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What is the difference
between feline leukemia
and feline immunodeficiency viruses?
by Dr. Deb Kaehler
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
attack cats' immune systems. There is no cure for either of these
diseases and they can cause death.
We recommend that any new
cat be tested for these viruses
before being introduced to a household. The test involves
drawing a blood sample. Results are available in 20-30 minutes.
The BCHS tests all cats twelve weeks of age and older before
they are available for adoption. FeLV
is more easily spread than FIV. FeLV can be spread by contact
with saliva from an infected cat which can occur during
group grooming, sharing food and water bowels or bite wounds.
The virus can also be shed in urine and feces, so the
litter box can be a source of infection in multi-cat households. FIV
requires transmission of infected blood. Therefore, bite wounds
are the main way the FIV is transmitted. Both
viruses can be passed from an infected
mother to her unborn kittens. Cats
who spend time outdoors, get in fights with other cats,
or live in multi-cat households are at most risk
for contracting these viruses. Cats
can show no symptoms of disease for months to years, but could
still be a source of infection for other cats. Symptoms include
weight loss, fever, swollen lymph nodes, mouth sores, chronic
infections, loss of appetite, chronic diarrhea and anemia.
At this time we have no evidence that FeLV or FIV can be
transmitted to humans or animals other than cats. We
recommend that outdoor cats be tested and vaccinated
for FeLV. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for FIV. The best
protection is to keep your cats indoors so they are not exposed to
the disease by cats with unknown health problems and to test
all cats to be sure they are not carriers of either virus,
especially in multi-cat households. | 
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