Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV) & Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline Leukemia Virus
Feline Leukemia virus (FeLV) can affect cats in several ways: FeLV is the leading cause of cancer in cats, can cause blood disorders, and hampers the immune system so that cats are unable to protect themselves from mundane infections. Cats become infected in kittenhood from infected mothers, by mutual grooming with infected cats, cat fights, or sharing food/water bowls. Infected cats may seem healthy for weeks, months, or even years, but act as carriers to spread the virus to other cats. When signs of illness appear, they may include: appetite loss, progressive weight loss, poor haircoat, fever, anemia, gingivitis, persistent diarrhea, various infections, seizures, and eye disorders.
It is recommended that new cats added to a household should be tested for FeLV and all cats that spend anytime outdoors should receive Feline Leukemia vaccine. Young kittens should also be vaccinated since they are most at risk.
More info available at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: FeLV Brochure
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an incurable virus transmitted through cat bite wounds or from infected mother to kitten. Infected cats may appear normal for up to several years, but eventually immune system deficiency appears that leaves cats unable to defend themselves against mundane infections. Symptoms of FIV may include: swollen lymph nodes, persistent fever, weight loss, poor haircoat, appetite loss, gingivitis, recurrent infections, seizures, and persistent diarrhea. All new cats entering a home should be tested for FIV as well as any cat that spends time outdoors or has been in a cat fight. Infected cat should be quarantined from all other cats to prevent spread of the virus. While technically there is a FIV vaccine available, the vaccine's effectiveness is questionable. FIV vaccinated cats will appear falsely positive on FIV testing which makes it difficult to determine if true infection is present.
For further information, visit Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: FIV brochure.
Feline Leukemia virus (FeLV) can affect cats in several ways: FeLV is the leading cause of cancer in cats, can cause blood disorders, and hampers the immune system so that cats are unable to protect themselves from mundane infections. Cats become infected in kittenhood from infected mothers, by mutual grooming with infected cats, cat fights, or sharing food/water bowls. Infected cats may seem healthy for weeks, months, or even years, but act as carriers to spread the virus to other cats. When signs of illness appear, they may include: appetite loss, progressive weight loss, poor haircoat, fever, anemia, gingivitis, persistent diarrhea, various infections, seizures, and eye disorders.
It is recommended that new cats added to a household should be tested for FeLV and all cats that spend anytime outdoors should receive Feline Leukemia vaccine. Young kittens should also be vaccinated since they are most at risk.
More info available at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: FeLV Brochure
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an incurable virus transmitted through cat bite wounds or from infected mother to kitten. Infected cats may appear normal for up to several years, but eventually immune system deficiency appears that leaves cats unable to defend themselves against mundane infections. Symptoms of FIV may include: swollen lymph nodes, persistent fever, weight loss, poor haircoat, appetite loss, gingivitis, recurrent infections, seizures, and persistent diarrhea. All new cats entering a home should be tested for FIV as well as any cat that spends time outdoors or has been in a cat fight. Infected cat should be quarantined from all other cats to prevent spread of the virus. While technically there is a FIV vaccine available, the vaccine's effectiveness is questionable. FIV vaccinated cats will appear falsely positive on FIV testing which makes it difficult to determine if true infection is present.
For further information, visit Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: FIV brochure.
No one can tell if a cat has FELV or FIV just by looking at them- a blood test must be done. Many cats can carry the virus, but not show any symptoms until the virus becomes activated.
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Outdoor cats are more at risk for these viruses due to potential fighting.
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