Feline Leukaemia Virus - what you need to know

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) is a virus which gradually affects the cat's immune system so that they become more vulnerable to common ailments. It can also cause leukaemia and cancers in any of the main organs in the body. There is no cure and infected cats will die early. It is a heart breaking diagnosis to make especially in a young new pet.

wFeLV only affects cats and so poses no risk to humans and other pets.

wCats can harbour the infection for months or even years before showing signs but most will show signs within 3 years.

wThe virus is widespread in the cat population and is the main cause of premature death in cats.

wThe virus is mainly spread by direct contact with an infected cat or through the saliva if they groom each other.

wThe virus does not survive for long outside the animal and once an infected cat has been removed from the home, there should be little risk for new cats coming into the household. Nevertheless, bleach all feeding bowls and litter trays etc before introducing a new cat.

wKittens can be infected by their mother. Kittens less than 4 months old are particularly at risk.

wInfected cats can harbour and shed the virus for long periods before becoming ill and are a major source of infection for others.

wThe signs of FeLV are fever, lethargy, weight loss, breathing problems, anaemia, neurological signs, firm swellings of the lymph nodes (felt under the chin, behind the knees and in front of the shoulder), sore mouth and gums.

wIf your cat tests positive through a simple blood test performed at the surgery, it is advised that you:

1. Keep your cat indoors to minimise exposure to other diseases and to prevent your cat from affecting other cats.

2. Keep your cat in a quiet, stress-free, comfortable environment and provide a healthy good-quality diet.

3. Isolate infected cats from other cats in your home even if they have been vaccinated.

4. All other cats which have been in contact with a FeLV positive cat should be tested immediately and then 12 weeks later to assess their status.

wVaccination of FeLV positive cats is of no benefit. It is therefore recommended that cats with a significant risk of having been exposed to FeLV be tested for FeLV antigen before they are vaccinated. If they test negative, they can be vaccinated, while test positive cats should be isolated and retested after 1-2 months. Cats positive at the second testing are given a poor prognosis while those negative at the second testing should be revaccinated since, in all likelihood, they have overcome the infection.

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