Journal of Leukemia
Open Access

Feline Leukemia Complex

Feline leukemia is a cancerous disease caused by feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Feline leukemia is a disease that only affects cats -- it cannot be transmitted to people, dogs, or other animals. FeLV is passed from one cat to another through saliva, blood, and to some extent, urine and feces. The virus does not live long outside the cat’s body -- probably just a few hours. FeLV is a type of virus called a retrovirus.

Only about 3% of cats in single-cat households have the virus, but for cats that spend time outdoors, the rate is much higher. Still, the prevalence of FeLV has decreased over the last 25 years because of vaccines and reliable tests.

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