Companion Animal Welfare

Cat FeLV Management and Welfare

Feline leukaemia virus causes immunosuppression and malignancy in infected cats, requiring careful management to maximise welfare.

Key Facts

FeLV affects approximately 2-3% of cats in Europe
Infection occurs primarily through prolonged close contact or bite wounds
Persistently infected cats have a median survival of 2-3 years post-diagnosis
Vaccination is highly effective and recommended for all at-risk cats
Infected cats should be kept indoors to prevent transmission and reduce infection exposure

Welfare Considerations

FeLV causes progressive immunosuppression leading to opportunistic infections, anaemia, and lymphoma. Infected cats can live comfortable lives for years with appropriate management, but the disease is ultimately fatal. Welfare-focused management emphasises preventing concurrent infections, monitoring for complications, and ensuring quality of life through regular veterinary care.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate all outdoor cats against FeLV
Test cats for FeLV before introducing to other cats
Manage FeLV-positive cats indoors to extend quality of life