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Adopting FeLV-positive Cats
Living in shelters can be challenging, as FeLV cats have to be housed separately from all other cats. Adopting and giving these kitties a chance to live in a loving home is such a gift to give. The virus only affects cats, so they can live with other animals, like dogs and rabbits. However, they should be the only cat or live with another FeLV-positive feline. And they should only be kept indoors.
This transmittable ribonucleic acid (RNA) retrovirus, which was first discovered in the 1960s, is one of the most common infectious diseases of cats and is highly contagious. In the United States, approximately 2 to 3 % of all cats are affected. Since the development of effective vaccines and testing procedures, there has been a significant decrease in the incidence of FeLV over the past 30 years.
A number of diseases and infections in cats are due to FeLV since it severely inhibits a cat’s immune system. Included in this list are anemia, leukemia, kidney disease, and lymphosarcoma (cancer). FeLV-infected cats can suffer severe illnesses from common bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi that would not usually affect healthy cats.
Approximately 30 % of cats that are exposed to the virus manage to eliminate the infection within a few months, even without treatment. But it is important to realize, that during those months that the cat is carrying the virus, damage is being done to the body that can lead to other diseases later in life. Within 2 to 3 years after infection, greater than 50% of cats with leukemia in their blood die.
Oftentimes, symptoms during early stages of infection with FeLV are not present right away. It can potentially take weeks, months, and even years for the virus to affect an infected cat’s health. Cats may experience recurring cycles of sickness and good health, or a cat may gradually worsen over time.
Signs of FeLV can include one or more of the following:
- Progressive weight loss
- Stomatitis – painful inflammation in the mouth
- Pale gums
- Loss of desire to eat
- Poor coat condition – dull and unkept
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Abscesses
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Various infections in the skin, eyes, external ears, respiratory system, urinary system
- Weakness
- Low energy
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
FeLV is highly contagious. It is transmitted in body fluids such as saliva, nasal discharge, urine, feces, and the milk of infected mother cats. It is also possible for it to be transmitted across the placenta in pregnant cats. There are several ways for cat-to-cat transfer to occur.
- Bite wounds – either from fighting or playing
- Mutual grooming
- Shared feeding bowls and litter boxes (although this is rare because the virus cannot live long outside a cat’s body)
Any breed of cat can be infected, and it is typically seen in cats between 1 and 6 years of age. Although, kittens can be infected at birth and while nursing. Kittens are at greater risk than adult cats if exposed. It appears that resistance to the virus increases as cats age.
Females appear to be infected less than males. The theory is that male cats, particularly non-neutered, tend to fight more frequently than female cats. Exposure to outdoor cats can also increase the risk of infection.
It is possible that a cat exposed to FeLV will not develop a persistent infection, so the symptoms can be hidden. Therefore, a non-infected cat can be infected by coming into contact with new cats entering a home. They should be tested before they are allowed contact with resident cats.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
The virus is shed in saliva and is transmitted by bite wounds. Cats are not generally infected by casual contact with one another because the virus doesn’t survive well outside the cat’s body.
Additionally, the virus can be spread through contact with infected blood. If infected blood enters a cat’s body through a wound or via a blood transfusion, they are at risk of getting the virus. Mutual grooming and shared bowls do not appear to be a way cats spread the infection to each other. Only rarely is the disease transmitted to the kittens during pregnancy. There is an increased risk of infection to the kittens if mother cats are infected when they are pregnant.
Once a cat is infected, it is infected for life. But there may not be evidence of the disease for weeks, months, or years. The disease mounts an attack on the cat’s immune system. Once something, such as a virus, bacteria, etc., challenges their immune system, they become ill.
Un-neutered male cats that have outdoor access tend to be those most highly affected. The reason is they tend to be more likely to fight with other cats.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
While cats of all ages are affected worldwide, the disease is most common in cats less than 2 years old. FIP may be more likely to develop in the following breeds – Abyssinian, Bengal, Birman, Himalayan, Ragdoll, and Devon Rex. There also seems to be a higher prevalence of the disease in multi-cat households, shelters, and catteries. Stress caused by surgery or other infections seems to predispose cats to FIP.
The virus is shed in oral and nasal secretions, feces, and potentially urine. Cats become infected by ingestion or inhalation while in close contact. Typically, cats can transmit the virus for a few months. But there is a small percentage of cats that are contagious with the virus for life. The virus usually does not survive for more than 24 to 36 hours in the environment.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
There is no cure for FeLV infection at this time. Your veterinarian will prescribe medications that will treat the secondary infections that result from the disease. Normally your cat will not be hospitalized, but if they have any severe infections or other complications (like dehydration), hospitalization may be needed. If your cat developed cancer as a result of FeLV, your vet might recommend chemotherapy.
