Companion Animals

Cat Feline Leukaemia Virus Prevention

Feline leukaemia virus causes immunosuppression and cancer, with vaccination and testing providing effective prevention in at-risk cats.

Key Facts

FeLV is a retrovirus spread through saliva, blood, and milk between cats
Outdoor cats, those in multi-cat households, and cats with unknown histories are highest risk
Vaccination is effective and recommended for cats with outdoor access or exposure risk
FeLV-positive cats can live for years with appropriate supportive care
FeLV testing before introducing new cats protects existing household cats

Welfare Considerations

FeLV infection causes progressive immunosuppression, secondary infection, and lymphoma. Affected cats experience prolonged welfare decline over months to years. Prevention through vaccination and testing is straightforward and inexpensive compared to the welfare cost of infection. All new cats should be tested before entering existing households.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate cats with outdoor access or social exposure against FeLV
Test all new cats for FeLV before introducing them to existing cats
Provide supportive care and quality of life focus for FeLV-positive cats