The feline leukemia virus, also known as FeLV, usually affects kittens rather than adult cats. In is one of the most common causes of cancer and can also cause blood disorders. The virus can also damage your cat’s immune system and leave him vulnerable to other infections.

Transmission

FeLV is transmitted in nasal secretion and saliva produced by infected cats. It can also be passed along through contact with feces, urine, and milk. Your cat can also contract the virus if he is bitten by an infected cat. The feline leukemia virus doesn’t survive long outside of the cat’s body. Therefore, it’s rarely transmitted through contact with litter boxes and food bowls.

Symptoms

It is no uncommon for a cat infected with the feline leukemia virus to show no symptoms. The virus can be present for months or years without causing any visible symptoms. As the disease progresses, your cat may loss his appetite and start to lose weight. He may also develop enlarged lymph nodes, diarrhea, seizures, and feline stomatitis.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the feline leukemia virus. Treatment of the disease mainly focuses on relieving pain so that your cat can live comfortably for the remainder of his life. Cats infected with the virus are prone to secondary bacterial infections, so antibiotics may be necessary. Your cat may also receive dietary supplements, blood transfusions, and chemotherapy drugs.

Prevention

There are various vaccines designed to protect against the feline leukemia virus. However, these vaccines aren’t 100% effective, so cats can develop a mild illness if they are exposed to FeLV. Kittens need to receive the first vaccination at 10 weeks old and a second one a month after. After that, the cat should receive annual booster shots.

One of the best ways to prevent your cat from contracting the virus is to keep him inside your home. Outside, he may come across other cats infected with the feline leukemia virus. These cats can easily pass along FeLV if they bite or scratch your cat. If you do allow your cat to go outside, you should monitor him to make sure he doesn’t come into contact with stray cats.