FeLV Exposure information

Dec 19th, 2019 in

The FeLV Exposed cats available for adoption have already tested negative post exposure at least one time.

Once the exposed cat tests negative at least 90 days post FeLV exposure, the cat is considered FeLV negative.  If adopted prior to the 90 day wait, Cat Matchers will pay for the testing at one of our affiliate veterinary clinics at or after the 90 day time has passed.  If negative at that time, the cat will be considered negative.  If positive at that time, then Cat Matchers will enter into a Care Contract agreement with the adopter to cover costs related to FeLV.

Click here for more info on adopting/treating a FeLV cat

How FeLV Exposure Can Affect a Cat

One of three things can happen when a cat is exposed to FeLV:

  1. Transient infection and immunity: The cat may experience a transient viral infection, fight off the virus, and develop future immunity. Kittens less than 16 weeks old are much less likely to fight off viral exposure.
  2. Persistent infection and disease: When the initial infection is not overcome, the kitten or cat becomes persistently infected. The feline leukemia virus eventually moves to the bone marrow and compromises the immune system. Although a cat in this situation may be asymptomatic for several years, FeLV-related diseases typically develop within two to three years. Cats with this type of infection shed the virus throughout their lives, meaning they can infect other cats with the virus. Shedding the virus means that the virus is present in cats’ bodily secretions, like saliva.
  3. Latent infection and immunity: Cats that become persistently infected do not always develop disease. Some individuals produce an effective immune response to the virus while continuing to harbor the virus in the body. This results in a latent or carrier state—that is, an infected cat who has no disease but may transmit FeLV to other cats. Latently infected cats appear to resist FeLV-related diseases. Unlike cats with persistent infections, latently infected cats shed the virus intermittently, meaning they are not always infectious to other cats. The latent phase of FeLV infection seems to be temporary for most cats, who become free of the virus within a few years after initial infection.

FeLV Symptoms

Signs a cat has FeLV include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Poor coat condition
  • Persistent fever
  • Inflammation of the gums and mouth
  • Skin, urinary, and upper respiratory tract infections
  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders
  • A variety of eye conditions

It is important to note that many of these symptoms can be signs of non-FeLV related disease.

Other conditions FeLV can cause include:

  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Infertility