Ask The Vet

Question - What is Feline Leukemia?  Is my cat at risk? 
 

Feline leukemia virus is a very serious, often fatal, infection affecting cats of all ages.  The feline leukemia virus affects cats in different ways.   In some cats, it will weaken their immune system, making them more susceptible to other diseases.  In other cats, it will cause leukemia, lymphoma, or other types of cancer.  In very rare cases, the immune system may be able to fight off the virus and clear it from the system.  Many cats will become infected at a young age but not show any signs of illness for many years.  Once a cat becomes infected with feline leukemia virus, there is no cure, only managing the symptoms and treating secondary illnesses they may develop.
 

Feline leukemia virus is transmitted from cat to cat through direct contact and bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, and urine.  Many cats will contract feline leukemia virus from fighting or mating with an infected cat.  Kittens can become infected at birth or from nursing an infected queen and housemates can spread the virus through regular grooming of each other.
 

Because there is no cure for feline leukemia, prevention is the best defense.  Before you bring a new cat or kitten into your household, it is recommended to have him or her tested for feline leukemia.  Like most animal shelters, Friends of Animals tests all cats and kittens that come into the shelter before exposing them to any other cats.  If your cat tests negative, your veterinarian can give a vaccination that will protect your cat from contracting feline leukemia from another cat.  Because of the high risk of exposure, all cats that spend time outside should be vaccinated against feline leukemia.  It is also strongly recommended to vaccinate all kittens under one year of age because they are most susceptible at this age and even if you intend to keep them strictly indoors at all times, it only takes one time of sneaking out for a kitten to become infected.  If your cat is at high risk (spends time outside, used for breeding, or in contact with outdoor cats), it should be vaccinated yearly and should be retested if it becomes sick or if there has been over a one year gap between vaccinations.
 

Feline leukemia is a very serious, but preventable disease.  Call your veterinarian today to ask if your cat should be tested and vaccinated.