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The Feline Leukemia Virus and Your Cat’s Symptoms

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an often deadly virus that compromises the immune system of cats. There is no known cure for this disease, and to date, no treatments have been clinically proven to increase the longevity of otherwise healthy infected cats.

This disease has a varied list of symptoms and signs, many of which may be common to other illnesses and conditions. FeLV is a retrovirus, which means that it is able to insert copies of its own genetic material into the cells it has infected.

Fungi, viruses, and bacteria attack felines and humans alike on a regular basis. Most of the time, a healthy cat or person will fight them off. With a compromised immune system, however, bacteria, parasites, viral and other organisms are more likely to do your cat harm.

Secondary infections and diseases will cause problems with FeLV infected cats. These secondary infections and diseases make the symptom list for this illness quite varied. FeLV infected cats have a difficult time fighting off invaders, even common bacteria.

Some cats will experience no outward symptoms during the initial stages of the disease. Early FeLV symptoms may include general malaise, blood conditions, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

FeLV infected cats often will develop anemia. About 30 percent of infected cats will develop tumors. Leukemia and other forms of cancer are possible outcomes. Some cats may exhibit excessive urination and thirst, which is also common to other illnesses such as feline diabetes.

Additional feline leukemia virus symptoms may also include depression, diarrhea, and weight loss to the point of emaciation. Some cats may maintain a persistent low grade fever. Other symptoms include chronic recurring infections, jaundice, blood in the stool, and constipation.

There are two stages of feline leukemia virus. It’s possible that an infected cat may halt the progression of the disease at the first stage, but others are not so lucky.

Ultimately, for cats who reach the second stage of this disease, it is usually fatal. If your cat has FeLV, the only thing you can do is to treat the secondary diseases and infections, and attempt to strengthen the immune system of your cat.

In fact, it’s estimated that only about 2 to 3 percent of all cats are infected with FeLV. Infection rates are higher in high risk groups. The disease is transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat. Keeping your cat indoors and away from infected cats is a good precaution. Fortunately, if your cat is not in a high risk group, chances are limited that she will contract the disease.