How is feline leukemia transmitted

Food and water bowls and litter boxes should not be shared between FeLV-infected cats and non-infected cats. Unfortunately, many FeLV-infected cats are not diagnosed until after they have lived with other cats.

In such cases, all other cats in the household should be tested for FeLV. Ideally, infected and non-infected cats should then be separated to eliminate the potential for FeLV transmission.

Owners contemplating FeLV vaccination for their uninfected cats should consider the cats' risk of exposure to FeLV-infected cats and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of vaccination with a veterinarian. Since not all vaccinated cats will be protected by vaccination, preventing exposure remains important even for vaccinated pets. Prognosis Although a diagnosis of FeLV can be emotionally devastating, it is important to realize that cats with FeLV can live normal lives for prolonged periods of time.

The median survival time for cats after FeLV is diagnosed is 2. Once a cat has been diagnosed with FeLV, careful monitoring of weight, appetite, activity level, elimination habits, appearance of the mouth and eyes, and behavior is an important part of managing this disease. Any signs of abnormality in any of these areas should prompt immediate consultation with a veterinarian. Cats infected with FeLV may show one ore more of these signs or none of them at all.

According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners , if a cat shows symptoms of sickness of any kind, it should be tested. For FeLV, this is especially useful as it allows for prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you know that your cat tests negative for the virus, you can get it vaccinated and prevent it from contracting the disease at a later stage.

Vaccine is also recommended if your cat is at risk of exposure. CatDX provides pet testing services using a saliva sample. Order a FeLV test for your cat today! Recent Posts See All. The virus leaves felines unable to combat normal infections and illnesses that come and go.

FeLV can lead to lymphoma, which is a cancer afflicting the immune system. Anemia in cats and problems related to fertility are also secondary consequences of FeLV. Cat Populations Prone to Leukemia. However, there are certain felines that are particularly vulnerable to FeLV. Young cats and kittens, both of which do not have fully developed immunity, tend to contract feline leukemia and die from it more often than others. Even more, outdoor cats also have a greater chance of getting it than indoor cats.

The easiest way for a feline to become sick with the virus is through direct contact with the bodily secretions of an infected cat. Urine, fecal matter, eye discharge, drool, and blood are all substances that can carry the virus to unsuspecting cats. Bites, grooming habits between felines, and an infected mother feeding her kittens are all ways that feline leukemia can be easily transferred. Leukemia in cats is extremely contagious.

Although people and other animal species cannot be infected, cats can contaminate other cats. One of the biggest concerns surrounding the virus is that it can go undetected for days, months, or years once it is contracted. 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. Feline leukemia is not cancer In humans, leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, but feline leukemia is a virus.

The feline leukemia virus can cause cancers, however.