Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a serious retroviral infection in cats that affects immune function and cancer risk. Vaccination, testing, and careful management protect both infected cats and others.
FeLV-positive cats face a complex welfare journey shaped by immune vulnerability and unpredictable disease progression. While many cats live comfortably for years, they are susceptible to secondary infections that can cause significant suffering. The welfare challenge for owners is balancing quality-of-life preservation with appropriate medical intervention as disease progresses. FeLV-positive cats in shelters face difficult outcomes — adoption rates are lower, and euthanasia pressure is higher despite many having good near-term prognoses. Dedicated FeLV-positive cat sanctuaries and foster networks provide important alternatives. Regular veterinary monitoring, indoor-only status, and prompt treatment of secondary infections significantly extend comfortable lifespans.