How does a cat die from leukemia? - briefly
A cat with leukemia often succumbs to the disease due to severe anemia, immune suppression leading to secondary infections, or the development of cancerous tumors caused by the virus.
How does a cat die from leukemia? - in detail
Feline leukemia, caused by the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), is a progressive and often fatal disease that affects a cat’s immune system and overall health. The virus primarily spreads through saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk from infected cats. Once the virus enters the body, it targets the bone marrow, where it replicates and disrupts the production of healthy blood cells. This leads to a weakened immune system, making the cat highly susceptible to secondary infections, anemia, and other complications. As the disease progresses, the virus can cause the development of cancerous conditions, such as lymphoma or leukemia, where abnormal white blood cells proliferate uncontrollably. These cancerous cells infiltrate various organs, including the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, impairing their function. Additionally, the virus can suppress the production of red blood cells, leading to severe anemia, which further compromises the cat’s ability to transport oxygen throughout the body. Over time, the cumulative effects of organ failure, chronic infections, and anemia lead to a decline in the cat’s overall health. Symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, fever, and loss of appetite become more pronounced. In the final stages, the cat’s body is unable to sustain vital functions, resulting in death. The progression and outcome of feline leukemia depend on factors such as the cat’s age, overall health, and the strain of the virus, but in most cases, the disease is ultimately fatal without effective intervention.