Companion Animal Welfare

Cat FeLV Prevention and Management Advanced

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) remains a significant welfare concern in multi-cat environments - prevention through vaccination and testing is effective.

Key Facts

FeLV is transmitted through close social contact (mutual grooming, shared food bowls)
Testing all new cats before introduction to multi-cat households prevents spread
Core FeLV vaccination provides strong protection in cats at risk of exposure
Persistently infected cats can live comfortable lives for 2-3 years with management
Regressive infection (viral integration without active disease) is not a welfare concern

Welfare Considerations

FeLV causes real suffering through immunosuppression and secondary disease. Prevention through vaccination and testing is straightforward and effective. Appropriate management of FeLV-positive cats can maintain good quality of life for the duration of their infection.

What You Can Do

Test all cats for FeLV before introducing them to other cats
Vaccinate cats at risk of exposure as part of core vaccination protocol
Seek specialist advice on managing FeLV-positive cats in multi-cat households