WBCs per mm3 blood, which may seem like a lot, but it is not. In comparison, cats have 5,500,000-8,500,000 red blood cells per mm3 of blood. It’s possible to distinguish five different types of white blood cells (WBCs): lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, basophiles and eosinophils. Distinguishing types is helpful for diagnosing diseases. With leukemia, the lymphocytes or neutrophils are usually affected.

Most WBCs are found in the blood or in the lymph nodes, but some WBCs will be found in all areas of the body. The role of WBCs is to protect cats from infections. They do this in two ways:

• Engulfing and eating the infectious material (phagocytosis), or
• Producing antibodies to travel through the blood attacking viruses and bacteria wherever they find them.

If your cat is sick with FeLV, his or her WBCs do not act normally and cannot control invading viruses and bacteria. The immune system functions poorly and your cat is infected by everything he or she comes into contact with. Some cats have low numbers of WBCs and others have abnormally high numbers of WBCs.

Feline leukemia usually infects kittens less than four months old. Some infected kittens are able to clear the virus from their bodies and never become ill. Other kittens will be permanently infected but will not show any sign of disease for several years. These kittens usually become infected by their mothers who transmit the virus in their saliva or milk. Healthy older cats are normally immune to the virus.

All cats are susceptible to feline leukemia but few develop the disease, so that only 1-2 cats in 100 have feline leukemia. Kittens less than four months old are susceptible, but healthy mature cats appear to be immune. However, mature cats that have poorly functioning immune systems, are highly stressed and over-crowded, or already have a serious illness can be infected. Highly inbred cats are more susceptible than crossbred cats. Cats given transfusions of infected blood or injected with a needle used to inject a FeLV-positive cat can be infected. Transient contact with an infected cat does not spread the disease. Cats living for years in a household with an infected cat will sometimes become infected and other times they will not.

Kittens are infected several ways by mothers (queens) who are FeLV-positive:

• Through the placenta before they are born
• Through the milk
• Through the mother’s saliva
• Through contact with other infected cats

About 1-2% of the general cat population has leukemia. Male cats that roam outdoors are more inclined to have the virus than are female cats or male cats that stay indoors. Once infected, some cats quickly begin showing symptoms of illness and die within months, but others live 2-3 years. Some cats infected with the virus do not become ill because they are able to clear the virus from their body.

Hi Simba, I recently found an adorable kitten amp; am already in love with it. Yesterday I took it in for its first vet visit. The vet said it tested positive for feline leukemia(!) however we will test again in 3 weeks to be sure.

I am not going to have the kitten put down no matter what the test shows. Please tell me more about Feline Leukemia so we know what to do.

Dear Donna G,
How wonderful you have taken this little gal into your home. She is lucky to have a caring person as you to watch our for her. Here is a little background on Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

As you know, FeLV is a common cause of illness and death among cats.

WHAT IS FELINE LEUKEMIA (FeLV)

Feline Leukemia is a disease caused by the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). The Leukemia itself is a cancer of the cat’s lymphocytes (white blood cells). What FeLV does is it produces an enzyme which permits it to make and insert copies of its genes into cells it infects. When it infects the white blood cells it suppresses the immune system.

HOW DO CATS GET FeLV?

Contact with bodily fluids from an infected Cat. Examples of transmission are contact with saliva from mutual grooming, biting, milk, urine, feces. In some cases contact with an infected cat’s food dishes (not as common).

The good news is that FeLV is not stable in that does not live long outside of the body. a few hours maybe in a normal house.

Infected mother cats usually pass on the virus to their kittens, which often results in early death or even abortion.

Note that not all cats exposed to FeLV become infected with the virus since some cats may not be exposed to sufficient quantities of the virus and / or they are able to defend themselves via an effective immune response that eliminates the virus.

Age is also important. The younger the kitten the more susceptible he/she is to getting sick.

FELINE LEUKEMIA SYMPTOMS AND PROGNOSIS

FeLV is a very common cause of cancer when it infects the blood cells (see above) and it also causes blood disorders that adversely affect the immune system. Cats with weak immune systems (see FIV) are susceptible to infections that they would otherwise easily resist.

Anemia is another common cause of death in FeLV kitties, (affects nearly 25% of infected cats). What happens is that the red blood cell in the bone marrow or in the blood stream becomes infected by FeLV which causes depletion and anemia.

Unfortunately, nearly 90% of infected cats die within 3 to 3 1/2 years after diagnosis. About half of deaths are caused by immune system suppression in which an otherwise beatable infection kills. Signs to watch (mthough not exclusive to Leukemia) for include:

• Fevers / lethargy
• Loss of appetite / weight loss
• Chronic respiratory disease
• Intestinal problems
• Skin diseases

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF FELINE LEUKEMIA

Diagnosis of FeLV infection is straightforward, as the virus is present in the blood and within infected cells in the blood, bone marrow and elsewhere in the body. The tests (there are two) detect a protein component of FeLV as it circulates in the bloodstream.

There is now an widely used vaccine for preventing Feline Leukemia. There is both an injectable and a needle-less version of the feline leukemia vaccine. Note that there have been instances where the vaccine has resulted in injection-site tumors. Please discuss with your vet.

