Feline leukemia (FeLV) causes some blood disorders and weakens the immune system in cats. In feline leukemia, the main thing that shortens cats’ lives is increased vulnerability to contagious diseases and exposure to other cats. The virus survives poorly outside the cat and is readily inactivated by disinfectants, soap, and desiccation.
Feline leukemia causes various blood disorders, but most importantly, causes a state of immunodeficiency. Being passed through saliva, blood, and milk, it is highly contagious among cats.1 Adopted strays should be tested for feline leukemia.2 Cats who have FeLV can be supported with immune-system-boosting drugs, good nutrition, and an indoor life free of contact with other cats.
Physical examination findings in cats with progressive FeLV infection vary dramatically depending on the stage of infection and the secondary disease process present. Infection with FeLV is often diagnosed when healthy cats are screened for infection.
Survival times vary considerably depending on the stage of infection, host immunity, and the strain of FeLV involved. Nevertheless, virtually all cats that are progressively infected with FeLV go on to develop FeLV-related disease within 5 years of diagnosis.3
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