Skip to main content

What are the first signs of leukemia in cats?

What comes to mind when you hear that a cat is infected by the feline leukemia virus (FeLV)? If you’re like many people you imagine a sick, suffering cat with no quality of life. But that’s not the case, says Joni Miller, cat caregiver at Best Friends animal sanctuary in Utah.

“The reality is felines who are positive for the virus remain healthy for months or years after their diagnosis until the virus becomes active,” Miller says. Regardless of the length of their life, a cat with the virus can lead a happy life, just like any other cat, say Best Friends animal advocates.

Recommended Videos

According to Cornell Feline Health Center, FeLV is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats, affecting between 2 and 3 percent of all cats in the United States. Kittens are more susceptible to the virus than adult cats. Fortunately, the prevalence of the disease has decreased significantly in the past 25 years since the development of an effective vaccine and accurate testing procedures, according to veterinary experts at Cornell. So, what are the signs of feline leukemia? We’ll give you an overview.

Cat sleeping in sun on window.
supanee sukanakintr / Shutterstock

What exactly is the feline leukemia virus?

FeLV is a retrovirus that impairs a cat’s immune system and can cause cancer along with a variety of blood disorders. Veterinary experts say that the virus commonly causes anemia or lymphoma and can predispose cats to deadly infections. However, about 70 percent of cats who are exposed to FeLV resist infection or eliminate the virus on their own. Feline leukemia only affects cats and cannot be spread to humans or other animal species. The disease was once considered a death sentence, especially for shelter cats, but that’s no longer true. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), cats infected with FeLV may live for many years. And veterinarians say that a decision for euthanasia should never be made solely based on whether or not a cat is infected.

What are the first signs of feline leukemia?

According to experts at Best Friends, there are no specific signs of FeLV infection. The only way to know if your cat is infected is to test for the virus. A screening test requires only a few drops of your cat’s blood and usually can be performed in a matter of minutes, according to PetMD. If the screening test is positive, your veterinarian may recommend further blood testing to confirm the diagnosis.

How long does it take for feline leukemia to show symptoms?

In the early stage of infection, it’s common for cats to show no symptoms at all. Over weeks, months, or years an infected cat’s health may deteriorate and there may be recurring illnesses. Signs that a cat may be FeLV-positive include:

  • Weight loss
  • Persistent fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Inflammation of the gums and mouth
  • Skin, urinary, and upper respiratory tract infections
  • Poor coat condition

What are the stages of feline leukemia?

According to Alley Cat Allies, a leading nonprofit cat advocacy organization, there are three possible stages for FeLV-positive cats.

Abortive stage

In the abortive stage, a cat may experience a transient viral infection, fight off the virus, and develop future immunity. Kittens younger than 16 weeks are much less likely to fight off FeLV than adult cats.

Regressive stage

Some cats produce an effective immune response to the infection while continuing to harbor the virus in their bodies. This regressive stage appears to be temporary for most cats, and they become free of the virus within a few years.

Progressive stage

If the initial FeLV infection is not overcome, the virus replicates and the kitten or cat becomes persistently infected. The virus eventually moves to the bone marrow and compromises the immune system. Cats may show no signs of illness for several years but FeLV-related diseases such as anemia, skin diseases, and leukemia typically develop within two to three years.

How did my indoor cat get feline leukemia?

There are several ways that an indoor-only cat could become infected with feline leukemia. For example, if they come into contact with a new cat or kitten introduced to the household who is FeLV-positive. If the cats aren’t separated, the virus could be transmitted through grooming, fighting, or sharing of dishes. Also, if any cat in your household is allowed to go outside, he could pick up the virus and transfer the infection to other indoor cats.

Young girl petting cat.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to protect your cat from feline leukemia

The only sure way to protect cats from feline leukemia is to prevent their exposure to infected cats. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, many FeLV-positive cats aren’t diagnosed until after they’ve lived with other cats. All new cats should be tested for the virus before adding them to a multicat household. If exposure does happen, all cats in the household should be tested for the virus. Ideally, veterinarians say, infected and non-infected cats should be separated to avoid transmission. Experts at the AAFP recommend vaccinations for all kittens and on an as-needed basis for adult cats. The vaccine is also highly recommended for cats allowed outside.

In conclusion

While a diagnosis of feline leukemia can be emotionally devastating, it’s important to remember that it’s not a death sentence. Properly managed care can give infected cats longer, healthier lives, AAFP experts say. That care may include regular check-ups, blood testing, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. With the help of a veterinary team, you and your FeLV-positive cat can create many happy memories together.

Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
Why do cats hate closed doors? What science says
Your cat has a few reasons for following you into the bathroom
Cat sits in the bathroom looking out

Every cat owner knows that living with a feline means never having privacy. They follow you into the bathroom, the bedroom, and of course, the kitchen. Any door you're behind, in particular, becomes a cat nemesis. But why do cats hate closed doors? It turns out that the answer, like so much of pet behavior, comes from a complex place of modern living and ancestral instincts. Here's what you need to know about why your kitty detests you shutting them out and what you can do to keep your paint intact.
Why do cats hate closed doors?

When you go to the bathroom and shut the door, you might instantly hear the sounds of a cat positively shredding the outside (see also velcro dogs). It's not just that they want desperately to be near you, though. Cats have a unique perspective on their own space and a need to control it. After all, your house is theirs, too.

Read more
103 fall names for cats that fit their personality year-round
Halloween-inspired, classic, and more kitty names
A black kitten by a window with a pumpkin

There are so many reasons to choose a fall-themed cat name. The most obvious? Your cat's birthday or gotcha day is during the autumn season. However, you can select a fall-focused name for any reason you want. Perhaps your birthday is in the fall or the season is your favorite. The back-to-school sales can make fall feel more like a fresh start than January 1, even if you closed the book on your academic career ages ago. You may look forward to the changing leaves, cozy vibes, and pumpkin spice all year.

Regardless of your motivation, you have many options for fall names for cats. From spooky to cute yet classic and flavorful offerings in between, these autumn-inspired monikers make excellent choices.
Girl cat names

Read more
How to help your new cat settle in
Here are the steps you should take to help your cat feel at home with you
Tiger cat lying on a rug

Bringing home a new cat can be stressful for both you and your new furry family member. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help reduce your cat's stress and make the transition period easier. As your new cat settles in, he'll need some support from you, but he'll also need you to be patient with him. He's undergoing a big life change, and as excited as you are for him to be around, the best thing you can do is to give your kitty some time and space while he adjusts. He'll be roaming the house and hanging out with you soon enough if you follow these tips.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for cats?

If you have ever adopted a cat before, you may have heard this often-cited rule for settling in. The rule says that cats take three days to adjust to being in a new place at all and may seem especially hesitant and skittish.

Read more