Content
- How long does a cat with feline leukemia live?
- Factors that influence the life expectancy of a cat with leukemia
- Myths and Truths about Feline Leukemia
Feline Leukemia is one of the most frequent and severe viral diseases that affect the immune system, especially in younger cats. It is not transmissible to humans, but it is usually transmitted more easily between cats that live with other cats.
To demystify feline leukemia and know how to prevent, recognize and act on your diagnoses, you need to be informed. For this reason, the Animal Expert wrote this article about how long does a cat with feline leukemia live.
How long does a cat with feline leukemia live?
Estimating how long a cat with feline leukemia lives is a complex issue and difficult for even the most experienced veterinarians to pinpoint. We can say that about 25% of cats with feline leukemia die within 1 year of being diagnosed. However, about 75% can survive between 1 and 3 years with the virus active in their bodies.
Many owners are desperate to think that their cats may carry the feline leukemia virus (FeLV or VLFe), but this diagnosis doesn't always imply death! In fact, about 30% of cats infected with FeLV carry the virus in a latent form and do not even develop the disease.
Factors that influence the life expectancy of a cat with leukemia
In general, a sick cat's life expectancy depends on many factors both internal and external to the cat's body. These are some of the factors that influence the life expectancy of a cat with feline leukemia:
- Stage in which the diagnosis is carried out: although it is not a rule, early diagnosis almost always improves the prognosis of feline leukemia and increases the carrier cat's life expectancy. During the early stages of feline leukemia (mainly between stages I and III), the immune system tries to "stop" the action of the FeLV virus. If we start to strengthen the cat's immune system even during these stages (which requires an early diagnosis), the result may delay the effects that the virus has on the bone marrow, which increases the animal's probability of survival.
- Response to treatment: If we are successful in strengthening the diseased cat's immune system and the response to treatment is positive, life expectancy will be longer. For this, certain drugs, holistic treatments and, for example, also Aloe vera for cats with leukemia are used.
- health status and preventive medicine: A cat vaccinated and regularly dewormed, maintains a balanced diet, is physically and mentally stimulated throughout its life, is more likely to have a stronger immune system and respond better to feline leukemia treatment.
- Nutrition: the cat's diet directly influences its quality of life, its state of mind and also its immune system. Cats with leukemia require a diet reinforced in essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that can be found in range rations. premium.
- Environment: Cats that live sedentary routines or that live in negative, stressful or low-stimulating environments can suffer the same harmful effects of stress on their immune system, making them more vulnerable to various pathologies.
- Tutor Commitment: the health and well-being of our pets depend on our commitment. This is crucial when dealing with a sick animal. Even if a cat is very independent throughout its life, it will not be able to treat itself, feed itself properly, strengthen its immune system, or provide itself with a better quality of life. Therefore, the guardian's dedication is essential to improve the life expectancy of cats with leukemia.
Myths and Truths about Feline Leukemia
How much do you know about feline leukemia? As it is a complex disease that, for many years, caused a lot of controversy and disagreement among specialist veterinarians, it is understandable that there are many false ideas about leukemia in cats. In order for you to have a better awareness of this pathology, we invite you to get to know some myths and truths.
- Feline leukemia and blood cancer are synonymous: MYTH!
Feline Leukemia Virus is actually a type of cancer virus that can generate tumors, but not all cats diagnosed with leukemia develop blood cancer. It is important to make clear that feline leukemia is not synonymous with feline AIDS, which is caused by the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
- Cats can get feline leukemia easily: TRUTH!
Unfortunately, cats can contract the Feline Leukemia virus through direct contact with the body fluids of other infected cats. the felv usually lodges in saliva of sick cats, but can also be deposited in urine, blood, milk and feces. Therefore, cats that live in groups are more susceptible to this pathology, as they remain in contact with possibly sick animals.
- Humans can get feline leukemia: MYTH!
As we said, feline leukemia not transmitted to human beings, not even to dogs, birds, turtles and other "non-feline" pets. This pathology is specific to cats, although it may have many similarities in terms of symptomatology and prognosis with leukemia in dogs.
- Feline leukemia has no cure: TRUTH!
Regrettably, a cure for feline leukemia or feline AIDS is not yet known. Therefore, in both cases, the prevention is key to preserve the animal's health and well-being. Currently, we have found a vaccine for feline leukemia, which is around 80% effective and is an excellent preventive measure for cats that have never 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 clinical studies to diagnose possible pathologies.
- A cat diagnosed with feline leukemia quickly dies: MYTH!
As we have already explained to you, the life expectancy of a sick animal depends on different factors, such as the stage at which the pathology is diagnosed, the animal's response to treatment, etc. So not necessarily the answer to the question "how long does a cat with feline leukemia live?" must be negative.