If your cat has been infected with FeLV the onset of symptoms will depend on the strength of his /her immune system. Your best bet is to continue being the loving and supportive parent and to keep the cat away from uninfected cats. – Simba

Dear Simba,
My family and I just got a 6 week-old kitten last night. We took it to the vet today to get it checked out and they ran a blood test. From the blood test we found that the kitten may have leukemia, we will not know for sure until Monday.

My question is what do we do next if the kitten has this problem. We are totally new to the cat world and are trying to learn as we go. From people I have talked to this test is somewhat unreliable. I have been told that if the kitten has leukemia it still will live a long life. If this is true what do we need to do to keep as health as possible? I have a 4 and 2-year-old that are getting attached quick and the less pain for everyone the better, that is including the kitty too. Kevin W

Dear Kevin W,
I certainly hope that as I write this your little kitten is free and clear of Feline Leukemia. If he is not, do not give up just yet. Although he is against the odds, your little friend may make it after all. Given your young children and your wish to avoid causing them undue pain, you may want to give the kitten to a foster care home where the little guy can be cared for. There are many loving folks out there that will open their hearts to needy kittens, if only for a short time. Keep me posted. Simba

Dear Simba,
I read the letters on FeLV and wanted to add something. I am glad you urged your readers to wait and see if their cats are okay. My cat Sheba caught FeLV at an early age. Sheba was a year old when we found her. She is now close to her 9th birthday! Over the years, we have had only minor problems with FeLV – Sheba had one mouth wound that required surgery to heal, and 2 decaying back teeth required removal. that is it! We have been very lucky, and I am so glad that I listened to my heart and did not put Sheba to sleep when we learned she was FeLV+. I want to encourage fellow cat lovers to give FeLV+ cats a chance! Do not put your cats ‘to sleep’ unless s/he is in severe pain or discomfort. Thanks for letting me share Sheba’s story! Michelle in Houston

Thanks for the note. I am glad you and Sheba are doing well! Simba

The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a serious infectious disease. It attacks and compromises a cat’s immune system and can cause an immuno-suppressive syndrome, cancer, and other diseases. Sometime the feline leukemia virus can lay dormant for years, while other viruses can attack swiftly.

The Feline Leukemia Virus Explained

The feline leukemia virus is the most common fatal disease in felines. This virus affects all breeds of cats, domestic and wild. Infected cats pass the virus through their urine, feces, bodily secretions, and saliva. The highest percentage of this killer disease occurs in kittens when the placenta of an infected mother passes the virus to her unborn kittens or through her milk while nursing.

There are three types of strains of the feline leukemia virus. FeLV-A compromises the immune system. FeLV-B is responsible for the development of tumors. FeLV-C is known to cause anemia. These strains are a type of retrovirus and cats can have one or a combination of these strains.

Feline Leukemia Virus Diagnosis

To diagnose the feline leukemia virus in a cat, a veterinarian will perform two different types of blood tests: the enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) and the immunofluorescence assay (IFA).

The ELISA test is the most simple of the two tests: the vet will draw blood, test for a color change, and see if antigens in the blood serum were detected. The ELISA test is commonly used, even though it’s known to read false positives, to detect the feline leukemia virus early in the course of infection, before it reaches the bone marrow and white blood cells. Interestingly, the ELISA test can look for feline leukemia antigens in a cat’s saliva and tears, but the results are not always reliable. Saliva and tears are often tested only when there are several cats to test at a time or when it’s difficult to obtain blood samples from a particular cat. If a kitten tested positive for the feline leukemia virus before the age of 16 weeks, it’s recommended he be retested after he’s 16-weeks-old to see if his mother’s antigens are out of his body.

The IFA test detects antigens in a cat’s white blood cells. If a cat tests positive for the feline leukemia virus using the IFA test, he should be retested to make sure the results weren’t a false positive due to the recent contraction to the virus.

Once the feline leukemia virus is in a cat’s bone marrow, either test will be able to confirm the presence of the feline leukemia virus. Curiously, research has shows that cats tested with ELISA can develop immunity to the virus, while cats tested with the IFA test are infected with the virus for the remainder of their lives.

The feline leukemia virus is malicious. Once diagnosed with this disease, a cat is contagious and is considered a carrier of the virus. To keep this virus contained, one should keep an infected cat away from other cats in a household. 80% of infected cats with the feline leukemia virus die within 3 years of contracting the illness.

If you have a cat, you will know that these pets are very special. To take care of your faithful companion it is important that you know which diseases they can suffer from. AIDS in cats is one of the diseases, along with feline leukemia, that is greatly affecting the cat population. However, even if you do not have access to a vaccine, you can treat it effectively.

Although this can be a daunting time, do not panic or jump to conclusions straight away. AnimalWised are here to detail everything about feline AIDS – their causes, symptoms and treatment.

FIV – The feline immunodeficiency virus

Known as VIF, the immunodeficiency virus in cats is a lentivirus that only attacks cats. Although it is the same disease that affects humans, it is produced by a different virus, so AIDS in cats does not spread to humans.

FIV directly attacks the immune system, destroying T-lymphocytes. This results in the animal being vulnerable to other diseases or minor infections. But, it is important to say it can lead to death.

Detected in time, feline AIDS is a disease that can be controlled. An infected cat, who follows the proper treatment, can have a long and dignified life.

Transmission and spread of AIDS in cats

For our pet to get AIDS they need to be in contact with the saliva or blood of another infected cat. In principle, it is only known that feline aids are transmitted through bites, so stray cats are the most likely to carry the virus.

