How contagious is Feline Leukemia?

Question

I have 3 cats at home. I just found out my friend at work has 2 cats with Feline Leukemia. It isn't like my cats are going to visit hers, but I have been to her house - and when I get home, my cats are all over me (probably because I smell like her cats.)

Is this a problem? Could my cats catch this from something on my clothes or am I worrying too much?

Thanks.

Answer 1

if a treat of any sort were involved, yes... but not very likely!

Answer 2

Feline leukemia is not highly contagious among cats. Mother cats who are infected usually pass the virus to their kittens. Other outside cats get it from the mating process, which usually entails cat bites.

Don't worry about bringing it home from your friend's to your cats. It is not going to happen.

Please read Dr. Jean Hofve's articles on cat vaccinations at her web site: www.littlebigcat.com. The leukemia vaccinations is not 100% effective and they are finding the vaccine may be suspect in causing cats other kinds of problems.

I am sure that Dr. Hovfe has an article on cat leukemia at her site. She publishes an newsletter and has covered this topic. Unfortunately you can't just pull up the information on leukemia, you will have to do some seaching among the newsletters to find it. The other articles are right there when you pull up the site.

I will go and do a search now and when I find it I will post the volume/issue # for you when I find out.

I did a search at Dr. Hovfe's site and couldn't find anything so I put a call into their office and I am sure they will get back to me next week when they pick up their messages. When I get the information for you I will post it here as a question like,"What is feline leukemia?"

Answer 3

Feline Leukemia is a virus - which IS contagious, unlike human leukemia, a cancer. There is an effective vaccination available for FeLV.

Almost half of all cats will develop a natural immunity to the virus, but the rest are susceptible. Infection through indirect contact seems unlikely, but why not have your cats vaccinated just to be safe (from this and any other source of exposure)?

Good information is available at the link below.

Answer 4

Leukemia is transmitted through liquid to liquid contact..ie blood, urine, etc. Your cats are safe.

However, it is VERY important to have your cats vaccinated. Feline Leukemia is avoidable. With proper care and vaccinations then there is no reason why your cat should get it in the first place. Regular check ups and tests will ensure that your cats lead a long healthy life!

Answer 5

The presence of this virus causes major problems with the cat or kitten's immune system and other organs, and may even cause cancer. Research indicates that feline leukemia virus is highly contagious among cats of all ages. Current research indicates that it does not affect humans or other species. Among cats, it is spread by saliva, urine, and blood. A cat can also pass the virus along to its kittens in a number of ways before they are born.
Remember, avoiding exposure with infected cats and updating vaccinations are the best tools of preventive medicine. Your veterinarian can determine the best program for your cat.

Answer 6

I have taken in four strays at different times. I had taken in the 3rd stray a little white kitten, she was with me about 6 months when she suddenly became very lathargic and wouldn't play, she basically stayed on one mat in the living room causing me much worry. One of my other strays constantly stayed with her grooming her huugging her and after a few days I took her to the Vet. It was Feline Leukemia and the Vet explained that her quality of life would not be a good one, that she would suffer and that we caught it early enough to maybe not have contaminated the rest of the cats. I had to humanely put her to sleep, still devasting. He also suggested I clean out all the cat bowls to prevent the desease from spreading and to seperate the ccats for awhile. So I went home and went right to work fortunately I have a complete room for each cat. The two older ones were not having it. So they stay together and the youngest one has her play room she doesn't care. More room for her. It's been a few days and the only one I am worried about now is the oldest one she just got neutered and is a bit thin, but she doesn't lick any other cat she is a little weitrd, my husband says she's antisocial. And the middle cat has become more loving to us especially. I was devastated at loosing the baby but I am hapy that no one else seems to be infected. I contakted the Humane Society and they give a special price for strays so I will be vaccinating them in about 60 dyas. Wish me luck. I feel your pain.

Answer 7

i had a cat that lived with leukemia for 6 or 7 years. it can't be transmitted from you going to your friend's house. it can be transmitted just by nose to nose contact between cats. feline leukemia is highly contagious amongst cats.

Answer 8

You have nothing to worry about as long as the cats are never together. I would however avoid touching hers and if you do, wash your hands well before handling your own.

Answer 9

as long as your cats shots are kept up i dont think you need to worry. i have caught several wild cats from my neighborhood and took them to angels for animals and found out several of them had the sickness but my cats are fine .

Answer 10

its not contageuous unless you or some other animal pees throws up or leaks blood out anywhere. just stay away from inside matter of a cat.

Answer 11

No, Leukemia is trasnmitted by blood.