Feline Leukemia Virus (FLV) is a retrovirus that suppresses cat's immune system. The virus is transmitted two ways: a) in kittens - through placenta of FLV positive cat, b) in kittens or adults - through contact with other cats in the household or outdoors cats.
With persistent FLV infection, cats become more prone to secondary infections and even some types of cancer. Secondary diseases may include Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), anemia, viral respiratory disease, cancer (lymphosarcoma and leukemia), chronic Cystitis (inflammation of cat's bladder), gum disease, and secondary bacterial and viral infections.
When a FLV-infected cat has a chronic Cystitis, it may have the following symptoms:
Difficulty urinating
Straining to urinate
Blood in urine
Frequent trips to the litter box
Failure to use litter box and urinating in unusual places
Crying when urinating or licking genital area excessively
Occasional licking urine
KittyCheck™ 1
To find out more about Feline Leukemia Virus, click on the link below:
www.jps.net/safepass/felv.htm www.backinsf.com/lindamarvet/felv.html