Unlike the disease in humans, it has not been proven that AIDS in cats is transmittedsexually. But, during the management of an infected mother or even if pets share a drinker or feeder.

If your cat has always been at home you do not have to worry. However, if they are not castrated and go out at night, it is best that you do a blood test to check that everything is fine. Remember that cats are territorial which can lead to biting.

Symptoms of Feline Aids

As in humans, a cat infected with the AIDS virus can live years without presenting characteristic symptoms or until the disease is detected.

However, when the destruction of T-lymphocytes begins to deplete the immune system, small bacteria and viruses that our pets face daily will start to wreak havoc on the animal’s health. This is when the first symptoms may appear.

The symptoms of AIDS in most common cats that may appear months after the infection are:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Their fur lacks shine
• Gingivitis
• Stomatitis (inflamed and sore mouth)
• Recurrent infections
• Diarrhea
• Inflammation of connective tissue
• Progressive weight loss
• Spontaneous abortions and fertility problems
• Mental deterioration

In general, the main symptom of a cat with AIDS is the appearance of recurrent diseases. So it’s important to watch for the sudden onset of common diseases. Or if your cat relapses steadily into health problems that seem unimportant at first.

Treatment for cats with immunodeficiency

The best cure is prevention, however, although the AIDS disease in cats has no vaccine, with proper care an infected pet can have a happy life.

To prevent your cat from becoming infected with the AIDS virus, remember to control your visits to the outdoors. Always avoid fights with stray cats and do a checkup at least once a year. Even more frequently if they come home with some scratch or bite. If this was not enough and your cat is infected you have to work on strengthening their immune system.

There are antimicrobial drugs that can help control infections or bacteria that attack the animal. We must keep in mind that these treatments must be carried out constantly, otherwise our feline friend may develop new infections. There are also anti-inflammatory drugs that will help control diseases such as gingivitis and stomatitis.

As well as medication, you should also alter your usual feeding routine for cats with AIDS. It is recommended that their diet be high in calories, to fight against the deterioration of the infected animal.

No treatment acts directly on the FIV itself. What we can do to help our pet and give them a decent life is to keep any diseases at bay that may attack while their immune system is weak.

What else should I know about feline AIDS?

Life expectancy: It is important that you keep in mind that the life expectancy of a cat with AIDS is not easy to predict. It will depend on how their immune system responds to the attack of diseases. When we speak of a dignified life, we mean that a pet with a feline aids, can live with dignity and minimal care. Even when it seems that their health is improving, you should be very attentive to aspects such as weight and fever.

One of my cats has AIDS but the others do not: If cats do not fight each other there is no possibility of contagion. Remember that feline AIDS is only transmitted through bites. However, as this is somewhat difficult to control, we recommend that the infected cat be isolated, as if it were any other infectious disease.

My cat has died of AIDS, is it safe to carry a new one?: Without the carrier, FIV is very unstable and can not survive more than a few hours. In addition, feline AIDS is only transmitted through saliva and blood, and without an infected cat that bites, contagion to a new pet is very unlikely.
As with any other infectious disease, we recommend some preventive measures:

• Disinfect or replace all belongings of the deceased cat
• Disinfect carpets
• Vaccinate the new pet against the most common infectious diseases

Can a cat with AIDS infect me?: No, feline AIDS does not attack humans. A cat infected with AIDS can never infect a human even by biting them. Although it is the same disease, FIV is not the same virus that infects humans. In this case we are talking about HIV, which is the human immunodeficiency virus.

If you would like to read more similar articles, we recommend you enter our Infectious diseases section.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Feline AIDS, we recommend you visit our Infectious diseases category.

“Feline Leukemia treatment involves prevention of any secondary infections or illnesses that can take hold while the immune system is weakened. There are some highly experimental treatments that are modeled after human HIV (AIDs) care. Keep your cat indoors to prevent exposure and consider improving your cat’s diet.”

Feline Leukemia treatment involves fighting the symptoms and underlying causes of problems in your cat. The cat leukemia virus is what is known as a retrovirus. This virus type inserts itself into healthy cells in both the bone marrow and the tissues. Symptoms of the disease may not appear for years after contracting the virus. They start to appear gradually and then increase in intensity.

If your cat has a healthy immune system she could probably fight off the disease. If the immune system is compromised the disease will spread and slowly weaken. Other diseases that enter the body are then able to take route such as bacterial infections.

Experimental Feline Leukemia Treatment

There is no treatment for feline leukemia itself. There has been some experimentation with human HIV treatments. In clinical studies their have been cats that have responded to human recombinant erythropoietin (100 units/kg SQ three times per week). Another approach, Staphylococcus protein A (10 µg/kg IP twice weekly) has resulted in subjective improvement in ill FeLV (Feline Leukemia virus) infected cats. Cats dually infected with FeLV and FIV ()Feline Immunodeficiency Virus showed some improvement after treatment with recombinant feline IFN omega (1 [M>/kg/day SQ for 5 days, in 3 series at day 0, 14, and 60).

Feline Leukemia Treatment

Feline leukemia treatment is partly aimed at preventing your cat from contracting any infections. Cats with FeLV should be kept indoors, because they are less likely to become ill that way. Also, they will not spread the disease to other cats in the neighborhood.

