FeLV is a serious feline viral disease that, like FIV, is frequently misunderstood. With appropriate management, many FeLV-positive cats can enjoy good quality of life.
FeLV-positive cats, like FIV-positive cats, face welfare injustice from shelters that euthanize based on diagnosis rather than individual health status. A recently diagnosed FeLV-positive cat that is currently healthy may have years of good quality life ahead, particularly if kept in an indoor-only environment that reduces secondary infection exposure and transmission risk. Management focuses on maximizing immune function through good nutrition, stress reduction, prompt treatment of secondary infections, and regular veterinary monitoring. FeLV vaccination is a highly effective prevention strategy for at-risk cats — its widespread adoption would significantly reduce the prevalence of this disease. Adoption advocacy for FeLV-positive cats parallels that for FIV-positive cats: the diagnosis should inform management, not automatically determine euthanasia.