Feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus cause chronic immune disease in cats. Understanding management options enables welfare-positive outcomes for affected cats.
FIV and FeLV welfare management requires nuanced understanding of disease progression. FIV-positive cats are routinely euthanised at rescue organisations despite potential for good quality life with appropriate management. FeLV has a more serious prognosis but quality of life rather than diagnosis should guide euthanasia decisions. Individual welfare assessment - not diagnostic status alone - should determine outcomes for immunocompromised cats.