Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a contagious virus that affects a cat’s immune system, making it more difficult to fight infections and increasing the risk of certain cancers and blood disorders. The virus is spread primarily through close contact with infected cats, including mutual grooming, sharing food and water bowls, and bite wounds. Because infected cats may appear healthy for months or even years, they can unknowingly spread the virus to others.
While every kitten is recommended to receive an initial FeLV vaccine series, continued vaccination for adult cats is based on lifestyle and risk of exposure. At Pet Wellness Veterinary Center, we follow current American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommendations to help determine whether ongoing FeLV vaccination is appropriate for your cat.
Which Cats Benefit Most?
Our veterinarian may recommend continued FeLV vaccination for cats that:
- Spend time outdoors
- Live with FeLV-positive cats
- Frequently foster or adopt new cats
- Live in multi-cat households with unknown FeLV status
- May accidentally escape outdoors
- Have regular contact with cats whose FeLV status is unknown
Kittens are especially susceptible to infection, which is why an initial vaccine series is recommended for nearly all kittens.
Frequently Asked Questions
- My cat stays indoors. Do they still need the FeLV vaccine? All kittens are recommended to receive the initial FeLV vaccine series because they are more susceptible to infection. For adult cats, ongoing vaccination depends on their lifestyle and risk of exposure.
- Can FeLV be cured? Unfortunately, no. While supportive care can help manage the disease, there is currently no cure for FeLV. That’s why prevention through testing and vaccination is so important.
- Should my cat be tested before receiving the FeLV vaccine? Yes. FeLV testing is recommended before vaccination if your cat’s FeLV status is unknown.