Leukemia in cats: how it is transmitted, what are its symptoms and treatment

Although feline leukemia, also called feline leukemia virus (or FeLV), can be very dangerous, pets with the disease can live happy and relatively long lives. Understanding the symptoms of feline leukemia can help owners better care for a pet with the disease. Knowing the signs of leukemia in cats and full information about this disease will help to diagnose it in time or even prevent it.

Viral leukemia in cats: how is it transmitted

According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, viral leukemia (VLV), or provirus felv, in cats affects 2% to 3% of all healthy cats in the US and up to 30% of pets that are sick or at risk. 

This is an infectious viral disease. Leukemia in cats is transmitted from pet to pet primarily through saliva and/or contact with blood. FeLV can also be passed through urine and faeces, from mother cat to kitten, either in utero or through mother’s milk.

Although a cat can contract FeLV in a fight, the virus is more commonly known as the “love disease” – cats transmit it by rubbing their noses and licking each other. However, a cat with FeLV can be a carrier of the disease, even if it looks perfectly healthy.

FeLV infection is one of the leading causes of death for cats in the US, according to WebMD’s Fetch. It is second only to injury-related mortality. Fortunately, the incidence of FeLV has been greatly reduced due to early detection, greater awareness of symptoms, and effective vaccination.

Viral leukemia in cats: symptoms

FeLV infections can be insidious for two main reasons: the virus attacks many body systems at once, and symptoms can vary depending on which system is affected. Feline leukemia virus is one of the most common causes of cancer in cats and can cause blood disorders. FLV in cats weakens the immune system of an infected animal, making it vulnerable to secondary infections.

A pet that has recently become infected may not show signs of the disease at all. But over time, his health will begin to slowly deteriorate due to constant infections or cancer. Leukemia in cats is manifested by the following symptoms:

• weight loss;
• poor appetite;
• untidy fur or poor condition of the coat;
• persistent or recurrent fever;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• pale or inflamed gums;
• eye problems;
• convulsive seizures;
• chronic diarrhea or loose stools;
• recurrent skin, bladder, nose and/or eye infections.

Feline Leukemia: Diagnosis

If a veterinarian suspects that a cat has FeLV, this can be easily checked with a rapid blood ELISA test. If the specialist uses a reference laboratory, rapid test results may be available within 24 hours. In some cases, this test can be performed directly in the clinic.

A rapid test can detect the virus in the blood, but its results are not 100% accurate. If the cat tests positive for FeLV, another blood sample must be sent to the laboratory to confirm the infection by ELISA. This is an immunofluorescent antibody assay: a scientific test to detect specific antibodies to FeLV.

In some cases, a blood test is performed by PCR – polymerase chain reaction. The veterinarian will determine which test is more appropriate based on the condition of the pet.

What to do if your pet has feline leukemia virus

First of all, don’t panic. One positive result does not necessarily mean that the cat’s pet has the FeLV virus. For example, kittens exposed to the virus may have false positive results but are not actually infected.

The American Cat Practitioners Association recommends testing all kittens for the virus and advises pet owners to isolate any kitten that tests positive from other cats as a preventative measure. The kitten should be re-examined after a month, as well as at the age of 6 months and again at the age of 1 year.

If an adult cat tests positive, it must be isolated from other cats to prevent the spread of the disease. Then you need to immediately repeat the rapid test and analysis by the ELISA method. This process has two expected outcomes:

• If both tests for feline leukemia are positive, the cat is most likely infected with FeLV.
• If the rapid test is positive and the ELISA test is negative, then the cat has been in contact with the carrier, but it may still be able to cope with the infection. The cat should be isolated from other pets and re-examined after 30-60 days.

Based on the cumulative results of all tests, the veterinarian will be able to give the most accurate recommendations for further action.

Viral leukemia in cats: treatment

FeLV cannot be completely cured. But with proper care, cats with the condition can live relatively long periods of time without feeling sick. It is important that the animal remains under the close supervision of a veterinarian who can promptly address any problems that arise. These may be complications from secondary infections. It is recommended to undergo a veterinary examination twice a year, which includes blood or urine tests once or twice a year.

Since feline leukemia is contagious to cats, it is important that under no circumstances should infected animals be allowed outside and kept in a home where there are no other cats.

Pets with feline leukemia are more stressed than healthy ones. For a sick cat, it is advisable to purchase new toys or add new elements to the play space. This will help relieve her stress. A veterinarian will also help make the space more relaxing.

Because animals with FeLV have a weakened immune system, they should not be fed raw food. Instead, give your cat complete and balanced dry and/or canned food.

Viral leukemia in cats: how to prevent it

The feline leukemia vaccine can prevent the disease. Keeping the cat away from infected animals will also help. If the cat does go outside, it is better to walk it on a leash or provide a fenced area for walking. 

FeLV vaccination is considered lifestyle related, i.e. optional. Its necessity, as well as the pros and cons, should be discussed with a veterinarian.

Although it can be emotionally difficult to hear a diagnosis of feline leukemia virus, it is important to remain calm and work out the best course of action with your veterinarian. The best thing to do is to follow his advice inside and out.

See also:

Symptoms and treatment of mycoplasmosis in cats

Why a cat sneezes: all possible reasons

Why does a cat have watery eyes: causes and treatment