Is my cat at risk of FeLV?
The FeLV virus cannot survive for long in the environment, so spread of infection between cats is reliant on prolonged close contact. Therefore, infection may be common in environments where there are a large number of cats or where cats go outside and fight. It is estimated that currently 1-2% of cats in this country are infected with FeLV.
In multi-cat households where FeLV is endemic, up to 30% of the cats may be infected. Young cats and particularly kittens are especially vulnerable to becoming infected with FeLV.
As cats get older their susceptibility to infection will decline. Nevertheless, vaccination of older cats is recommended if they are considered 'at risk'.
How is it FeLV spread?
The FeLV virus is spread mainly via the saliva from a persistently infected cat exchanged, for example, by mutual grooming or sharing of food bowls. In addition, the infection can also be caused by biting or contact with urine and faeces containing the virus.
The virus can also pass from a queen to her kittens either in the womb or after the kittens are born, via infected milk.
The majority of cats become infected with the virus entering the body via the mouth or nose.
The virus multiplies at these sites before spreading through the bloodstream to the rest of the body and, in particular, to the bone marrow.
Not all cats which are exposed to the virus become persistently infected. If the cat is able to eliminate the virus, this will occur during the initial stages (4-12 weeks) of infection. Once significant infection of the bone marrow is present, the cat remains infected for the rest of its life.