Feline Leukemia Virus in Cats & Kittens
A practical guide to feline leukemia virus in cats & kittens . Dr. T reviews testing, symptoms & how to help your cat stay healthy if they test positive.
FeLV causes more feline deaths than any virus . Dr Duncan Houston explains signs, testing, prevention, and how to care for FeLV+ cats in 2025 🐱🧪
GUIDELINE for Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), a gammaretrovirus of domestic cats , is a member of the Orthoretrovirinae subfamily of retroviruses. It contains a protein core with single-stranded RNA protected by an envelope.
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)
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most important infectious diseases of cats worldwide. Affected cats can develop anemia ( a low red blood cell level), cancers, and /or suppression of the immune system. The disease worsens over time and is usually fatal. The virus can infect domestic and wild cats (such as lions). Widespread testing and vaccination efforts have helped to reduce the ...
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.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline leukemia virus , a retrovirus, is a common infection of cats . It is the cause of more cat deaths, directly or indirectly, than any other organism and is widespread in the cat population.
They are intended for use by veterinary practitioners for quick and easy reference during vaccination consultations or telephone queries. For a number of topics we also have tools, to assist veterinary practitioners in the diagnostic approach, prevention and management of certain infectious diseases in cats .
Summary of Clinical Management of Feline Leukemia Virus
Adapted from the Feline Retrovirus Management Guidelines, American Association of Feline Practitioners, 2020.
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.