Treatment for signs of feline leukemia also involves keeping your cat as healthy as possible. Feed your cat a nutritious, well balanced diet. Avoid raw meat and eggs and unpasteurized dairy products, because your cat will be susceptible to intestinal parasites and food borne bacterial infections. You can talk to your vet about the best diet for your cat. Be sure to schedule regular well care visits with your vet and maintain dental hygiene to avoid any bacterial infections forming in the mouth. You might want to research and discuss with your veterinarian a natural remedy made to support immune system health such as Get PetAlive C-Caps Formula.

Keep your cat indoors and away from other cats that could either catch the virus from your cat or expose your cat to new health risks such as infection.

If you cat does contract some type of infection make sure it is immediately and aggressively treated. If the feline leukemia triggers some type of cancerous tumor (neoplasia) then your veterinarian might recommend chemotherapy or radiation.

Some vets are now using antiviral medications such as those used for people with HIV for cats with feline leukemia. However, studies have not yet proven those medications to be effective. If you want to try those medications, you’ll have to find a specialist. Most vets do not dispense them.

There is a vaccine that can protect your cat against the disease, although it is not a core vaccine for low risk cats. Even with feline leukemia treatment, cats with FeLV usually only live two to three years from the time they contract the condition, so vaccinations are very important.

Sources:

Update on feline retroviral infections
Leah A. Cohn
DVM, BS, PhD, Dipl ACVIM, Columbia, USA

Feline leukemia (FeLV) is a disease caused by a retrovirus, and will result in the suppression of the immune system. When the virus affects kittens, the disease will be severe, as they have a weak immune system. For this reason, the prognosis in kittens with FeLV is poor. The majority of infected kittens may die from cancer or a secondary infection. However, the disease may be prevented though the administration of the leukemia vaccine.

FeLV Transmission

Feline leukemia virus is transmitted from other infected cats through blood and saliva. The saliva can be present on food bowls or other objects cats come in contact with. The virus can survive for up to 2 days in a wet environment. Leukemia virus can be transmitted to kittens from an infected mother, either through the placenta or while grooming.

Clinical Signs of Leukemia in Kittens

Kittens with FeLV will be immuno-compromised, so they will be more prone to infections and diseases. The virus is comparable with the effects of FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), which also weakens the immune system.

In the beginning, the kitten will display no symptoms. As the disease advances, the kitten may display fever and lethargy, and will refuse to eat. The kitten will contract different diseases that will take longer than usual to treat, due to the weak immune system. The diseases may be recurrent.

The most common diseases that occur in kittens with FeLV are respiratory diseases, distemper, feline infectious peritonitis, stomatitis, gum problems and even cancer. A kitten with advanced leukemia will also lose weight and have anemia.

Diagnosing FeLV in Kittens

The virus can be identified though a blood test. An ELISA test may also be performed. The test will reveal the presence of the feline leukemia antigens if the kitten is infected.

Leukemia Treatment

Unfortunately, feline leukemia has no cure and will be fatal in the majority of cases, especially if the patients are kittens.

All the secondary infections and diseases must be controlled, but eventually, the immune system of the kitten will not be able to respond.

Kittens typically die of secondary respiratory infections that cause respiratory failure. Cancer can also attack the kitten and metastize to the rest of the body, causing lung cancer and respiratory failure.

Euthanasia must also be considered as a solution, as a kitten is very weak and the recurring infections may cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

Prevention of FeLV

There is a FeLV vaccine that can prevent the occurrence of the virus in kittens.

The vaccine must be administered when the kitten is 8 to 10 weeks old. The kitten must be tested prior to vaccination to ensure that he is not already infected.

If the mother is infected, the kitten must be separated from her to prevent the transmission of the virus. However, the mother may have already infected the kitten through the placenta.

Periodical FeLV boosters must be administered.

Overview
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) causes a highly contagious and potentially fatal retroviral infection that weakens a cat’s immune system, making her susceptible to illness and secondary infection. Feline leukemia is a very common disease. It is often called the “friendly cat” disease as it is commonly spread from cat to cat through casual contact, such as grooming or sharing food or water. Feline leukemia virus and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are among the most common infectious diseases in cats. FeLV is nothing to meow about! In a study of more than 18,000 cats, 2.3% of them were positive for FeLV.

While all cats are at risk, lifestyle, sex, and vaccination status all play an important part in reducing exposure to this contagious disease. The following will increase your cat’s risk of contracting FeLV:

• Not having been vaccinated against feline leukemia
• Spending time outside, unsupervised
• Exposure to a cat or kitten whose infection status is unknown
• Living in a multiple-cat household
• Not having been spayed or neutered
• Aggressive behavior toward other cats
• Symptoms of oral disease
• Past or present abscess wounds

Symptoms
Cats with feline leukemia do not always appear sick! In the early stages of the disease, most cats show few signs; the only way to know for sure if they are infected is through a simple blood test. As the disease advances, the following symptoms may occur:

Most veterinarians include a screen for feline leukemia as part of the routine tests a cat gets during her lifetime. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends testing cats for FeLV as follows:

• Cats should be tested at appropriate intervals based on their risk
• Cats and kittens entering a new household should be tested at introduction
• Cats exposed to an infected cat should be tested twice—at the time of exposure and 60 days later
• Cats should be tested before they are vaccinated for FeLV
• Cats with clinical signs should be tested

Your veterinarian can run a simple test to see if your cat has been infected with FeLV. If the result is negative, they may recommend protecting your cat from FeLV by having her vaccinated. The AAFP recommends vaccinating all kittens (because their future lifestyle may change), cats that go outdoors, cats that have direct contact with cats of unknown status, and cats that live with FeLV-positive cats.

