Feline malignant lymphoma: Environmental factors and the occurrence of this viral cancer in cats

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Abstract
Environmental data collected on 221 feline malignant lymphoma cases and age‐, sex‐ and breed‐matched controls were analyzed to find evidence which could prove or disprove a hypothesis of horizontal transmission of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) between cats. The variables studied were divided into three groups: (1) association with other cats; (2) neutering and reproductive experience; and (3) diet, including predatory activities. The analyzed data did not support horizontal transmission of infectious FeLV from cat to cat and the consequential development of malignant lymphoma. Significant differences could not be found for association of case animals with other cats, either within or outside of the household. Secondly, there was no evidence of excess mature non‐neutered cats, particularly males, in the case group. The courtship habits and territorial fights of entire males would dictate that excess of such animals should be present in the case group if horizontal transmission of infectious FeLV occurred. No evidence was found to support the hypothesis that diet, particularly predatory activities, may in some way affect risk. Various hypotheses concerning the pathogenesis of this disease in cats are discussed.