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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
FeLV is spread by contact with the bodily fluids of an infected cat—primarily saliva and urine. shared litter trays. FeLV can also spread through contact between a mother and her kittens, even before show few or no signs. Over time, FeLV can lead to cancer, severe blood disorders, and various infections associated with a w FeLV ONLY INFECTS CATS ,
Feline Leukemia Virus Brochure
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.
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 .
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 ...
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.
PDF Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
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 ?
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a virus that can infect cats . It was first discovered in cats that had leukemia , which is a cancer of circulating blood cells. Nowadays, we know that this virus does cause leukemia—one of the few known infections that can lead a cat to develop cancer—but most cats with feline leukemia virus are asymptomatic.
PDF FeLV and FIV
FeLV and FIV Sponsored by Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can cause many types of illness as well as death in infected cats . These viruses do not infect humans or other animals.
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")