Feline Leukemia
Everything You Need To Know About Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Feline leukemia is most common in young cats who go outdoors. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of feline leukemia , and how to care for an infected cat.
A feline leukemia virus , also known as FeLV, diagnosis used to be a literal death sentence for a cat. Even just 10 years ago, many shelters required euthanasia for all cats that tested positive for it. Now, we know that cats can live with this condition, but there are still many nuances in the understanding and treatment of FeLV.
PDF FeLV Fact SheetCurrent 2025
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 is diagnosed with a quick blood test. Your veterinarian may recommend the test when you first adopt your cat, before vaccinating against the disease, after exposure to the virus (for example, after a cat bite wound), or if your cat is ill. The test may need to be repeated in 30 days if the risk of infection is high.
Feline Leukemia Virus
Many cat owners will have heard about Feline Leukemia , a common disease caused by a feline leukemia virus infection. But many carers may not be clear about what it is, how it can pose a threat to their pet, or what they can do to make sure that their pet is protected.
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).
Feline Leukemia Virus
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 ...
WebMD explains feline leukemia virus (FeLV), including symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and prevention.
Feline Leukemia Virus Disease
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious causes of disease of cats globally. Infection with FeLV can cause a variety of clinical signs, impacting a cat's longevity and quality of life. Vaccination and identification of infected cats is important in preventing disease transmission.
What does FeLV do to a cat? Feline leukemia virus adversely affects the cat's body in many ways. It is the most common cause of cancer in cats, it may cause various blood disorders, and it may lead to a state of immune deficiency that hinders the cat's ability to protect itself against other infections.