Companion Animal Welfare

Cat FeLV Prevention and Management

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) causes serious progressive disease but is preventable through vaccination and management of exposure risk.

Key Facts

FeLV is transmitted through prolonged contact with infected cats including grooming and shared equipment
Infection causes immunosuppression, anemia, and cancer that significantly reduce lifespan
Vaccination is highly effective and recommended for cats with outdoor access or multi-cat exposure
Testing before introducing new cats prevents inadvertent FeLV introduction to a household
Infected cats can live for years with supportive care but have substantially reduced prognosis

Welfare Considerations

FeLV causes progressive suffering through immune failure and cancer. Prevention through vaccination and testing of new cats before introduction is the most welfare-positive approach - protecting cats from a disease that causes extended illness and premature death.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate outdoor cats and those in multi-cat households against FeLV
Test all new cats before introducing them to resident cats
Discuss supportive care options and quality of life management with your vet for FeLV-positive cats