It is important that you have your cat examined every 6 months by their veterinarian. The purpose is to prevent complications from the virus as well as identify problems early. It may be recommended to have your cat’s teeth cleaned, and teeth extractions may be necessary, as dental infections can cause complications. If your cat does show any signs of illness, immediately have them evaluated by their vet.
It is important to keep your cat indoors. Provide them with a proper diet. If there is diarrhea, kidney damage, etc., as a result of FeLV, your cat may need a special diet. Consult with your veterinarian to see if any supplements can be added to their diet to boost their immune system.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
There is no cure for FIV, but your cat can live a normal and healthy life if they are cared for appropriately. Once your cat has been diagnosed by their veterinarian, the best thing you can do for them is the following:
- Keep them STRICTLY indoors – this decreases the risk of infections
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle – prevent obesity and be sure they are active
- Feed a high-quality diet
- Have twice yearly physical examinations by their veterinarian
- Get annual to bi-annual lab tests such as blood work and urinalysis
Be sure at the first sign of illness that you have your cat evaluated by their vet so that prompt and aggressive treatment can be started. If your cat develops one or more bad illnesses due to infection or has a continuous fever with weight loss, that can be a poor indicator for their recovery and survival.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Anytime your cat becomes sick, it is essential to have them evaluated by their veterinarian. There are no routine tests to diagnose FIP. Your cat’s veterinarian will only test after they have strong evidence based on clinical signs that FIP may be the cause of illness. There is no cure for this disease. While being treated, if any new symptoms develop, you must contact your cat’s vet. There are times where supportive care can improve your cat’s quality of life and possibly help them live longer. You need to discuss what the best treatment options for your cat are. Sadly, in just about every case, FIP is deadly.
How to Prevent This from Happening in the Future
Feline Leukemia Virus
Prevention of FeLV is not always possible, but there are steps you can take to lessen the chances of your cat being infected and protect them if they are.
If you adopt a kitten or a stray cat, be sure to have them tested by a veterinarian for FeLV. If your cat is negative, be sure to have them vaccinated for FeLV. Even though your cat is vaccinated, it is still recommended to keep them indoors and avoid contact with outdoor and indoor/outdoor cats. If your vaccinated cat is exposed to a FeLV infected cat, be sure to let their veterinarian know because it may be necessary to retest them (testing is not done before 30 days after exposure). Additionally, if a new cat is going to be introduced into your home, be sure to keep them separated from your other cats until you have them tested.
If your cat is FeLV positive, keep them indoors and ideally separated from healthy non-infected cats. It is critical to help support their immune system with good nutrition and supplements. Be sure to maintain excellent dental care as well. Regularly, twice to once yearly, be sure that you have your veterinarian completely examine them and perform essential lab work to be sure they are healthy. Always monitor your cat closely for any signs of illness and if noticed, seek veterinary care without delay.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
The best way to prevent a cat that is FIV negative from being infected with FIV is to spay or neuter them and be sure to keep them strictly indoors. If new cats are to be introduced into the home, be sure to keep them isolated until they are tested and fully vaccinated. Also, be sure they are free of any parasites, such as intestinal worms or fleas.
If your cat is already infected with FIV, the most important thing you can do is protect them from getting other infections. As with FeLV, provide them with immune support with good nutrition and supplements. Since the gut is a significant contributor to an animal’s immune system, giving them pre- and probiotics is recommended. Be sure to have regular veterinary visits and dental care. Dental health is critical for the prevention of other diseases. Also, be diligent in monitoring for any signs of illness and promptly have your cat evaluated if you notice anything.
Lastly, when introducing a new cat into your home where an FIV cat used to live, it is essential to disinfect everything properly. Cats with FIV often have other infectious illnesses that can remain in your home. Therefore, diligently clean and disinfect all dishes, bedding, litter pans, and toys. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on cleaning agents but dilute bleach works well (four ounces of bleach to one gallon of water). Be sure also to vacuum all carpets and mop floors.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
The only way to prevent it is by preventing infection with feline enteric coronavirus. The problem with this is the enteric coronavirus is basically present everywhere.
Essentially, the best way to protect your cat is to keep them healthy by keeping their immune system strong. Be sure to provide them with good nutrition, maintain ideal body weight, and protect them from other types of infections (such as FeLV, FIV, calicivirus, etc.). Regularly clean and disinfect litter boxes. It is also recommended, especially for open litter boxes, to keep food and water dishes far away.
Always isolate new cats entering the home until they are fully vaccinated, tested (for FeLV and FIV), and known to be disease-free.
The Pet InfoRx® is made possible, in part, through our partnership with AlignCare®.
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