If you cat tests positive for FeLV, it is NOT a death sentence! Cats with FeLV can live until a ripe old age; many infected senior cats pass as a result of problems not associated with their infection. The AAFP recommends the following for managing the healthy, FeLV-positive cat:

• Spaying or neutering intact cats
• Careful control of internal and external parasites
• Keeping infected cats indoors
• Twice-a-year visits to your veterinarian, paying close attention to lymph nodes and any changes in the mouth
• Discussion with your veterinarian about vaccinations
• Yearly blood tests that may include:
• Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels
• A complete blood count (CBC) to rule out blood-related conditions
• Electrolyte tests to ensure your cat isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance
• Cardiac tests to rule out heart related issues

Prevention
Make sure your cat is tested for FeLV, that you limit her exposure to other cats you don’t know, and talk to your veterinarian about whether or not your cat should be vaccinated against FeLV.

To find out more about this disease and how you can keep your cat healthy, visit

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Are you worried about feline leukemia and how it can affect your cat? Here’s what pet parents need to know about the deadly virus.

Feline leukemia virus, or FeLV, is a retrovirus that affects felines all over the world. This cat disease is only second to trauma as the leading cause of death amongst felines, and it will kill roughly 85 percent of infected cats within three years.

Similar to FIV, Feline leukemia causes a suppression of the immune system, so it can predispose a cat to other infections that can be deadly. But there is some good news: roughly 70 percent of felines that encounter FeLV will be able to resist it or eliminate it on their own.

Let’s talk more about this virus, as well as steps you can take to help prevent infections.

Transmission of Feline Leukemia

Cats who are infected with FeLV will shed the virus through their nasal secretions and saliva, as well as in their feces, urine, and blood. Mother cats can also pass the virus to their kittens before birth or through their milk.

The virus can be transferred from one cat to another through bite wounds and grooming. Sharing litter boxes and food and water bowls can be another mode of transmission.

Once outside a cat’s body, though, the virus will only last a few hours under normal conditions, so it doesn’t last long in the environment.

Symptoms of Feline Leukemia

According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, FeLV is “the most common cause of cancer in cats.” Infection can also negatively affect your pet’s body in myriad other ways, including creating an immune deficient state that makes your cat susceptible to a host of other infections. The virus can also lead to blood disorders.

A cat may not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages, but within weeks, months, or years, the animal’s health could deteriorate progressively or he may have recurring illnesses in between periods of health.

During the primary, or early, stage of infection, some felines may have an effective immune response. These cats may be able to eliminate FeLV from their blood, thereby halting its progression.

The secondary, or later, stage causes persistent infection of tissue and bone marrow. This is the point of no return, when the majority of felines with the virus will be infected for the rest of their lives.

Some of the symptoms associated with Feline Leukemia include:

• Yellow color within the cat’s mouth and in the whites of the eyes
• Pale gums and mucus membranes
• Inflammation of the mouth and gums
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Weight loss that is slow but progressive at first, with severe wasting later
• Loss of appetite
• Skin, upper respiratory, and bladder infections
• Poor coat condition
• Fever
• Progressive lethargy and weakness
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Reproductive issues in females who haven’t been spayed
• Behavior changes, neurological disorders, seizures
• Eye conditions

Treatments of Feline Leukemia

Regular checkups (twice a year) and preventive health care may help FeLV-positive cats feel well and prevent secondary infections, but 85 percent of felines who are persistently infected with this virus will die from it, usually within three years of being diagnosed. Secondary infections are treated as they occur, but there’s no cure for FeLV.

Prevention of Feline Leukemia

It’s important to note that a cat may be infected even if he appears healthy. And if he’s infected, he may transfer the virus to another cat. Therefore, having your cat tested before introducing him to the rest of your feline family is one way to prevent transmission.

You should keep your cats indoors as much as possible to avoid them encountering other felines who may be infected with FeLV.

There is a FeLV vaccination, though you should discuss the pros and cons of vaccinating your cat with your vet, who knows your pet best and can steer you in the right direction. Bear in mind that not every cat who’s vaccinated will be protected against FeLV, so you should still take steps to prevent exposure.

Lisa Selvaggio is a writer who has volunteered in animal rescue, caring for cats of all ages and learning their many quirks. She is certified in clinical pet nutrition, and enjoys helping pet parents give their fur babies the best care possible. Read more of her work online at Creatively Informative Writing.

Feline leukemia symptoms (FeLV) result from a disease that affects as many as 10% of all at-risk cats (the elderly, the very young, and outdoor un-neutered males.)

Overall, 2%-3% of all cats are carriers of this incurable illness.

In fact, feline leukemia is the #2 cat killer after being hit by cars.

Although not a hardy virus, as it relies on a carrier, feline leukemia is nonetheless fatal if contracted.

When it is passed from the the carrier, it attacks the immune system, causing a cancer of the white blood cells.

This makes your feline vulnerable to a host of other illnesses that his body cannot fend off.

If you have an indoor-only kitten, her risk of contracting feline leukemia is very low as long as she doesn’t have contact with infected cats.

You cannot carry it in on your shoes and it is not airborne.

How is FeLV Transmitted?

FeLV can be transmitted through the saliva, nasal secretions, tears, urine, and feces of an affected animal.

