What causes Feline Leukemia Disease?
Feline Leukemia is caused by a virus called the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). Infected cats shed the virus in saliva, nasal secretions, tears, urine and feces. The virus may also cross the placenta of infected queens infecting unborn kittens. FeLV has also been found in the milk of infected queens. Most commonly we see FeLV infection occurring in the fighting outdoor male cats. How common is Feline Leukemia Disease? Aside from being hit by automobiles, Feline Leukemia Disease is the Number One Killer of Cats. Statistics vary in different regions, but examples are: West Virginia 23% of the cat population is infected, Ohio 12%. On an average, one in ten cats are carriers of Feline Leukemia Virus and may pass the infection on to others. If my cat is indoors only can it get Feline Leukemia? An isolated cat that is exposed to NO other cats and is not already infected with FeLV is safe. FeLV is not a hardy virus. In other words, it can t be brought home on your shoes from the pet food aisle
