What is FELV?
Feline leukemia virus (FELV) is a viral disease in cats that spreads throughout the bloodstream where it continuously replicates itself.  FELV can cause leukemia, cancers and immunodeficiency. It is a species specific virus, which means it cannot be transmitted to people.

How is FELV transmitted?
Large amounts of FELV are excreted in the saliva. Therefore, the most common mode of transmission is through nose to nose contact, grooming, and shared food and water bowls. Since the virus is found in the bloodstream, it can also be transmitted through bite wounds. Smaller amounts of FELV can be found in tears, urine, and feces that make the litter box a source of infection in multi-cat households. Kittens can also be infected through nursing from an infected mother or even through the placenta before birth.

What are the symptoms of FELV?
Cats that become infected with FELV can have any combination of many symptoms.  Since so many body systems can be affected, clinical signs vary widely and can mimic other diseases. Loss of appetite, fever, weight loss, and weakness are the first signs most commonly seen in infected cats. FELV can also cause many disorders such as anemia, gastrointestinal problems, reproductive problems and various cancers. One such cancer is ocular lymphosarcoma which most commonly affects the uveal tract. Symptoms might include hyphema (blood in the eye), uveitis (inflammation of the internal structures of the eye), change in color of the iris or precipitates in the eye. Secondary glaucoma can also occur from the inflammatory cells blocking the aqueous drainage from the eye.

How is FELV treated?
There is currently no cure for FELV. Clinically ill FELV cats should be treated symptomatically.  They should also be kept indoors to avoid spreading the disease to other cats. Being indoors will also limit their exposure to other feline diseases.

Can FELV be prevented?
Although not 100% effective, there are vaccinations against FELV. Some veterinarians recommend that cats that go outdoors, are boarded, or are otherwise in contact with cats other than those in their household should be vaccinated.  Since outdoor cats are more likely to be infected with FELV, keeping your cat indoors helps to lessen the chance of exposure.