Feline Leukemia: What You Can Do to Protect Your Cat

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats, and for many pet owners, a diagnosis can feel overwhelming. While FeLV is not curable, it is important to know that it is manageable. With the right care, cats living with FeLV can still enjoy happy, comfortable lives.

What Is FeLV?

FeLV is a virus that affects a cat’s immune system, making it harder for them to fight off infections and illness. It spreads most often through close contact, such as grooming, sharing food and water bowls, or bites, between infected cats and healthy cats.

Prevention Is Powerful

The best protection against FeLV is prevention. Fortunately, there is a safe and effective vaccine available. The FeLV vaccine is recommended for:

• Kittens, since they are the most vulnerable to infection.

• Cats that spend time outdoors, where contact with other cats is more likely.

• Cats in multi-cat households, particularly if new cats are introduced.

Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection, though it is not 100% effective. For this reason, keeping cats indoors and testing new cats before introducing them to your household are also key steps in prevention.

Managing the Diagnosis

A diagnosis of FeLV does not mean your cat cannot thrive. Many FeLV-positive cats live for years with good quality of life when provided with:

• Regular veterinary checkups to monitor overall health.

• Preventive care, including parasite control and timely treatment for secondary infections.

• A stress-free indoor lifestyle, which reduces exposure to other illnesses.

• Good nutrition and a loving home environment, both of which help strengthen the immune system.

Protecting Other Cats

One of the most important things to remember is that cats with FeLV will remain contagious for life. FeLV cats should live exclusively indoors. Taking appropriate precautions under the guidance of a veterinarian is important if FeLV-positive cats will live in the same household as uninfected cats.

Hope and Compassion

While FeLV is not a disease we can cure, it is a condition we can manage with compassion, care, and vigilance. Every FeLV-positive cat deserves love, comfort, and the chance to live their life to the fullest. With support from veterinarians and families, these cats can continue to bring joy and companionship for years.

This article was partially generated with assistance from Microsoft CoPilot and reviewed by Mission Animal Hospital Director.