Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

 

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the most common and destructive of all cat viruses. It is highly contagious and is spread primarily by saliva during cat fights, grooming, or mating. Blood, urine, and feces also spread this virus. Kittens may become infected while still in the womb, when the mother bites off the umbilical cord, or during nursing. The act of sharing the same food dish or litter box can also transmit the virus. Not all cats exposed to FeLV become infected. About 33% of exposed cats have immune systems that can destroy the invading virus. About 33% of cats develop a latent infection, with the virus remaining inactive in their bone marrow with the potential to become active later in life when the cat becomes ill from another disease, is under stress, or is exposed to certain drugs. The remaining 33% of exposed cats become persistently infected. Of the cats persistently infected about 25% will die within one year and 75% will die within 3 years. Some may live a normal life but tend to have various chronic illnesses.

 

Symptoms:

There are no signs specific for FeLV infection. The main effect of the virus is to disrupt the cat’s immune system. While anemia is the most common disorder caused by the virus, cancer and various other diseases are commonly associated with FeLV including chronic respiratory disease, chronic infection of the mouth or eyes, frequent or chronic skin disease, reproductive disease, frequent or chronic urinary tract infections, chronic digestive tract disease and other systemic diseases.

 

Prevention:

Vaccination before exposure to the virus is the best means of preventing FeLV infection. Without vaccination, isolation from other cats is the only means of prevention.

 

Important Facts:

  • Infected cats are at high risk for developing cancer or other life-threatening diseases.
  • Indoor cats are at moderate risk for acquiring FeLV infection.
  • Outdoor cats are at high risk for acquiring FeLV infection.
  • Currently there is no uniformly effective treatment for cats infected with FeLV.
  • Ask us to test any new cat or kitten before bringing it into your household.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

 

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) affects the cat’s immune system much the same way HIV affects humans. Therefore, it is often called feline AIDS. The disease causes the cat’s immune system to weaken, making it more vulnerable to other infections. There is no evidence to suggest that FIV can be transmitted from cats to humans or other animals. Leading veterinary researchers believe that FIV is most commonly transmitted through bite wounds. Adult, free-roaming male cats are at the highest risk for FIV because they tend to fight with other cats.

 

Several studies have been conducted to understand the prevalence of FIV. Research to date suggests that 10-20% of sick cats carry the virus. Among the high-risk cat population (outdoor cats or cats exposed to outdoor cats), the infection rate is estimated to be around 5%.

 

Symptoms:

The infection occurs in 2 stages. During the initial phase of the disease, many FIV-infected cats appear healthy. Therefore, many cats go through Stage 1 with the disease unnoticed by their owners. Generally, problems are not detected until Stage 2, when the immune system weakens and other infections occur. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of  other diseases such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). Common signs of Stage 1 of the disease include enlargement of lymph nodes, fever, poor coat condition, and lethargy. Stage 2 signs consist of loss of appetite, weight loss, persistent diarrhea, oral lesions or sores, and skin, urinary, and upper respiratory infections. Diagnosis is made based on a cat’s history, clinical signs, and results from an FIV antibody test. Both in-clinic and laboratory tests are available. A positive test result indicates that a cat is infected with FIV and could transmit the virus to other cats. Once a cat is infected with FIV, it is infected for life.

 

Treatments:

No cure currently exists for the cats that have contracted the disease. In general, veterinarians recommend that pet owners confine FIV-positive cats indoors to reduce the chance of transmitting the disease to other cats and to limit exposure to infection. Neutering is also recommended to reduce the urge to roam and fight. Regular veterinary check-ups should be scheduled to monitor the cat’s condition and to treat any secondary infections as quickly as possible. In addition, pet owners should provide the cat with a healthy diet, plenty of fresh water, and a stress-free environment. Finally, treating the cat routinely with anti-parasitic medication is indicated due to being immuno-suppressed.

 

Prevention:

  • Keep your cats indoors
  • Neuter male cats to reduce the urge to roam and fight
  • Ask your veterinarian to test any new cat or kitten before bringing it into your household.