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Feline leukemia virus:

It’s the infectious disease responsible for more deaths among cats than any other infectious virus.  Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an infection which affects domestic cats and some wild cats, too.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • There are three types of the feline leukemia virus.  Type A occurs in all FeLV infected cats.  This type of feline leukemia causes a weakened immune system.
  • Type B occurs in about half of all infected feline leukemia cases.  This causes more tumors and abnormal tissue growths than cats only infected with Type A of the feline leukemia virus.
  • Type C affects a very small population, about 1% of infected feline leukemia cases, and causes anemia.
  • After the initial infection, the virus starts infecting the tonsils and lymph nodes and spreads through the bloodstream to other parts of the body where the virus continues to attack the cat’s system. 
  • Sick cats are more likely than healthy cats to be infected with the feline leukemia virus, male cats are more likely to be infected than females, and younger cats are more likely to be infected with the feline leukemia virus than older cats. The average age of infection is a three year old cat.
  • The feline leukemia virus usually affects through infected saliva. It can also spread through infected urine, tears and feces.  Methods of transitions can include bite wounds, blood transfusions, shared food dishes and water bowls, and shared litter boxes.
  • Note: the feline leukemia virus can not be transmitted to humans.

Sadly, there is no known cure for feline leukemia nor a known treatment.  For more information about the feline leukemia virus and your overall cat’s health, contact your local veterinarian expert.