What Are FeLV and FIV?

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are retroviruses that affect a cat’s immune system, leaving them more susceptible to other infections and cancers.  Although in the same family, the two diseases are very different.

A cat infected with FeLV will begin to show signs of the disease anywhere from a few weeks to a few years after infection.  The virus depresses the immune system and one third of infected cats will develop cancer, while the other two thirds will suffer from other problems including anemia, chronic infections and dental disease.  It is estimated that less than 20 percent of cats infected with FeLV survive more than 3 years after active infection.

FIV depletes the white blood cells, which, over time, limits their ability to fight disease.  Because it is slow acting, many FIV positive cats can have long life spans and be symptom free much of the time.  For FIV positive cats, it is important to visit your veterinarian at least twice a year and anytime the cat seems ill, since even minor infections can be serious for an FIV positive cat.

How Are FeLV and FIV Transmitted?

FeLV can be spread through body secretions and more casual contact such as mutual grooming and sharing food bowls and litter boxes.  FIV is transmitted primarily through severe bite wounds.  It can also be transmitted through sexual contact and from an FIV positive cat to her kittens in utero.  Neither virus can survive for long outside the body, so infection from the environment is considered less likely.  It should also be mentioned that FIV and FeLV are NOT transmissible to humans, dogs, or any other species.

How Do You Test for FeLV and FIV?

Screening for these two diseases is an important part in maintaining your cat’s health and longevity.  It is estimated that 2-4% of cats in North America have one or both of these viruses.  A blood sample is required to test for FeLV and FIV.  A combination SNAP test can screen both viruses at once.  Because contact with other cats is the source of infection, it is recommended that outdoor cats be tested on a regular basis.  Also, any cat that is ill should be tested to ensure that FeLV or FIV is not an underlying cause of the illness.

What Can I Do To Protect My Cat?

Have your cat vaccinated yearly.  Also, by having your cat spayed or neutered, you will reduce his/her tendency to wander and fight.  Any new cats brought into the household should be tested before allowing contact with cats already in the home.  Also, by keeping your cat indoors, his/her chance of contracting the diseases is significantly reduced.