Companion Animal Welfare

Cat FeLV Management and Welfare

Feline leukaemia virus requires careful management to protect infected cats and prevent transmission to others.

Key Facts

FeLV is transmitted through prolonged close contact, saliva and shared food bowls
Around 2-3% of UK cats are FeLV positive
Progressively infected cats have median survival of 2.5 years from diagnosis
Vaccination is effective and recommended for cats with outdoor or multi-cat exposure
FeLV-positive cats should be kept indoors to prevent transmission and reduce stress

Welfare Considerations

FeLV-positive cats can live with good quality of life for extended periods with appropriate management. Keeping them safely indoors, managing stress and addressing secondary infections promptly significantly extends healthy life.

What You Can Do

Test cats for FeLV before introducing them to multi-cat households
Vaccinate cats at risk of FeLV exposure as part of routine preventive care
If your cat is FeLV-positive, seek specialist advice on indoor management and quality of life optimisation