Feline leukemia is a highly contagious disease with a wide spread range. It suppresses a cat's immune system and is the most common cause of cancer in cats. Feline leukemia has a high incidence and mortality rate, and it is a "top killer" on par with feline infectious peritonitis in terms of lethality.

Infection Symptoms

Lymph Node Enlargement:A cat's lymph nodes may enlarge after infection, especially in the neck, armpit, and groin areas.

Anemia:Infection with the feline leukemia virus can lead to a decrease in the number of a cat's red blood cells, manifested as pale gums, fatigue, and rapid breathing.

Oral and Gum Inflammation: Cats may develop gingivitis and stomatitis, showing symptoms such as bad breath, inflamed oral mucosa, and difficulty in eating.

Persistent Infection: The feline leukemia virus can prevent a cat's immune system from functioning properly, making it difficult to resist simple infections, such as respiratory tract infections.

Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: Due to the above symptoms, cats may gradually lose their appetite, resulting in significant weight loss.

Skin Problems: Some cats may develop skin diseases, such as rashes or skin infections.

Dyspnea: In some cases, cats may experience difficulty breathing because the virus affects the respiratory system.

Diarrhea and Vomiting: Cats may have chronic diarrhea or vomiting, which may be due to intestinal problems caused by the virus infection.

Transmission Routes

Saliva Transmission: This is the most common mode of transmission. It occurs through close contact between cats, such as sharing food bowls, litter boxes, or mutual grooming.

Secretions Transmission: This includes contact with body fluids such as nasal mucus, urine, feces, and milk. The virus in these body fluids can be transmitted through contact.

Mother - to - Child Transmission: Female cats infected with FeLV can transmit the virus to their fetuses during pregnancy or to their kittens through milk during lactation.

Bite Transmission: When an infected cat bites another cat, the virus can be transmitted through the blood.

Flea Transmission: Research shows that fleas may also carry FeLV, increasing the risk of transmission through fleas.

Diagnostic and Treatment Methods

Test Strip Detection (Colloidal Gold Test Strip): Test strip detection is a self - testing method. It is relatively simple to operate and provides results quickly. It is suitable for home testing or initial screening.

PCR Detection: It is a highly accurate detection method. The test results can be quantified, and this method can be used to confirm the cause of the disease.