How to Care for a Cat with Feline Leukemia. / 5 minutes of reading. When you first hear the words feline leukemia, your heart sinks. The diagnosis can feel heavy, but it doesnt mean your cat cant live a safe, happy, and fulfilling life.
Feline leukemia (or FeLV) is the leading viral killer of cats. It weakens the immune system, increases susceptibility to other diseases, causes blood disorders and is the most common cause of cancer in cats.
Diagnosing Feline Leukemia Virus. Your veterinarian can diagnose the disease by conducting a simple blood test called an ELISA, which identifies FeLV proteins in the blood. This test is highly sensitive and can identify cats with very early infections.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common and important infectious diseases in cats, affecting between 2-3% of all cats in the United States and Canada. Infection rates are significantly higher (up to 30%) in cats that are ill or otherwise at high risk (see below).
Diagnosis and Treatment. Feline leukemia is diagnosed via a blood test that detects a protein found in the virus. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease. Many infected cats die within two to three years of being diagnosed.
