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Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) is an organism that is transferred between cats by grooming each other, or sharing common water or food bowls. It most commonly affects young cats and causes an immunodeficiency, which makes cats more vulnerable to other diseases (just like with feline AIDS), and predisposes to certain types of cancer. There is no treatment, but there is a vaccine for prevention.
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What are the signs of FeLV infection?
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Most cats diagnosed with FeLV show non-specific signs of weightloss, depression, or anorexia, or show signs associated with disease in specific organs. Since all organ systems can be affected, signs are wide-ranging and include vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing problems, excessive urination and drinking, eye problems, nervous system problems, lameness, or fertility problems.
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Does exposure to FeLV always lead to infection?
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No, since 30% cats mount an immune response, which eliminates the virus. However, in some cats this response is insufficient to eliminate the virus, and leads to a carrier state, where virus is present in the body but disease does not occur unless the immune system is suppressed. In 30% of cats the virus replicates and is present in the blood – most of these cats die within 2 to 3 years of a FeLV-related illness.
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How is FeLV diagnosed?
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A blood test is used to diagnose FeLV. However, some exposed cats that eventually mount an immune response, which eliminates the virus, may test positive while mounting this immune response. Therefore, a second test 3 months later may be required to confirm persistent infection. Other blood tests may show abnormalities depending on the disease syndrome that is present. Younger cats are most at risk, with kittens less than 4 months old being the most susceptible. Most cases of FeLV are seen in multiple cat households.
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Is there any treatment for FeLV?
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The virus cannot be eliminated, but there may be treatment for the disease that is present. For example, chemotherapy can be used to treat cancer induced by FeLV, or antibiotics for infections, or blood transfusions for anaemia. However, infected cats will die within 2 - 3 years.
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How can I prevent FeLV infection?
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Since cats require contact with infected cats to be exposed, housing cats indoors will prevent infection. A vaccine is available, and is recommended for kittens at 9 weeks of age. A booster is given in 3 - 4 weeks and then it is incorporated into the annual vaccination. If an adult cat is starting the vaccine, it is recommended to have a blood test first to ensure they are not already infected, as vaccination does not benefit infected cats.
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What should I do if my cat has FeLV?
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If your cat is healthy, or has a treatable associated disease, being FeLV positive is not an immediate death sentence. Your cat may live for a couple more years in good health before it becomes sick. Do not allow your cat access outdoors where it may infect other cats and pick up other infections. Isolate it from other household cats to prevent mutual grooming and don’t allow it to share food or water bowls with other cats.
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Editor: Dr Julia Adams BVSc
Contributor: Dr Rebecca Bragg BVSc
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