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FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS

    Years ago, we took in a handsome stray that began to develop all sorts of physical ailments. After many visits to various veterinarians, several prescriptions, and much heartache, one of the vets suggested testing the cat for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). This was our first cat and we were quite ignorant about FeLV. We couldn't understand how "leukemia" could be contagious. Unfortunately, the cat tested positive, and became so ill we had no choice but to put him to sleep. Shortly after that, we adopted another stray, learned all we could about FeLV, and when a vaccine became widely available and was deemed safe for pet cats, we were among the first in line to vaccinate our cat. Since then, we routinely test for FeLV in strays we bring in and update all our cats' shots annually.

A Species Specific Virus

    Feline Leukemia Virus is just that - a virus that is contagious to cats. It is species specific meaning that you cannot get it, and neither can your dog, bird, or guinea pig. It is transmitted from one cat to another through saliva, urine, feces, mucus and blood. Although the virus does not live long outside of the host, it is still considered highly contagious and is perhaps responsible for the greatest number of deaths in domestic cats. Outdoor cats are highly susceptible to the virus. (A vet in our area told us that perhaps as many as 50 percent of strays are infected with the feline leukemia virus.) Indoor cats can contract it as well, although the likelihood is far less. (Some vets believe that FeLV can be transmitted from an outdoor infected cat to an indoor cat that is sitting by a screened window. Others debate this issue, saying the virus is too fragile to be transmitted in the air.)

What FeLV Does and How to Protect Against It

    Feline Leukemia Virus suppresses the cat's immune system causing the cat to contract various diseases that it has difficulty recovering from. (Our cat contracted a severe respiratory infection that he was unable to fight off.) Unfortunately, the symptoms of FeLV are difficult to diagnose since the cat shows symptoms of opportunistic viruses or other illnesses. However, feline leukemia virus is easily diagnosed through a blood test. Our recommendation is that if you adopt a stray, and already have a cat, keep the stray isolated until you can get it to a vet for testing. Give it separate food and water bowls and a separate litter box. Wash your hands after each contact with the stray, especially if you are going to be with your other cat. (We've gone so far as to isolate the stray and kept a change of clothing in the room with it, which we wore only when we were with the stray.) These precautions are necessary even if your pet has been vaccinated against FeLV. It is a sad fact that the FeLV vaccine is not 100 percent effective in safeguarding cats against the virus. (Percentages of effectiveness vary, depending on with whom you speak, but seem to fall in the general area of 75 to 85 percent.)

    A cat that tests positive for FeLV can live for years with the virus. It will always be contagious, however, so it is necessary to keep it away from uninfected cats in a multi-cat household. Today, most shelters and breeders test their cats for FeLV and will give you written documentation that the cat you adopt or buy tests negative for the virus. Please note, however, that young kittens have immunities from their mothers. Therefore, a young kitten that was recently exposed to the virus might not test positive for it initially. Retesting is recommended and your vet will suggest an appropriate time frame for this. In the meantime, again, if the kitten is brought into an environment where there are other cats, keep it isolated until the second test results are in.

    The Feline Leukemia Virus vaccination, although not 100 percent effective, is the best way to protect your cat from this deadly disease. We are certain that you, especially if you are reading this article, are interested in eradicating FeLV entirely. Vaccinate your cats and speak with your vet for more information.

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