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FELINE LEUKEMIA IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CAUSES OF ILLNESS AND DEATH AMONG CATS.1 Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)-infected cats are 62x more likely to develop lymphoma than noninfected cats and can contribute to other infectious diseases or anemia by suppressing the immune system and bone marrow production.1
Which cats should be tested? • All cats—at least once • All kittens • Any new cat brought into a household with other cats • Sick cats • Cats with signs of FeLV-associated disorders, such as cancer, anemia, and immune disease • Cats exposed to FeLV
PDF FeLV Handout 2026
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is not transmissible to humans or any animal except other cats . FeLV weakens the cat's immune system. FeLV-positive cats typically have more difficulty fighting off disease and infections than FeLV-negative cats . According to research, 83% of FeLV-positive cats do not live beyond 4 years after diagnosis. The other 17% are considered carriers, where the disease lies ...
Ideally, infected and non-infected cats should then be separated to eliminate the potential for FeLV transmission. This brochure was prepared by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401.
PDF Feline Leukemia Virus
Feline Leukemia Virus What Is the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)? First discovered in the 1960s, feline leukemia virus is a transmittable RNA retrovirus that can severely inhibit a cat's immune system. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of disease and death in domestic cats .
What You Need to Know Once one of the most devastating and deadly diseases in cats , the number of cases of Feline Leukemia has been reduced dramatically over the past 25 years thanks to the use of vaccines to effectively protect at-risk cats from becoming infected with this often fatal virus .
PDF Feline Leukemia Virus Infection
Leukemia Fibrosarcomas (cancer that develops from fibrous tissue)—in pets co-infected with mutated sarcoma virus ; most frequently in young cats Disorders usually affecting the nerves to the legs and paws (known as "peripheral neuropathies"); progressive wobbly, incoordinated or "drunken" appearing gait or movement (known as "ataxia")
Feline leukemia virus infects cats world-wide. FeLV can suppress the immune system, decreasing the ability of a cat to fight infections. The virus can also cause several types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma. In the United States, about 2%-3% of all cats are infected with FeLV. The viral infection is diagnosed by a blood test performed at a veterinary clinic. How do cats get this virus ?
PDF FeLV Fact SheetCurrent 2025
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Fact Sheet What is Feline Leukemia Virus ? Feline leukemia virus , also known as "FeLV," is a contagious retrovirus that only infects cats . With progression of infection, it is known to cause a variety of diseases.
Feline Leukemia is especially dangerous to young cats.1 Kittens can contract the disease from their mothers while nursing or still in the womb.1 to helping you make the right choic PUREVAX® Recombinant FeLV vaccine. adjuvants, which are additives, helping to reduce potential risks to feline patients, such as injectio site reactions and chronic ...