How to Care for a Cat with Feline Leukemia

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Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV) is a relatively common viral disease of cats. Some cats acquire this infection at a very young age by being born to an FELV-infected female cat, others contract this disease through direct contact with saliva from an infected cat. [1] Most cats with FELV lead full, normal lives, but these cats do have special environmental and health requirements and are susceptible to some health consequences once infected. [2]

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Confirming FeLV

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  1. Take your cat to a veterinary clinic so that your cat's blood can be drawn and tested. The test for FeLV is very sensitive and accurate; however, it is often necessary to retest the cat after four weeks to see if they are still positive, or have fought off the infection and are now immune.
    • They will often also test for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
    • The FELV (and FIV in cats 6 months of age or older) tests are routinely performed by animal shelters prior to adoptions, so the results of this testing should be included with the cats veterinary records when adopted.
    • If you found your cat or kitten, or obtained them from a private party, then viral testing should be part of your immediate health care plan. This is especially important if you plan to bring them to a home where cats already live.
  2. Cats who have recently come in contact with the virus may show signs of the initial viral infection, with non-specific signs such as low energy, fever, or a decreased appetite.
    • After the initial ‘viremia’ (virus multiplying in the bloodstream), some cats’ immune systems will actually fight off and clear the virus completely, others will progress into a persistently infected or ‘latent’ infection stage. At this stage, cats are often asymptomatic and can remain asymptomatic for many years. [3]
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  3. While the disease can be managed, and may even go into remission, flare-ups are always possible. FeLV can lead to cancers, ongoing susceptibility to infection, immune system suppression, and severe anemia. [4] It can also contribute to breeding abnormalities and arthritis abnormalities with red blood cells. [5]
  4. He or she can live for several years without the disease causing major problems if given appropriate care. [4] In some cases, the cat may even become leukemia-negative, meaning that they will live a long and happy life. [6]
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Part 2
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Caring for a Cat Diagnosed with FeLV

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  1. There is no treatment or ‘cure’ for this virus. [7] Vaccination against FELV will greatly increase your cats chances of clearing the infection if exposed instead of becoming persistently infected, which is most likely if your cat is unvaccinated. Cats can start a leukemia vaccine series as early as 8 weeks of age. [8] Boosters are given every 1-3 years depending on the amount of exposure risk, and the type of vaccination used.
  2. Do not treat him/her for all these things at once, or else the cat will just feel even worse. Wait a week or two before treating him/her for a second condition.
  3. If your cat is frightened or agitated by anything in your house, get rid of the cause. Ask your family and friends to be quiet and to avoid being loud when inside the house.
    • Keep your cat's environment warm enough. He/she may need more warmth than a non-infected cat. Snug blankets and sleeping areas are essential.
  4. Higher-quality food will improve your cat's condition and is an assurance that your cat is getting the required nutrients that cheaper food lacks. Do not feed any home or commercially prepared raw diets as cats with FELV have a compromised immune system and could become ill from harmful bacteria this way. [9]
    • Don’t feed solely fish, as this is lacking in many essential nutrients.
  5. Keep all of your cat's litter boxes, food bowls, water bowls, etc. very clean. This means daily cleaning, without fail. If you're not around to do it, someone else must be tasked with this chore.
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Part 3
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Limiting Spread

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  1. The FELV virus does not survive for long outside of the infected cat, but may be passed by hands, clothes or other objects. [10] Practice good personal hygiene and wash your hands if touching different cats, especially if you pet or handle a known FELV positive cat.
    • The FELV virus does not infect people.
  2. FeLV is spread through blood, saliva, and excrement. Outdoor cats are at higher risk of contracting this disease, due to the increased likelihood of coming into contact with infected cats. [4]
    • Cats pass the virus on to one another through mutual grooming, nose-to-nose contact and bites. [4] Sharing the same food and water bowls can also pass on the infection. [4] [11]
  3. This will help to prevent passing on the infection to any newborn cats or cats sought through mating.
    • Make sure that the clinic you take your cat to for this operation knows that your cat has FeLV. They'll take extra care of your cat and provide the appropriate sterilization of the operating room and instruments.
  4. If they're free of the infection, have them vaccinated. Be aware that vaccination doesn't necessarily mean that they can be with your sick cat just yet; wait a while before doing that so the vaccine takes effect; ask your vet for exact details.
    • The vaccine is effective if given prior to the cat getting the disease. [5]
    • All household cats should get a booster every one to three years, as advised after risk assessment by a veterinarian.
  5. If you have a kitten in the same house as your sick cat, then give the kitten the first vaccine when it is eight to nine weeks old. Give the second one three to four weeks later.
  6. They might not like being separated from their friends, but it's best for all of them until your cat is feeling better. [12] And unfortunately, even with vaccination (it's not 100 percent effective), persistent contact with the infected cat may well lead to another uninfected cat getting the disease; [4] it is better to avoid this possibility.
    • Bites and scratches are common routes of transmission, but even friendly interactions, such as touching faces, sharing food or water dishes and grooming one another can result in infection. [13]
    • Avoid getting another cat. The less cats you have, the less chances the infection has to spread.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Ongoing Care

