Cat Diseases That Cause Low White Blood Cell Count

Like all mammals, cats use white blood cells to fight infections. When the white blood cell count gets low, infections can plague the animal. Low white blood cells can be caused by a variety of diseases. Only a veterinarian can check for low white blood count---and it requires a small amount of blood be drawn from the animal.

  1. Feline Leukemia, Chronic

    • Like any other animal, cats get cancer. They can develop leukemia. In this form of cancer, the white blood cells, or leukocytes, mutate. These corrupted cells replace the healthy, white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This can be caused by exposure to radiation or carcinogenic chemicals. Symptoms include bruising, listlessness, loss of appetite and frequent opportunistic infections. Depending on the severity of the disease, the veterinarians at Pet MD recommend treating the secondary infections and working to keep the cat healthy. Consult a veterinary oncologist for more information about chemotherapy.

    Viral Feline Leukemia

    • Feline Leukemia can also be caused by a virus. According to the Long Beach Animal Hospital, this form is highly infectious and can be spread by grooming, bites or sharing a food dish. Kittens can even be infected through their mother. Like the cancerous form, the viral infection causes lethargy and infections. But it can also cause inflammation of the eyes, nose or mouth---as well as vomiting, diarrhea and even other forms of cancer. While many of the secondary infections can be cured, there is no known treatment for the virus itself. Infected cats must be kept away from healthy cats to prevent the spread of the disease. Cats can be vaccinated against this virus. It is vital to test them for the virus before giving them the vaccine.

    FIV or Feline AIDS

    • FIV or Feline AIDS is caused by a similar retrovirus as HIV or AIDS. According to the Cornell School of Veterinary Medicine, there has never been a case of a human contracting FIV or HIV from a cat. Like HIV, FIV causes weight loss, lack of appetite, diarrhea and persistent secondary infections. Infection is caused by biting, grooming and shared food as well as sexual behavior. There is no cure for FIV. The secondary infections can be treated, and some cats can live with the disease for several years. Since no vaccine exists for FIV, it is important to keep infected cats away from healthy cats.

    Feline Panleukopenia

    • Feline Penleukopenia is also known as Feline Distemper. This disease is caused by a virus in the same family as Parvovirus in dogs. Like Parvovirus, the disease can be spread from mother to kitten, as well as through close contact. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, symptoms include severe vomiting and diarrhea and secondary opportunistic infections. If intravenous nutrition and fluids are given, the cat has a chance of full recovery. Feline Distemper can be prevented with a vaccine.