Symptoms of Cat Felv

The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a contagious retrovirus that, according to Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, affects 2 to 3 percent of cats in the United States. The virus may be passed through body fluids, in utero or from mother to kitten through nursing, and can be fatal. While many cats are able to shed the virus or remain uninfected carriers, cats that develop FeLV exhibit a wide variety of symptoms.

  1. Weight Loss

    • Weight loss caused either by a loss of appetite or by the energy required to fight the disease is common. Weight loss may be either sudden or progressive, and in kittens may lead to stunted growth.

    Neurological Symptoms

    • Cats infected with FeLV may exhibit changes in their behavior, loss of motor control or seizures. They may have frequent mood changes, exhibit unprovoked aggression, be unable to groom themselves, have trouble walking or be subject to falls.

    Changes in Coat or Skin

    • Infected cats may lose hair in patches or have small skin infections or lesions. They may also develop pale and milky mucus patches on their noses or gums, or the lenses of their eyes.

    Lowered Immune Response

    • FeLV cats have a weakened immune system, so they are more susceptible to catching other diseases, such as upper respiratory infections or kidney disease, and to carrying long-term low-grade fevers. Many FeLV cats also develop concurrent cancers.

    Respiratory Issues

    • A common symptom of an FeLV-infected cat is that he or she may have trouble breathing. The cat may cough excessively, wheeze or have trouble swallowing food and water.

    Digestive Problems

    • FeLV may cause cats to have frequent diarrhea or persistent constipation. Cats may pass blood in their stools. They may exhibit symptoms that are easily confused with those of urinary tract infections: avoiding the litterbox, straining to pass urine or having accidents.