Feline leukemia virus is a leading cause of death in young cats, but effective vaccination and testing protocols can prevent infection in most cats while enabling FeLV-positive cats to live with appropriate management.
FeLV represents a preventable welfare crisis in young cats - a leading cause of early death and chronic illness that effective vaccination largely prevents. Unvaccinated outdoor cats are at high risk in areas with stray and feral cat populations where FeLV prevalence can be substantial. FeLV-positive cats face a welfare paradox similar to FIV: early diagnosis and appropriate management extends quality life, but misinformation leads to unnecessary euthanasia. Testing before introducing new cats into households protects existing cats from a preventable welfare burden.