Leukemia: A Dangerous Disease in Cats That Should Not Be Overlooked

Cute Animals > Leukemia: A Dangerous Disease in Cats That Should Not Be Overlooked
24/04/2025 11:07

Leukemia or Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a group of cancers that originate in the bone marrow, which is the soft tissue inside bones. Leukemia occurs when white blood cells grow abnormally and multiply rapidly. These cancerous cells crowd out the production of normal blood cells, causing a deficiency of essential blood cells in the body, such as red blood cells that carry oxygen, platelets that help with blood clotting, and white blood cells that fight infections.

Symptoms of Leukemia

Symptoms may vary depending on the type of leukemia, but generally may include:

Fatigue or tiredness
Pale gums or skin
Fever or chills
Frequent infections
Easy bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bruising
Bone or joint pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Enlarged liver or spleen
Unexplained weight loss

Transmission of the Virus

Feline leukemia virus can be transmitted between cats through various ways, such as:

Grooming each other or sharing food bowls, water, and utensils
Fighting and biting
Transmission from mother cat to kittens during pregnancy or nursing
Blood transfusion (if the donor blood is not screened)

Especially cats that go outdoors frequently or live with many other cats are at higher risk of infection.

Treatment of Leukemia

There are several treatment methods depending on the type of leukemia, the stage of the disease, and the overall health of the patient. The main treatments include:

Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells
Radiation therapy: Using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells
Stem cell transplantation or Bone marrow transplantation: Replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy marrow
Targeted therapy: Using drugs that specifically target cancer cells
Immunotherapy: Stimulating the immune system to fight cancer cells

Prevention

Vaccination against leukemia: Cats should receive the vaccine when they are young, especially those at high risk
Indoor-only living: Reduces risk of exposure to infected cats
Blood testing: It is recommended to test new cats or have annual screenings
Avoid sharing items with untested cats

Health Impact on Cats

Leukemia can affect a cat’s health in several ways, such as:

Weakened immune system, making them prone to infections like respiratory, skin, or oral diseases
Anemia, fatigue, poor appetite, and weight loss
Leukemia or tumors in various organs
Shorter lifespan if not properly cared for

Caring for Infected Cats

Cats infected with FeLV can still live a good quality life if properly cared for, such as:

Regular veterinary visits
High-quality, nutritious food
Indoor living to avoid secondary infections

If you have a cat and are unsure whether it is infected, it's best to take it for a blood test at a clinic or animal hospital for peace of mind and proper health planning.