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  1. The longer a cat lives and is infected with FELV, the more likely they are to develop certain types of ocular problems, oral infections, blood diseases, and cancer. [14] Infected cats should have a physical examination and blood counts twice yearly. A more comprehensive blood, urine, and fecal examination should be performed once yearly. [15]
    • Your vet will ensure that the cat receives the required regular vaccinations, including rabies if that is relevant to your location.
    • The 6-monthly checkups are vital, even if you see no signs of sickness in your cat. [4]
  2. If you're worried and upset, your cat will pick up on this. [6] Keep calm, provide a comfortable and darkened carrier for your cat and travel during light traffic periods so that you're not stuck inside the car for longer than is required to get there and back. Reassure your cat while at the vet's and be in his/her sight at all times the vet allows. Set aside fears––the vet is on your side and will do the best by your cat.
  3. Any sign of illness should garner prompt attention as the outcome is likely to be better the earlier problems are detected and addressed.
    • Ask your vet for an up-to-date list of things to watch for in terms of disease progression. When you notice anything that might be on this list, contact your vet to discuss any needed changes in care arrangements for your cat.
    • Be aware that you need to spot secondary infections quickly, as your cat's immunocompromised system will mean he/she will likely be more affected than a non-FeLV infected cat and the earlier treatment is given, the greater the chance your cat has of getting over it sooner. [4]
  4. Play with your cat, give him/her attention (when he/she wants it), and make sure that your cat is always comfortable and happy.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    If a cat has feline leukemia and severe anemia (white gums) could this be fatal?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Unfortunately, this does sound a serious complication. It could be the anemia is as a result of the feline leukemia virus becoming more active, and the cat is liable to be weak with a poor immune system, meaning they are more vulnerable to infection or issues related to anemia.
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  • Question
    How much does the vaccine cost?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    The feline leukemia vaccine is often combined with other protection (such as against cat flu and feline distemper) rather than given as a vaccine by itself. If your cat is already vaccinated against flu and distemper but not leukemia, the most economic way to get them vaccinated is to ask for it to be included with the routine vaccination, in which case the additional cost is minimal. Prices vary among clinics, so phone yours and they will be happy to tell you the exact charge.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    My cat has feline leukemia and started vomiting everything up. What is the best food to give her?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Offer a bland diet, such as white meats like chicken, cod, coley, or turkey. However, get her checked by a vet. One of the problems with feline leukemia is that the immune system is less able to fight off infections, and signs of illness, such as vomiting, should be treated sooner rather than later.
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      Tips

      • FeLV spreads more typically in situations where there are many cats, such as catteries, cat shows, and in breeding colonies. [5] [4] Reputable catteries will ask for proof of vaccinations from all clients, while breeding colonies are often handled by animal welfare groups who will sometimes adopt out some of the cats. If you adopt a kitten or cat from such organizations, ask them about the kitten's or cat's health background. They will explain the vaccination history, etc.
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      • If your cat refuses to eat, try making a game out of eating food. Throw bits of cat food across the floor. Your cat will run after it and might even eat it.
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      Warnings

      • While the virus that causes Feline Leukemia Virus cannot live long outside the cat's body, practice proper hygiene after touching or handling your cat so that you don't transmit it unwittingly to other cats. Always wash your hands with soap after contact with pets.
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      • Do not feed your cat raw meat, eggs, unpasteurized products, or chocolate. Their immune system by be compromised by FeLV, so they will be more susceptible to other health problems.
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      • Don't be afraid to keep handling your cat. There is no evidence that this virus can be transmitted to humans. [4]
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      References

      1. ↑ Natalie Punt, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 14 September 2021.
      2. ↑ AAFP - Feline Retrovirus Management Guidelines
      3. ↑ Greene et. al, Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat
      4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 The Merck Manual for Pet Health, Home Edition, pp. 533-536, (2007), ISBN 978-0-911910-99-5
      5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Angela Sayer and Howard Loxton, Encyclopedia of the Cat , pp. 146-147, (1999), ISBN 0-600-59909-4
      6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Anitra Frazier, The Natural Cat , pp. 382-384 (2008), ISBN 978-0-452-28975-8
      7. ↑ Greene et. al, Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat
      8. ↑ American Association of Feline Practitioners 2006 Feline Vaccination Guidelines
      9. ↑ AAFP, Feline Retrovirus Management Guidelines
      1. ↑ Greene et. al, Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat
      2. ↑ Natalie Punt, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 14 September 2021.
      3. ↑ Natalie Punt, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 14 September 2021.
      4. ↑ Greene et. al, Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat
      5. ↑ Greene et. al, Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat
      6. ↑ AAFP, Feline Retrovirus Management Guidelines

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      It can be hard to learn that your cat has feline leukemia, but there are ways you can care for your cat after a diagnosis. Keep your cat current on any medications to prevent fleas, ticks, worms, or ear mites, since these will add to its discomfort while it’s ill. Provide the cat with a soft, warm place to rest, and try to avoid loud noises or anything else which may startle or stress it. Avoid feeding your cat raw foods, as its immune system won’t be able to fight off bacteria in the food, and keep its living environment and food area are always kept very clean. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to minimize the spread of the disease to other cats, read on!

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