Companion Animal Welfare

FIV and FeLV in Cats: Welfare and Management

Feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus cause significant welfare harm and are preventable through vaccination and management.

Key Facts

FIV transmission occurs primarily through bite wounds making outdoor unneutered cats highest risk
FeLV is transmitted through social contact including mutual grooming and shared food bowls
FeLV vaccination is available and effective while FIV has no commercial vaccine in most countries
FIV positive cats can live normal lifespans with appropriate management and veterinary care
Testing cats before introducing them to a household protects existing cats from infection

Welfare Considerations

FIV and FeLV cause significant welfare harm through immunosuppression that allows opportunistic infections and neoplasia. Prevention through neutering to reduce fighting, keeping cats indoors in high-risk areas, FeLV vaccination, and testing before introduction to multi-cat households prevents most transmission. Cats diagnosed with FIV or FeLV can still have good welfare with appropriate management and veterinary support.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate cats against FeLV before outdoor access
Test cats for FIV and FeLV before introducing them to multi-cat households
Neuter cats to reduce fighting behavior and associated FIV transmission risk
Support research into FIV vaccination development