It can even be transmitted from mother to offspring through the placenta or milk.

Much of the time, feline leukemia is transmitted from one un-neutered male cat to another from bites that result from a fight.

Feline Leukemia Symptoms

Since it attacks the immune system, feline leukemia symptoms can present themselves in many ways:

• fever
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• anemia
• breathing problems
• loss of appetite
• progressive weight loss
• poor coat
• pale gums
• mouth and gum inflammation
• skin, bladder, or upper respiratory tract infections
• siezures or behavioral changes
• eye conditions
• reproductive problems (ie, abortion of kittens in affected females)

If your cat exhibits any of these feline leukemia symptoms, the only way to confirm the diagnosis is with a blood test at the veterinarian’s office.

Generally, any time a health condition becomes chronic, a cat is tested for feline leukemia.

Once contracted, feline leukemia symptoms will have one of three outcomes:

1) Her immunity will kill off the virus completely

2) It will lie latent (inactive) in her bone marrow or lymphoids for months or years until triggered, or

3) The virus will rapidly replicate causing swift illness and death of the kitten

Prevention of Feline Leukemia

It is very important to keep your new kitten and resident cats safe from killers like feline leukemia.

Always follow the vaccination schedule for your kitten. It is simple to do and very important to prevent not just FeLV, but feline distemper, AIDS, and upper respiratory infections.

Any new kitten must be tested for FeLV before bringing her in contact with other pets, even if she doesn’t show any Feline Leukemia symptoms.

Getting her vaccinated is not enough; if she is already infected, the vaccine will not cure it and she can still pass it on to your other household cats.

The same goes for protecting her: If your resident cats are exposed to risky conditions, such as being allowed outdoors, you must get them tested to make sure they cannot make your new kitten sick.

If Feline Leukemia Symptoms Lead to a Positive Diagnosis

Since there is no cure for feline leukemia, some difficult decisions may have to be made.

If you have other cats, all must be tested to see if they have been infected as well.

Any cat that has tested positive for feline leukemia must be separated from healthy cats.

Given ideal conditions, your cat can survive for anywhere from a few months to several years before any feline leukemia symptoms present themselves.

By providing a healthy diet and veterinary wellness-visits, you can provide a comfortable life for your pet and help to keep her free from the worst symptoms until she succumbs to her illness.

Let’s face it: Feline leukemia definitely sounds scary. But while it’s not something to be taken lightly, it’s also not necessarily an immediate death sentence. Try not to panic if your cat is diagnosed and don’t necessarily write off adopting a cat with the virus. Feline leukemia virus , or FeLV, is the second leading cause of death in cats. However, it’s preventable. Here is everything you need to know about the disease.

What Is Feline Leukemia?

Unlike human Leukemia, Feline leukemia is a virus. The disease frequently causes anemia which is a deficiency of red blood cells and results in pronounced fatigue. FeLV also can cause lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system and white blood cells. This weakening of the immune system makes infected cats more inclined to catch other illnesses.

What Are the Symptoms?

Like prognosis, symptoms tend to vary. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Yellowing in the mouth or eyes.
• Infections in the bladder, upper respiratory system or skin.
• Poor coat condition.
• Pale gums.
• Weakness and fatigue.
• Diarrhea.
• Fever.
• Swelling in the lymph nodes.
• A lack of appetite or weight loss.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Problems in fertility (obviously this only applies to unaltered cats).

What’s the Prognosis?

Okay, take a deep breath. The prognosis differs for each infected cat. Some cats pass away in a few years while other live a good long life. Feline leukemia kills 85 percent of persistently infected cats within three years. But the keyword there is “persistently.” In fact, 70 percent of cats exposed to FeLV resist the infection or are able to fight off the infection naturally! Yay!

What Causes Feline Leukemia?

Cats transmit the virus to other cats and only other cats. Dogs, humans and other animals cannot catch the disease. Cats get FeLV commonly through saliva and blood and sometimes urine and feces. Felines most often catch the virus after grooming or fighting. Kittens also sometimes catch FeLV in utero or from their mother while nursing. The disease likely only lives for a few hours once it leaves a cat’s body, so it’s not highly transferrable.

Is My Cat at Risk?

There’s good news, folks! Over the years, pet owners have become better educated on taking good care of their cats. More and more cats are regularly tested and vaccinated, greatly decreasing the chances of infection.

Since the disease is communicable, outdoor cats and cats that interact with other cats are more likely to get the virus. Kitties can transmit the disease by sharing litter boxes and water bowls. Younger cats are also at a higher risk since felines seem to be more resistant to the virus as they get older. Your cat has a very low chance of catching FeLV if they stay indoors and are an only fur-child.

How Can I Prevent Feline Leukemia?

There are several ways you can guard your furry pal from feline leukemia:

1. Vaccinate your cat. It’s recommended that all kittens are vaccinated.
2. Carefully choose playmates for your cat. Only let your pet socialize with cats who have been tested and vaccinated.
3. Keep your cat indoors.
4. Have your cat tested.
5. Give each of your cats their own water bowl and litter box.

