Feline Leukaemia Virus: Prevention, Management and Welfare

FeLV is a serious retroviral infection in cats causing immune suppression and cancer, with vaccination and management strategies preventing most transmission.

Key Facts

FeLV affects approximately 2-3% of outdoor cats globally
The virus is transmitted through saliva primarily via mutual grooming and shared food bowls
Progressive FeLV infection causes immune suppression, anaemia and lymphoma
Vaccination is highly effective at preventing FeLV infection in exposed cats
FeLV-positive cats can live comfortable lives for months to years with appropriate management

Welfare Considerations

FeLV welfare impacts progress gradually as immune function declines. Infected cats become susceptible to infections that healthy immune systems would clear, leading to recurrent illness with cumulative welfare burden. End-stage FeLV disease with lymphoma or severe anaemia causes significant suffering requiring palliative management. Prevention through vaccination and keeping cats with outdoor access away from infected individuals prevents transmission. FeLV-positive cats deserve appropriate palliative care rather than premature euthanasia when their quality of life remains good.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate cats with outdoor access against FeLV annually
Test new cats for FeLV before introducing them to resident cats
Provide appropriate veterinary management for FeLV-positive cats monitoring quality of life
Support accurate public information about FeLV to prevent unnecessary euthanasia of positive cats