FeLV management in shelters requires testing protocols and informed housing decisions to protect vulnerable cats while avoiding unnecessary euthanasia of FeLV-positive animals.
The evolution of shelter FeLV management from routine euthanasia to evidence-based adoption represents a major welfare advance for FeLV-positive cats. Previously, a positive FeLV test was equivalent to a death sentence in shelter settings, regardless of the cat's actual health status or prognosis. Modern understanding that progressively infected cats can live comfortable lives for months to years supports adoption into appropriate homes as a welfare-positive alternative to euthanasia. The welfare case for thoughtful FeLV shelter management includes both the direct benefit to FeLV-positive cats who receive homes and the indirect benefit of shelter resources freed from unnecessary euthanasia. Stress reduction in shelters reduces disease progression in FeLV-positive cats, improving both individual welfare and adoption potential.