Protect Your Cat from Cat Illnesses Like FeLv

Many cat illnesses are preventable these days due to the highly affective vaccines available.

As responsible cat owners it is important for us to know what diseases and illnesses our cats are vulnerable to and do everything we can to protect them. Here we will discuss one of the life threatening illnesses, FeLv or cat leukaemia as it is more commonly known

FeLv, what is it?

This cat illness is unfortunately quite common with between 1% to 10% of UK cat’s deaths being attributed to FeLv. It is a virus that affects only cats, it multiplies inside the cat and damages the white blood cells which then weakens the immune system, leaving them vulnerable to many different diseases.

It is not the FeLv virus itself that eventually kills the cat but the cat illnesses they contract because of it, such as cat leukaemia.

Leukaemia is a cancer and so in itself is not infectious, however it is caused by the cat virus that is.

Most cats build up antibodies, which reject the FeLv virus, but it is estimated that about 30% of cats are not able to fight off the virus and become infected.

These cats then become infectious themselves and can pass the infection on.

A FeLv positive cat will normally only live for up to a further 3 years after becoming infected, this is why it is one of the more feared cat illnesses and why cat owners need to know what causes it and how to prevent their cat from catching it.

How is FeLv spread?

This virus is spread from one cat to another by direct contact i.e. from licking each other.

It cannot be spread via cat bowls or bedding etc as the virus cannot survive outside of the body for long and is easily killed with disinfectant. It also cannot be passed to humans or other animals.

Any age of cat can catch the virus but kittens younger than 4 months are particularly vulnerable, as their immune system has not developed significantly to protect themselves against it so particular care should be taken.

However kittens born to a FeLv positive female are also likely to be infected.

How can I tell if my cat is infected?

There are no definite outward signs of the FeLv virus in itself, but there are a few warning signs that may suggest that something is wrong in the long term.

They are: Ill health is common and keeps on reoccurring Recovery times from minor illnesses take longer and longer Listlessness and fever Spontaneous abortion of kittens

If you are the least bit concerned that your cat may be infected then the only way to diagnose the FeLv virus is via a blood test.

Your vet will carry out a quick test that will show if a part of the virus known as the p27 is present. If it is then a second test will be carried out.

This second test is called a virus isolation test, this is where the virus is grown in a cell culture and will confirm or deny the presence of the infection.

The second test is very important, as up to 50% of the first blood tests taken by the vet are false positives.

Is there a treatment for FeLv?

Unfortunately there is no cure for the virus in itself. Symptoms can be treated by the vet but in the long run the cat will become very sick and die within three years.

Often Vets will suggest that it is kinder to put them to sleep rather than put them through any further distress. It will also help to prevent the virus from being spread to other cats.

Protecting your cat from the FeLv virus is the best option for all us caring owners.

There are several vaccines available and your vet will discuss with you which one is best for your cat. The vaccines can be given at the same time as the cat flu vaccine and should be given from 9 weeks old.

Although the vaccine is very good at protecting your cat, no vaccine is ever 100% effective and so FeLv cats should never be mixed with healthy vaccinated cats.

It is also good to remember that you should still have your cat tested regularly for FeLv even after they have been vaccinated; it is better to be safe than sorry.

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