There is no treatment or cure for FeLV, but keeping your pet stress free is a good first step towards maintaining their health. Make sure you get your cat fixed and keep him or her away from other cats to prevent spreading the virus. Once infected, cats are treated for any secondary infections as a result of their weakened immune system. Cats may also undergo chemotherapy if their leukemia results in lymphoma. Speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect your cat might have FeLV. Early detection and treatment can improve your cat’s quality of life and give them the best prognosis possible.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a common infectious disease that occurs in cats. It can cause many types of illness as well as death in infected cats. However, FeLV does not infect humans or other animals.

Feline leukemia virus infection is more commonly spread among cats that live together. The virus can also be spread from mother to kittens, and among cats that fight. It is mainly spread through saliva when cats groom each other, and when food and water bowls are shared.

In North America, about 4% of tested cats are found to be infected with FeLV. In Latin America, up to 42% of tested cats are found to be infected.

Transmission occurs through saliva, feces, milk, and urine of an infected cat. However, the most common transmission route is through saliva.

• FeLV is also transferred through grooming, licking, biting, shared dishes, and shared litter pans.
• FeLV can also be transmitted through a blood transfusion.
• An infected mother can transfer FeLV to her kittens during pregnancy or nursing.
• Close cat-to-cat contact is required to transmit the disease.
• Young cats, especially those under 4-6 months of age, are the most susceptible to FeLV since their immune systems are not fully mature.
• FeLV cannot be transmitted to people, dogs, or other animals.

When first exposed to FeLV, a cat might not show any signs of illness. Some cats that are exposed to FeLV can clear the virus completely from their body. Other cats are able to control the infection, preventing illness. In some cats, the infection will become active in their body and they will develop problems such as low red blood cells (anemia) or cancer. These problems can be severe and even fatal.

The signs and symptoms of FeLV vary greatly depending on the infected cells. Signs may include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Poor coat or fur condition
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Pale gums
• Infections of the skin, bladder, and upper respiratory
• Reproductive problems in unspayed females

Eventually, FeLV-associated diseases occur and can include:

• Anemia
• Liver disease
• Intestinal disease and reproductive problems
• Lymphoma or leukemia
• Chronic respiratory infections
• Chronic gingivitis and stomatitis (inflammation of the gums and mouth)
• Poor healing of wounds and abscesses

Your cat can be tested for FeLV infection. There are many times in your cat’s life when your veterinarian will recommend testing for FeLV and common infections, including:

• Any time your cat is sick.
• If your cat goes outdoors.
• If your cat fights with other cats.

If your cat is new to the family or you adopt another cat, testing is advised before introducing the new cat to other cats in the household.

If your cat tests positive for FeLV, further tests may be recommended by your veterinarian. Even if your cat’s first test result is negative, your veterinarian may still advise repeat testing in the future.

There are several vaccines available to protect cats from FeLV infection. Vaccination is recommended for all kittens, again one year later, and regularly for cats that have access outdoors.

Adult indoor-only cats living alone or with uninfected cats may not need to be vaccinated after the first 2 years. Your veterinarian will help assess your cat’s vaccination needs.

There are no treatments for FeLV that will get rid of the infection. Infected cats should visit their veterinarian for regular check-ups, which will help your cat live as long as possible with good health. High-quality commercial diets are recommended, while raw food diets may cause serious infections. Your veterinarian will advise on blood testing, in addition to:

Infected pet cats should live indoors so they don’t infect other cats. Other cats in the same household should be tested for FeLV as well. In some cases, cats that live together may need to be separated to avoid the spread of infection. Your veterinarian will help you determine what the best plan is for you and your cat(s).

Stress may play a role in triggering the virus to become active again. If there are other cats in your home, or a shortage of food bowls, water bowls, and litter boxes, it may cause stress because most cats do not like to share. Keeping litter boxes, and food and water bowls clean is also important.

Your veterinarian is your partner in caring for your infected cat. With regular healthcare check-ups and a low-stress life, your cat(s) infected with FeLV may live happy and healthy for many years.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is the second leading cause of death in cats, killing 85% of infected cats within three years of diagnosis. The virus affects the cat’s blood, causing various blood diseases. It also suppresses the cat’s immune system, making it harder to protect against infection by bacteria, viruses or fungi found in our everyday environment that wouldn’t affect healthy cats. However, feline leukemia does not have to be a death sentence; about 70% of cats who encounter the virus are able to resist infection or eliminate the virus on their own.

How is the virus transmitted?

The virus is transmitted through direct contact from cat to cat. It only affects cats and cannot be passed to people or other animals. The primary route of transmission is through saliva and nasal secretions, but it is also present in the urine and feces of infected cats. Cat-to-cat transfer can occur through bite wounds, but also through grooming. The virus only lives outside its host for a few hours, and because of this, transference through shared use of litter boxes and food dishes is not as common, but it can occur.

Which cats are affected?

Cats living with infected cats, or with cats with an unknown infection status, are at the greatest risk for contracting the virus, which is why it’s important to always get a new cat tested before exposing her to your exisiting feline family members. Kittens and young adults are more susceptible than older cats, it appears that resistance to the virus increases with age.

Symptoms

Infected cats show one or more of the following symptoms:

– pale gums
– yellow color in the mouth and whites of eyes
– enlarged lymph nodes
– bladder, skin, or upper respiratory infections
– kidney disease
– weight loss and/or loss of appetite
– poor coat condition
– recurring or chronic illness
– progressive weakness and lethargy
– fever
– diarrhea
– breathing difficulty

Diagnosis

FeLV is diagnosed through a blood test called an ELISA test, which tests for the presence of FeLV antigens in the blood. This test is highly sensitive and can identify cats with very early infections. Many of these cats will manage to clear the infection within a few months and will subsequently test negative. A second blood test called IFA detects the second phase of the infection, and the majority of cats with positive results for this test remain infected for life and have a poorer long-term prognosis.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for feline leukemia, and in the past, euthanasia was usually recommended for these cats. 85% of cats infected die within three years of diagnosis, but with regular veterinary check ups and preventive health care, these cats can live with good quality of life for quite some time.

