Cat leukiumia?

Question

I was just told my cat has cat leukiumia, and i was told that there is nothing at all that can be done for him, is that true? Also I was told by one vet that its super contangious and that my other cat most likely will get it. But then another vet said that unless they are fighting it won't get transferred. Whats true and whats not? where do I look for answers?

Answer 1

Two of my cats died this year of leukemia. They contracted it as kittens from their mother. We found them abandoned in a field at four weeks and took them home. We did not know about the leukemia until the first cat became sick at approximately one year of age.

The first vet was correct. You should also have your other cat tested and vaccinated if he tests negative. You still have a chance. It is transmitted in food bowls, water bowls, litter box - through saliva and body excretions. The most common way that a cat can get it is through a bite but it is possible by other means as well. It is a very serious disease. Little can be done once the cat gets to the advanced stages. Once he or she stops eating or moving about you have only days before its over. However, there are some medicines that can help. Your cat is likely to become anemic shortly before things get really bad. Start looking for signs of it by keeping an eye on his gum color and if he starts sleeping alot then you can get some iron supplements but it will probably only improve the quality of the last few days you have with him than to extend his life at all. Leukemia is a nasty disease. Sorry you have to deal with it. The second of mine died less than three weeks ago from it. The third of our cats I vaccinated (although he may have been vaccinated before since he tested negative) but he is doing well. Reading up on feline leukemia can be helpful for understanding what is happening to your cat and what to expect. I did a search for you on how the disease is transmitted just so you can read it over. We didn't try any heroics or treatments on our cats once they had it - only the iron drops. I am glad I didn't because I think it would have just make things harder on all of us. But I hope you won't feel discouraged. Some cats can live relatively long periods after being diagnosed.

Answer 2

Leukemia is a different disease than feline leukemia (FeLV). It is also a separate disease from FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) though they are both related as they are retrovirus (the same kind of virus as HIV). Retroviruses are species-specific, so *you* cannot "catch" FIV or FeLV. From what you've said, it sounds like your cat has feline leukemia. While there is no cure, there are treatments that can improve the quality of life of your cat.

Cats with FeLV can live relatively healthy normal lives for a while before they begin to show symptoms. This may be months or years. FeLV spreads via saliva as well as blood, feces, and from mother to kittens. That means that cats who groom each other, fight, or share a litterbox may be at risk for exposure if one cat is FeLV positive. There is a vaccine that may help protect uninfected cats from infected ones. I would suggest that you have your other cat tested and vaccinated against FeLV if he or she is currently negative. If at all possible, keep your cats separated to prevent additional exposure, and do not allow you FeLV positive cat to go outside.

In the meantime, you may want to ask your vet about giving your kitty Interferon-alpha (or Interferon-omega if it is available near you). It can sometimes limit viral replication and slow the progression of the disease, especially if your cat isn't currently showing any symptoms.

Answer 3

Well, I'm very sorry to hear about your cat. It can't be cured but it can be treated with chemo. It's very expensive and can take a big toll on your cat but sometimes it works as far as prolonging their life. How transfferable the disease is is greatly debated but it is a fact it's genetic. So if you're other cat is related then it does most likely have it. FeLV is a type of blood disease.

Answer 4

I was told by vet that it would spread through their facets or urine and once it gets this illness, there r no cure. So if U have other cats at home, better send them to have anti leukiumia vaccin & seperate the litter box. My cat is having his annual leukiumia since he is about a yr old.

Answer 5

Sadly there is not cure for feline leukemia and it is highly contagious.
It is spread very easily from cat to cat and I would recommend getting your other cats tested.
Feline AIDS is the illness that is spread by fighting...not feline leukemia.

I'm so sorry to hear about your cat.

Answer 6

I'm sorry about your cat. :(

FeLV is indeed contagious - it's FIV ("kitty AIDS") that can only be transeferred through fighting/deep bite wounds.

If your two cats live together and a share toys/litter box/bowls, maybe even play and groom each other, than odds are your other cat already has it, unfortunately. :(

However, you should get him tested asap - they're a vaccination, so if he doesn't already have it you could get him vaccinated!

Go here for a collection of articles and links about FeLV:
http://cats.about.com/od/felvfelineleukemia/FeLV_Feline_Leukemia_Virus.htm

Good luck to you and your cats!

Answer 7

Oh particular! each and all the time lol, it makes me bounce up with fright and make an apology (cats call) and then I recognize it is in simple terms between the cats rubber balls that i'm stepping on. it is so humorous whilst that happens! lol

Answer 8

have your other cat tested and vaccinated against FeLV if he or she is currently negative. If at all possible, keep your cats separated.

Answer 9

Hopefully feline leukemia web site may give you some advice and hope in this matter.

Answer 10

No cure. Very contagious. Try catfancy.com, sorry about your cat.