One of the most common diagnoses in cats is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), a virus that attacks a cat’s immune system, with an estimated 2-3% of cats affected in the United States. Adopting a FeLV-positive cat can seem intimidating at first, but many cats with the virus can live normal, happy lives with proper care and plenty of love!
At Operation Kindness, we want to help bust frequent myths and misconceptions about FeLV to encourage you to adopt a cuddly, FeLV warrior.
FeLV is a Form of Cancer
Due to the word ‘leukemia’ in the virus’s name, there is an incorrect assumption that FeLV is a form of cancer. FeLV is not cancer, it is a virus that weakens the immune system of a cat, which makes them more vulnerable to getting sick.
FeLV Cats are Hard to Care For
FeLV-positive cats are just like any other cat — they are playful, affectionate and curious. With a healthy diet, regular vet check-ups and annual vaccinations and preventative treatments, you can prevent your furry friend from catching infections and illnesses that can potentially harm their weakened immune system.
FeLV Cats Need to Be the Only Pet in a Household
Cats who test positive for FeLV don’t necessarily have to be the only pet in your household. Feline leukemia is species-specific so other animals — such as dogs, birds and rabbits —cannot contract the virus. While it’s recommended to avoid housing FeLV-positive cats with those who aren’t infected, they can live safely with other FeLV-positive cats.
Adopt a FeLV-Positive Cat for Free
To help our FeLV-positive cats find loving homes, we have waived adoption fees for all cats who test positive for the virus, making them completely free to take home. To learn more about FeLV and which cats at our shelter are FeLV-positive, contact our team at clientservices@operationkindness.org.
