PDF PLCA0139
FELINE LEUKEMIA IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CAUSES OF ILLNESS AND DEATH AMONG CATS.1 Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)-infected cats are 62x more likely to develop lymphoma than noninfected cats and can contribute to other infectious diseases or anemia by suppressing the immune system and bone marrow production.1
Which cats should be tested? • All cats—at least once • All kittens • Any new cat brought into a household with other cats • Sick cats • Cats with signs of FeLV-associated disorders, such as cancer, anemia, and immune disease • Cats exposed to FeLV
Feline Leukemia Virus Brochure
Ideally, infected and non-infected cats should then be separated to eliminate the potential for FeLV transmission. This brochure was prepared by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is not transmissible to humans or any animal except other cats . FeLV weakens the cat's immune system. FeLV-positive cats typically have more difficulty fighting off disease and infections than FeLV-negative cats . According to research, 83% of FeLV-positive cats do not live beyond 4 years after diagnosis. The other 17% are considered carriers, where the disease lies ...
PDF Feline Leukemia Virus
Feline Leukemia Virus What Is the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)? First discovered in the 1960s, feline leukemia virus is a transmittable RNA retrovirus that can severely inhibit a cat's immune system. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of disease and death in domestic cats .
Feline leukemia virus infects cats world-wide. FeLV can suppress the immune system, decreasing the ability of a cat to fight infections. The virus can also cause several types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma. In the United States, about 2%-3% of all cats are infected with FeLV. The viral infection is diagnosed by a blood test performed at a veterinary clinic. How do cats get this virus ?
PDF FeLV Fact SheetCurrent 2025
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Fact Sheet What is Feline Leukemia Virus ? Feline leukemia virus , also known as "FeLV," is a contagious retrovirus that only infects cats . With progression of infection, it is known to cause a variety of diseases.
Updates in the diagnosis and management of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) Not all feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infected cats are the same. There are different stages of infection, different outcomes, and different disease manifestations. Some infected cats will go on to live a nearly normal lifespan while others may die within months to a few years.
PDF DISEASE INFORMATION FACT SHEET
Feline leukemia virus This Disease Information Fact Sheet accompanies the 2013 AAFP Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel Report published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2013), Volume 15, pp 785-808.
FACT SHEET What is feline leukaemia virus infection? Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection can cause anaemia, immunosuppression, lymphoma and/or other conditions. It affects cats worldwide. The prevalence of infection in Europe varies; it is low in the North (≤1%), but higher in Southern countries, exceeding 20% in specific areas.