Feline Leukemia Virus

What is Feline Leukemia Virus?

Feline Leukemia Virus is a cancer-causing retrovirus. Currently, there is no cure for Feline Leukemia Virus. As with any virus, when it attacks the body the only defense that a body has against the virus is its immune system. Unfortunately, in the case of Feline Leukemia Virus, cells of the immune system are taken over by the disease, rendering the immune system unable to fight the virus as well as secondary infections.

Exposure

One of three outcomes is possible when a cat is exposed to FeLV. The cat’s body could overcome the attack, making it stronger when exposed in the future. The virus could overwhelm the cat’s system and the cat could go on to suffer from other FeLV-related diseases. Or, the cat could be infected but hold the virus at bay, not totally defeating it but not totally overcoming it either. In the latter two cases the cat can be a carrier for the virus and can pass it on to other cats.

Transmission

FeLV can be found in the body fluids of carrying cats including the saliva, blood, tears, milk, and on occasion the urine. The most common way that infected cats spread the disease is by fighting. Once an infected cat bites another cat, or vice versa, the virus can be passed on. The virus can also be transmitted through mutual grooming, mating, sharing food dishes, and from mother cat’s milk to her kittens. Unlike some other viruses, FeLV is not very hardy outside of a cat’s body. The virus can survive only 3 minutes in a dry environment and only 3 days in a moist environment, thus it is less likely that the virus could be passed from clothing or other objects that a cat might come into contact with. Outside of a cat’s body the virus is easily killed with detergents and disinfectants.

Prevention

Prevention is the best weapon against FeLV. Cats that have not already been infected by the virus can be vaccinated against the virus. There is no benefit in vaccinating a cat that has already been infected with the disease, so before vaccination your cat will need a test from your veterinarian to determine if the virus is present in your cat’s system. A booster vaccination should be administered by your veterinarian every year for the life of your cat unless they determine otherwise. Another line of defense used in coordination with the FeLV vaccination is limiting your cat’s interaction with other cats, particularly strays. It is best to keep your cat indoors if at all possible to protect him from disease, fighting, parasites, traffic and predators.