Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Alley Cat Allies is committed to providing cat owners, caregivers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, policymakers and anyone who cares for cats with the most up-to-date facts about Feline Leukemia Virus ( FeLV ).
FIV & FeLV : Facts Over Fear Share this story with your friends! Cats can't tell us when something feels wrong, which makes understanding feline diseases like FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) crucial. These two viral infections are often misunderstood, leaving many cat parents reasonably anxious.
FeLV Facts
FeLV stands for "Feline Leukemia Virus". It is a contagious viral disease that weakens and suppresses a cat's immune system, making FeLV positive cats more susceptible to common health issues, such as upper respiratory infections, dental disease, etc. In the United States, approximately 2-3% of the cat population will test positive for Feline Leukemia.
Feline leukemia virus ( FeLV ) is one of the most common and important infectious diseases in cats , affecting between 2-3% of all cats in the United States and Canada. Infection rates are significantly higher (up to 30%) in cats that are ill or otherwise at high risk (see below). Fortunately, the prevalence of FeLV in cats has decreased significantly in the past 25 years since the development of ...
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Symptoms, Vaccine, Treatment
Feline leukemia is a disease that only affects cats -- it cannot be transmitted to people, dogs, or other animals. FeLV is passed from one cat to another through saliva, blood, and to some extent ...
Feline Leukemia Virus ( FeLV ) is retrovirus that suppresses the immune system, making cats more vulnerable to infections, anemia, and certain cancers. Despite the name and stigma, FeLV -positive cats can live happy, fulfilling lives, especially with proper care.
PDF FeLV Handout 2026
It is also important to keep FeLV -positive cats indoors to prevent them from spreading the disease to other cats in the area. FeLV -positive cats are also more susceptible to stress-related illness. Owners should take extra precautions to reduce potential stress during events like remodeling, moving, and other household changes.
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. Specifically, FeLV invades and replicates in cells of the cat's immune system and tissues that create blood cells. How does FeLV harm a cat ?
Feline Leukemia Virus Disease Complex
Feline leukemia virus ( FeLV ) is one of the most important infectious viruses of cats . Learn more about it at vcahospitals.com now.
A nutritionally balanced, complete feline diet appropriate to the cat's life stage is especially important for infected cats . Raw meat and raw dairy products aren't recommended because the risk of food-borne bacterial and parasitic diseases are likely greater to FeLV -infected cats due to their suppressed immune system.