Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus infecting cats and other felines. FeLV can be transmitted from infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved.
Transmission:
Cats infected with FeLV can serve as sources of infection, so the spread of the virus can be rapid in close quarters. Cats pass the virus between themselves through saliva and close contact, by biting another cat, through a litter box or food dish used by an infected cat. The virus does not live long outside the cat’s body — probably just a few hours. Grooming and fighting are considered the most common episodes for infection to spread.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis usually requires blood testing to confirm infection. However, early detection can help reduce the severity of infection and increase the chances of a full recovery. Symptoms may include:
- Anemia
- Lethargy
- Progressive weight loss
- Abscesses
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Persistent diarrhea
- Immune system failure
- Tumor development
