
Feline leukemia is a disease transmitted among cats by the feline leukemia virus or FeLV. Cats with this disease have a weakened immune system because the virus suppresses the cat’s immunity function. Feline leukemia predisposes cats to develop secondary infection or cancer which ultimately causes their death. Viral particles of the FeLV are shed in the cat’s secretions especially in saliva. The virus can be passed from one cat to another by simply sharing a food or water bowl. Kittens can get infected from their mother through vertical transmission which means that the infection can be transmitted across the placenta. The virus can also be transmitted when a cat grooms its litter.
Under an immunocompromised state, infected cats are at a higher risk of developing different medical conditions, including cancer. Cats with feline leukemia can be riddled by several complications, the most common of which are feline infectious peritonitis, feline distemper, stomatitis.
You can keep your cat safe from feline leukemia or FeLV by seeking professional help from a veterinary clinic Bend, OR.