Feline leukemia is one of the most common and serious viral diseases that affect the immune system, especially in young cats, it is not communicable to humans but its contagion usually occurs more easily in cats that live with other cats.
To demystify feline leukemia and know how to prevent, recognize and make its diagnosis it is necessary to be informed, that is why Animal Expert wrote this article about the lifespan of a cat with feline leukemia.
- Estimating the life expectancy of a cat with feline leukemia is a complex and difficult issue for even the most experienced veterinarians; it can be said that about 25% of cats with feline leukemia die within one year of diagnosis; however.
- About 75% manage to survive.
- 1 to 3 years with the virus active in your body.
Many homeowners are desperate to think that their cats may be carriers of feline leukemia virus (FeLV or VLFe), but this diagnosis does not always involve death!In fact, about 30% of cats infected with FeLV are latent carriers of the virus and do not.even develop the disease.
In general, the life expectancy of a sick cat depends on many factors internal and external to your body.Factors that influence a cat’s life expectancy with feline leukemia include:
What do you know about feline leukemia? As this is a complex disease that has been the subject of much controversy and disagreement among veterinarians for many years, it is understandable that there are many misconceptions about leukemia in cats, so that you have a better awareness of this pathology, we invite you to know some myths and truths.
Feline leukemia virus is actually a type of cancer virus that can cause tumors, but not all cats diagnosed with leukemia develop blood cancer.It is important to note that feline leukemia is not synonymous with feline AIDS, which is caused by the feline immunodeficiency virus.(FIV).
Unfortunately, cats can get the feline leukemia virus through direct contact with the bodily fluids of other infected cats.The feeling usually remains in the saliva of sick cats, but it can also be deposited in urine, blood, milk and faeces.cats that live in groups are more susceptible to this pathology because they remain in contact with possibly sick animals.
As we said, feline leukemia is not transmitted to humans, even dogs, birds, turtles and other “non-feline” pets.This pathology is specific to cats, although it can have many similarities in terms of symptoms and prognosis with leukemia.in dogs.
Unfortunately, there is still no known cure for feline leukemia or feline AIDS, so in both cases prevention is the key to preserving animal health and well-being, there is currently a feline leukemia vaccine, which is close to 80% effective and is an excellent preventive measure for cats that have never been exposed to FeLV.We can also reduce the likelihood of contagion by avoiding contact with infected or unknown animals.And if you decide to adopt a new kitten to keep your feline company, it is essential to conduct clinical studies to diagnose possible pathologies.
As we have already explained, the life expectancy of a sick animal depends on several factors, such as the stage at which the disease is diagnosed, the animal’s response to treatment, etc., so not necessarily the answer to the question “how long does a cat live with feline leukemia?”must be negative.
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