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The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a highly dangerous and usually deadly virus that affects the immune system of your cat. Unfortunately, there is no known treatment that is consistently effective against this disease.

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.

Healthy cats, like healthy people, are attacked by organisms all the time. Most of the time, both felines and humans can fight them off. When your cat’s immune system is compromised, however, opportunistic infections and parasitic organisms are more likely to thrive and cause damage.

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.

Initially, symptoms of FeLV may include blood disorders, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and general malaise. It’s possible for some cats, however, to experience no symptoms at the early stage.

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 to this disease. Upon initial infection, some cats will fight off the illness and it will not progress to the second stage. Other cats will not be so fortunate and the disease will progress.

If your cat has FeLV that has reached the second stage, the only thing you can do is to treat the secondary diseases and infections, and attempt to strengthen the immune system of your cat. Unfortunately, the disease is usually fatal.

According to professional sources, FeLV infections exist in about 2 to 3 percent of all cats. Infection rates are higher in high risk groups. If your cat is not in a high risk group, chances are limited that she will contract the disease. Since the disease is transmitted through contact with infected cats, keeping your cat indoors and away from infected cats is a good preventive measure.

Tags: Pets

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