Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Breaking the Stigma
FeLV, or the Feline Leukemia Virus, is a widely misunderstood condition. Affecting around 2-3% of the cat population, it significantly impacts a shelter's ability to find these cats a forever home as some adopters may not fully understand it. Historically, many cats were tragically euthanized at the first positive test as the condition could have deemed the cat as “unadoptable”.
Today, cats who receive a FeLV diagnosis can have just as high of a quality of life as their non-FeLV counterparts. In many cases, they can go on to live for another 3-5 years following a diagnosis.
So, what IS the Feline Leukemia Virus?
FeLV is, in short, a retrovirus. Meaning that it will affect the long-term development of new cells. In simple terms, instead of the DNA that is typically found within a cell, it instead contains strings of RNA, which allows the virus to replicate itself into the surrounding cells. When a cat is infected with FeLV, over time there can be a wide variety of outcomes. In new diagnoses, however, you might not even be able to tell much of a difference from any other cat at the shelter.
Common questions and misconceptions regarding an FeLV diagnosis:
Is it cancer or leukemia? Not exactly. FeLV is a retrovirus that attacks the cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to other illnesses as the immune system becomes compromised. They may develop cancer or leukemia in the future, but it is far from an immediate death sentence.
Can I pet an FeLV+ cat? Absolutely! And they appreciate the love! The virus doesn’t live long outside of the host, making spreading the virus through hands or clothing very unlikely.
Is there a risk to humans? No risk at all! FeLV is a feline-only virus and cannot be transmitted to humans (or dogs for that matter).
What if I have other cats? Is there a risk to them? Dr. Cecily Palamara, Chief Veterinarian at the Cat Care Society shares her advice: “The safest option is to make sure that the other cats are adults and are fully vaccinated against FeLV. There is still a small risk of transmission, but the risk is low with immunocompetent, vaccinated adults.”
Chanel, available for adoption at One Of A Kind Pet Rescue in Akron, Ohio
Adopting an FeLV-positive cat means welcoming them into your home at a time when most people are passing them by. It ensures that they will live the highest quality of life that they possibly can in the time that they have left. They still have so many purrs to give and want nothing more than to just be loved.
Although a new comfy bed would be nice too, I’m sure.
Sources:
https://catcaresociety.org/felv-in-cats-what-you-need-to-know/
https://tailsfromraskc.com/2022/07/27/dispelling-myths-about-felv-with-bonus-adoption-special/