The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) has been compared to the human AIDS virus because of its effect on the immune system. A contagious and often fatal disease, feline leukemia can cause multiple organ disease, cancer, bone marrow suppression resulting in low numbers of platelets and red and white blood cells, and a weakening of the immune system that makes it less likely that an affected cat will overcome infections. There is no cure for feline leukemia, but there are medications that can help enhance the cat's quality of life.
Feline leukemia virus is contagious and affects cats of all ages, sexes, and breeds. It is passed from cat to cat most commonly through a bite wound acquired while fighting. Outdoor, male cats that have not been neutered are most likely to develop the virus because they frequently roam and fight other cats to defend their territory. There is a vaccine available for cats at high risk for the disease; however, because the vaccination, in rare cases, has been associated with a form of cancer, it is not recommended for animals that have a low risk of contracting feline leukemia.
