Feline leukaemia virus is widespread in South Africa and cats infected with it are predisposed to other illnesses and infections that could kill them. They’re also a danger to other cats. Here’s what you need to know to protect your cat:
What is feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)?
Feline leukaemia is a virus that infects only cats. It cannot be passed on to humans or dogs or other animals. Cats infected with feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are found worldwide, but the prevalence of infection varies greatly depending on their age, health, environment, and lifestyle. Because it suppresses the immune system it can also predispose cats to deadly infections.
How is it spread?
Cats infected with FeLV serve as persistent sources of infection. The virus is shed in very high quantities in saliva and nasal secretions, but also in urine, faeces, and milk. Cat-to-cat transfer of the virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and (though rarely) through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. FeLV doesn’t survive long outside a cat’s body—probably less than a few hours under normal household conditions.
Which cats are at greatest risk of infection?
Cats that have not been immunised against the virus and that are living with infected cats or with cats of unknown infection status.
Kittens are much more susceptible to infection than adult cats.
Cats may live for years with the virus without experiencing symptoms; however their status means they are always a risk to other cats. For more on how to care for a cat with FeLV, click here https://www.ebervet.com/living-feline-le…guide-cat-owners/
What does FeLV do to a cat?
The virus is the most common cause of cancer in cats, it may cause various blood disorders, and it may lead to a state of immune deficiency that hinders the cat’s ability to protect itself against other infections and diseases.
What are the signs of disease caused by FeLV?
During the early stages of infection, it is common for cats to exhibit no signs of disease at all. However, over time—weeks, months, or even years—the cat’s health may progressively deteriorate or be characterised by recurrent illness interspersed with periods of relative health. Symptoms can include:
- Loss of appetite
- Slow but progressive weight loss, followed by severe wasting late in the disease process
- Poor coat condition
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Persistent fever
- Pale gums and other mucous membranes
- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis)
- Infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Seizures, behaviour changes, and other neurological disorders
- A variety of eye conditions
- In unspayed female cats, abortion of kittens or other reproductive failures
How is the feline leukaemia virus diagnosed?
Blood tests are performed by your vet.
How can I protect my cat from becoming infected?
The only sure way to protect cats is to prevent their exposure to FeLV-infected cats. Adopt only infection-free cats into households with uninfected cats and have uninfected cats vaccinated. FeLV vaccination of infected cats is not beneficial.
