WHAT IS FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS?
Feline leukemia is a viral disease which can take several forms among cats of all ages; FIV is also a viral disease which is similar to AIDS in humans. Feline leukemia and FIV are extremely contagious cat to cat; they are transmitted via close contact with other cats, bites wounds, and through the placenta to the fetus. And, while leukemia is a cancer, very few cats die of the cancer itself. Rather, the disease kills by destroying a cat's immune system, leaving him/her unable to fight off even minor infections. Thus, something as simple as the common cold can mean death to a FeLV infected cat. Sadly, there is no cure for these viruses.

HOW DO CATS GET FELV/FIV INFECTION?
FeLV/FIV infection is spread by contact, such as sneezing, licking, or biting by an infected cat. The disease is transmitted by saliva, urine, blood, and feces such as sharing litterboxes and food/water containers with infected cats. It can also be passed to kittens in mother's milk or in vitro.

Outdoor cats are at a higher risk, but even cats not allowed to roam can be exposed. If your cat "sneaks" out, or sits on the porch or at a screened window, another cat can approach and easily expose him/her to FeLV.

PREVENTION
Avoiding exposure with infected cats - which is difficult to control - and vaccination are the best tools of preventive medicine. A small blood sample is all that is required for a feline leukemia virus test, which will confirm your cat does not have the disease. A simple vaccination is then administered. Vaccinating annually (after the initial 2 booster series) will help protect your cats against this deadly virus. A vaccine for FIV is in the development process.

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