FeLV-positive cats can live comfortable lives for years with appropriate management focused on minimizing secondary infection risk.
FeLV-positive cats are often treated as if terminally ill from diagnosis, when many will have years of good quality life ahead. The welfare harm of premature euthanasia is real. With appropriate management, FeLV-positive cats enjoy normal cat behaviors, social bonds, and physical comfort for extended periods. Welfare requires balancing vigilant health monitoring to detect problems early against allowing cats to live normally without excessive restriction or medical intervention.