| Feline leukemia virus | |
|---|---|
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| Electron micrograph of Feline leukemia virus | |
Virus classification 
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| (unranked): | Virus |
| Realm: | Riboviria |
| Kingdom: | Pararnavirae |
| Phylum: | Artverviricota |
| Class: | Revtraviricetes |
| Order: | Ortervirales |
| Family: | Retroviridae |
| Genus: | Gammaretrovirus |
| Species: | Feline leukemia virus
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that infects cats. FeLV can be transmitted from infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved. If not defeated by the animal's immune system, the virus weakens the cat's immune system, which can lead to diseases which can be lethal. Because FeLV is cat-to-cat contagious, FeLV+ cats should only live with other FeLV+ cats.
FeLV is categorized into four subgroups, A, B, C and T. An infected cat has a combination of FeLV-A and one or more of the other subgroups.[2][3] Symptoms, prognosis and treatment are all affected by subgroup.[2]
FeLV+ cats often have a shorter lifespan, but can still live "normal", healthy lives.[4]
- ^ "ICTV Taxonomy history: Feline leukemia virus". International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). Retrieved January 8, 2019.
- ^ a b "Feline Leukemia Virus and Related Diseases in Cats - Overview - Generalized Conditions - Merck Veterinary Manual". Merck Veterinary Manual. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
- ^ "Feline leukemia virus inhibits thiamine uptake, with pathological consequences". Fred Hutch. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
- ^ "Feline Leukemia FAQs". Austin Pets Alive!.