Feline leukemia virus is a retrovirus that infects cats. FeLV can be transmitted from infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved.
A cat with progressive infection is most at risk of developing these clinical signs, but a cat with regressive infection can also develop FeLV associated diseases if the virus reactivates.
However because the virus is not fully eliminated, FeLV may reactivate spontaneously or after stress, leading to viremia (active virus in the blood stream) and a renewed risk of FeLV-rekated diseases. These cats are said to have regressive FeLV infection.
Feline leukemia virus is transmitted between cats via infected saliva and urine. Direct contact with these body fluids, mutual grooming, shared litter boxes and food dishes, and fighting (bite wounds) all expose uninfected cats to the virus.
Learn how cats behave when they have feline leukemia. Understand signs, symptoms, and care to help manage this serious viral condition in felines.
Feline leukemia (or FeLV) is the leading viral killer of cats. It weakens the immune system, increases susceptibility to other diseases, causes blood disorders and is the most common cause of cancer in cats.
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) in cats is a serious and widespread retroviral infection that directly affects cats' immune systems , blood cells, and organ functions.FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) is one of the most easily transmitted viral diseases in cats.
