Feline Leukemia is one of the most frequent and severe viral diseases that affects the immune system mainly of young cats. It is not transmissible to humans, but it is easily spread among cats that live in feline groups.
To demystify feline leukemia and know how to prevent, recognize and proceed with its diagnosis, it is necessary to be informed. This time, our site offers you to know a little more about how long a cat lives with feline leukemia.
What is the life expectancy of a cat with feline leukemia?
Estimating how long a cat with feline leukemia lives is a complex matter that is difficult to pin down even for pathologically experienced veterinarians. If we want to mention some figures, we can say that about 25% of cats with feline leukemia die up to 1 year after being diagnosed. But 75% manage to survive from 1 to 3 years with the active virus in their body.
Many owners are desperate to think that their cats may carry the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV or FeLV), but this diagnosis does not always mean a sentence to a quick death. In fact, about 30% of cats infected with FeLV carry the virus latently, and do not even develop feline leukemia.
Factors that influence the life expectancy of a cat with leukemia
In general, the life expectancy of a sick cat depends on many internal and external aspects of its body. Below, we summarize the main factors that can influence how long a cat with feline leukemia lives.
- Stage at diagnosis-Although not a rule, early diagnosis almost always improves the prognosis of leukemia feline and increase the life expectancy of the sick cat. During the early phases of feline leukemia (mainly between phases I and III), the immune system tries to “stop” the action of the FeLV virus. If we begin to strengthen the cat's immune system already during these stages (which requires early diagnosis), the result can generate a delay in the severe damaging effects that the virus causes when it reaches the bone marrow, a fact that allows better survival to the cat. animal.
- Response to treatment: If we are successful in strengthening the sick cat's immune system and his response to treatment is positive, his expectation of life will be greater. For this, certain drugs, holistic treatments and vitamins are often used for cats with feline leukemia.
- He alth status and preventive medicine: a vaccinated cat with regular daily deworming, that maintains a balanced diet, and that it is physically and mentally stimulated throughout its life, tends to have a stronger immune system and responds better to feline leukemia treatment.
- Nutrition: a cat's diet directly influences its quality of life, mood and also its immune system. Felines with leukemia require a diet reinforced in vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients that can be found in premium range balanced feed.
- Environment: Cats experiencing sedentary routines or living in negative, stressful or unstimulating environments can experience the detrimental effects of stress in their immune system, becoming more vulnerable to numerous pathologies.
- Owner Commitment: The he alth and well-being of our pets always depend on our commitment. And this becomes even more decisive when it comes to a sick animal. Although a cat may have been very independent throughout his life, he will not be able to treat himself, feed himself properly, strengthen his immune system or provide himself with a better quality of lifeby itself. Therefore, the dedication of the owner is essential to improve the life expectancy of a cat with leukemia.
Truths and myths about feline leukemia
How much do you know about feline leukemia? Being a complex condition that, for many years, raised many disagreements even among specialist veterinarians, it is understandable that there are many fanciful ideas about leukemia in cats. To become more aware of this pathology, we invite you to discover some myths and truths.
Feline leukemia and blood cancer are synonyms: MYTH
Feline Leukemia Virus is actually a type of cancer virus (or oncovirus) that can cause tumors, but not all cats diagnosed with leukemia develop blood cancer. It is important to clarify that feline leukemia is not synonymous with feline AIDS, which is caused by the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
Cats can easily get feline leukemia: TRUE!
Unfortunately, cats can easily contract Feline Leukemia Virus through direct contact with the bodily fluids of other infected cats. FeLV usually lodges mostly in the saliva of sick cats, but can also be deposited in their urine, blood, milk and feces. For this reason, felines that live in groups are usually more susceptible to this pathology, since they are in permanent contact with possibly sick animals.
Humans can get feline leukemia: MYTH!
As we said, feline leukemia is not transmitted to humans, nor to dogs, birds, turtles and other pets “not cats”. It is a pathology typical of cats, although it may show similarities in its symptoms and prognosis with leukemia in dogs.
Feline leukemia has no cure: TRUE!
Unfortunately, a cure for feline leukemia is still unknown and there is also no cure for feline AIDS. Therefore, in both cases, prevention is the key to preserve the he alth and well-being of the animal. Currently, we found a vaccine for feline leukemia, whose effectiveness is around 80%, and it is an excellent preventive measure for cats that have not been exposed to FeLV. We can also reduce the chances 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 carry out the necessary clinical studies to diagnose possible pathologies.
A cat diagnosed with feline leukemia dies quickly: MYTH!
As we explained, the life expectancy of a sick animal depends on various factors, such as the stage in which the pathology is diagnosed, the animal's response to treatment, etc. Therefore, not necessarily the answer to the question "how long does a cat live with feline leukemia?" must be negative.
