13264 Pond Springs Road

Austin, Texas 78729

(512) 258-2024 - Voice

FELINE LEUKEMIA

What is Feline Leukemia?

Feline leukemia is a virus that is considered the most important infectious disease agent producing fatal illness in cats.  The virus belongs to a family known as the retrovirus.  It is related to other fatal viruses such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).  The virus is shed in saliva and tears.  It can also be present in the urine and feces of infected animals.  This means that cat-to-cat contact such as sharing food and water bowls or grooming behaviors can be a source of disease transmission.

What are the signs of feline leukemia?

Common symptoms produced by the feline leukemia virus include depression, weight loss, decreased appetite, diarrhea or constipation, enlarged lymph nodes, respiratory distress, or excessive drinking and urination.  Cancer occurs in some cats that are infected with leukemia.  This virus also interferes with a cat’s natural ability to ward off other diseases and makes the cat very susceptible to picking up other infections.

How is feline leukemia diagnosed?

There are some blood tests that can be run to determine if a cat has come in contact with the virus.  One test typically can be run in your veterinarian’s office and is very sensitive to any exposure to the virus.  If the cat tests positive with this test, it means that the cat has been exposed to the virus, but the virus may not permanently infect it.  A cat can occasionally fight off an exposure.  This means that if the test is repeated in about 12 weeks, the cat could be negative.  If a second positive result is obtained, this means that the infection has passed a “point of no return” and will probably develop signs of feline leukemia at some point in the future. 

A negative feline leukemia test means that:  (1) the cat has never been exposed to feline leukemia, (2) has overcome a previous infection, or (3) are incubating the disease and do not currently have any virus in the bloodstream.

Is there a cure?

No.  There is currently no cure for an infected cat.  There is a vaccine to aid in the protection from feline leukemia.  The vaccine is as safe as other commonly used feline vaccines.  The vaccines are reasonably effective in preventing persistent feline leukemia infection.  No vaccine is 100 percent effective, but the immune response produced by these vaccines will protect most exposed cats from becoming infected with the virus.

Kittens should be vaccinated twice starting at about 8-10 weeks of age with a second vaccine given 3 weeks later.  Cats should receive annual vaccination boosters.

What should I do if my cat tests positive for feline leukemia?

A positive test has many different interpretations so it is important to seek advice from your veterinarian.  I do recommend a second test 6-12 weeks after the initial positive test result.  The cat should be isolated from other cats during this time because the cat is a potential source of infection for other cats.  If both tests are positive, the cat should always be considered contagious.  The virus can lay dormant in an infected cat for a long period of time.  Therefore it is difficult to predict when an infected cat may show symptoms of the disease. An infected cat is generally more susceptible to other diseases and infections. If the cat becomes ill, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

My only cat just died of feline leukemia.  Is it safe to bring a new cat into my home?

The feline leukemia virus is relatively unstable and will not survive for very long outside of a cat’s body.  This means that there is little virus left behind in the house to cause disease.  In order to be safe, I recommend a waiting period of about 1 month before bringing home a new cat.  I also recommend replacing the food and water bowls as well as the litter box.

For additional information, please e-mail kpercival@cathospitalofaustin.com.

Number of Times this Page has been Viewed