Companion Animals

Cat FeLV Prevention and Management

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) causes immune suppression and cancer in cats, but vaccination and testing prevent spread in multi-cat environments.

Key Facts

FeLV is spread primarily through close contact including mutual grooming and shared food bowls
Approximately 1-2% of UK cats are FeLV-positive, with higher rates in multi-cat households
Effective vaccines protect against infection and are recommended for cats with outdoor access
FeLV-positive cats can live comfortably for years with supportive care and infection control
Testing all cats before introducing them to a multi-cat household prevents transmission

Welfare Considerations

FeLV causes progressive immune failure and significant suffering in affected cats. Prevention through vaccination and testing is simple, effective and cost-efficient.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate cats with outdoor access against FeLV following veterinary advice
Test any new cat for FeLV before introducing them to existing cats
Monitor FeLV-positive cats carefully for secondary infections and anaemia