A healthy diet is a requirement as a good foundation. Conventional veterinary wisdom suggests that feeding a raw diet to immunocompromised cats is contra-indicated due to the potential risk of bacteria or parasites in the diet; however, many holistic veterinarians now recommend a raw diet. If raw feeding exceeds yours or your vet’s comfort level, a grain-free canned diet is the next best thing. Other holistic approaches such as high doses of vitamin C, homeopathic remedies or Chinese Herbs can help boost the cat’s immune system.

Conventional medical treatment may include steroids, antiviral drugs such as interferon, chemotherapy drugs, and blood transfusions. Steroids are used to potentially decrease the number of cancerous lymphocytes in the blood, but since they can also depress the immune system, they may make the cat vulnerable to other diseases. Antiviral agents may reduce the amount of virus present in the blood of the cat, and they are easier on the body than chemotherapy. All of these treatments will require assessing the risks of the treatment versus the benefits, and they can put a cat in remission, but will not get rid of the virus.

Prevention and protection

Keeping your cat indoors is the only way to completely protect your cat from the feline leukemia virus. Outdoor cats and indoor/outdoor cats should be vaccinated with a non-adjuvanted leukemia vaccine to minimize the risk of injection site sarcomas. New cats or kittens over eight weeks of age should be tested before being introduced into a multicat household.

A positive feline leukemia test does not have to be a death sentence. Some cats may clear the virus themselves, and for others, proper care can lead to good quality of life for many years.

First things first. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is NOT cancer. I know from experience that it’s easy to be scared by the word leukemia, but FeLV is a virus and cats who’ve been diagnosed with this do not need to be euthanized or given up on.

It is true that this virus is highly contagious but not all infected cats will show symptoms or even test positive for FeLV. A strong and healthy immune system is key to stopping this virus in its tracks. Studies show that around 30 percent of cats exposed to the virus won’t catch the virus at all. Another 30 percent will develop an infection that only lasts for a short time and their immune system fights it off within about 3 months – at which point they are no longer contagious and the virus disappears from their blood stream. About 5-10 percent of cats infected will continue to carry the virus in their bone marrow but not in their blood or saliva glands and will only emit the virus again under severe stress. The rest of cats infected with FeLV ( about 30-35% ), will be the unlucky ones. They will continue to carry the virus in their bodies and, without the help of immunity builders or anti-virals , will become very sick with their life expectancy greatly diminished.

Be on the positive side of the statistics by giving your cat with FeLV nutritional supplements before the virus grows.

Many years ago, our baby boy Tigee was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia Virus. One weekend, we noticed he didn’t want to eat and would sit by the water bowl without ever drinking. He was weak and lethargic. Monday morning we took him to the vet. When they called and told us he had feline leukemia, they said they would put him on an IV and we would need to decide if we could afford the $2500 dollars it would cost for chemotherapy. We felt heartbroken and helpless. I wasn’t sure exactly what FeLV was at the time, but when the vet suggested that they do chemotherapy – I obviously assumed that it was cancer. (Leukemia in humans is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Feline leukemia, however, is a virus… that, if left untreated, can possibly cause cancer.)

Panicked, we met with the cancer specialist who informed us that Tigee only had a 30% chance of surviving the chemo… which was not guaranteed to cure the leukemia. He offered his objective opinion that it would be inhumane to put Tigee through the chemo, given the fact that his condition was already so grave. Even now, my heart is in my throat as I remember how difficult it was to make the decision… It was time to say goodbye.

I often think of all I’ve learned since Tigee passed… I can’t help but regret that I didn’t know more at that time – maybe things could have been very different. What I do know is that the experience of losing Tigee is part of what drives me to learn everything I can, share with everyone I can, and grow a little more every day.

We now work directly with an expert nutritional animal scientist who explains that Feline Leukemia is a virus in the digestive tract and most cats who are infected with it will suffer and/or die from dehydration because the virus makes them stop eating and drinking…. a painfully familiar memory to me. However, I am now encouraged by this analysis because it gives hope to those of us who feel so helpless when given this horrible diagnosis.

What you should know is that about one third of cats who are infected with FeLV can develop a virus related cancer that is more like lymphoma than leukemia. It is very rare that an infected cat develops leukemia. So don’t be like us and let that term scare the crap out of you. If your cat has been diagnosed with Feline Leukemia, keep your spirits high and get your baby healthy.

The immune system of a FeLV-positive cat is weak. Feeding the healthiest of diets and supplementing with natural anti-virals and immunity boosters is very important for the longevity of life for these cats. Even if your cat has a severe case of FeLV (like FeLV-C which causes severe anemia), he can still have a good life, and possibly a long life, if given the right amount of care.

So, in closing, please know that there is still hope for a cat who has Feline Leukemia Virus. There are so many cats who are euthanized because of this and we need your help to spread the word that this isn’t necessary. Please share this post and contact us if you have questions about your cat with FeLV.