Can my unvaccinated cat catch feline leukemia from new kittens?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on May 14th, 2017

  Vaccination will not cause a cat to be contagious and spread the virus to other cats. The virus is shed in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk of infected cats. Cat-to-cat transfer of the virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and (rarely) through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. FeLV does not survive long outside a cat's body – probably less than a few hours under normal household conditions.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 11th, 2019

  The Feline Leukemia virus is shed in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk of infected cats. Cat-to-cat transfer of the virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and (rarely) through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. FeLV does not survive long outside a cat's body so, while it is possible for your cat to get FeLV in the instance you described, it is not likely. Cats at greatest risk of FeLV infection are those that have had prolonged close contact or through bite wounds of other cats.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful