{"id":1478,"date":"2020-05-08T12:38:42","date_gmt":"2020-05-08T11:38:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=1478"},"modified":"2022-01-04T14:48:24","modified_gmt":"2022-01-04T14:48:24","slug":"felv-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/felv-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"The Basics of FeLV in Cats: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

FeLV in cats<\/span> is one of the most devastating infectious diseases that affect cats globally, and it\u2019s the second most common cause of death among cats. <\/span><\/p>\n

It manifests through inadequate immune response, leading to persistent infections, anemia, and, eventually, malignancies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FeLV primarily affects<\/span> intact domestic cats<\/span><\/a>, but other cats are also prone to the disease. Also, cancer is not the only cause of death among FeLV-positive felines \u2013 they often succumb to minor FeLV-induced infections as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, <\/span>feline leukemia in cats<\/span> isn\u2019t necessarily a death sentence. Cats may cope with secondary infections successfully and live relatively regular lives. Another good news is that FeLV is preventable, but the thing is, not all cat owners are aware of that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, we\u2019ve researched the most critical FeLV facts and put them together for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is <\/span>FeLV in Cats<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

FeLV is a retrovirus belonging to the family of oncoviruses along with other destructive viruses (such as feline sarcoma virus, mouse leukemia viruses, as well as some of the human viruses). <\/span><\/p>\n

While the development of cancerous lesions is unquestionably one of the most severe FeLV consequences, it also results in other conditions such as repetitive infections, extreme neurological conditions, urinary system problems, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

The lifespan of the virus<\/span><\/h3>\n

Outside of the host organism, FeLV isn\u2019t expected to survive for more than a couple of hours. Possibly, it will endure for two days under ideal conditions, but that is its topmost life span. Plus, just like any other virus, FeLV is highly vulnerable to heat and surfactants.<\/span><\/p>\n

FeLV Transmission<\/span><\/h2>\n

Unlike FIV, the other dangerous feline virus with somewhat similar consequences, which can only be transmitted by entering the cat\u2019s bloodstream, FeLV is spread easily.<\/span><\/p>\n

In short, the transmission is possible through any form of physical contact. In other words, sexual contact is not needed for this to happen. The virus is spread through interactive activities, such as grooming, sharing food dishes, using the same litter box, etc.).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, <\/span>FeLV in cats<\/span> is unavoidably transmitted through aggressive contact such as biting. If a cat infected with FeLV gives birth to kittens, all of them will be affected as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Risk Factors<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cats that interact with the infected cats are at the most considerable risk of getting infected with FeLV. Out of all the cats that come in contact with the infection carriers, kittens and younger cats are most likely to contract it. <\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, feral, strays, and pet cats allowed to wander around are the ones most exposed to the virus. This increases their risk of catching the virus, even though they have better chances of not getting it if they live in a single-cat household.<\/span><\/p>\n

FeLV Symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n

As previously mentioned, FeLV is a retrovirus<\/a>. These are the viruses able to transform the genetic material of the infected cells and turn them into tiny virus workshops. <\/span><\/p>\n

Such means of virus replication requires a significant amount of time, which is why infected cats may not show any symptoms at first. However, once they do, you will usually notice the following:<\/span><\/p>\n