What do I do if my new rescued cat tests positive for Feline Leukemia (FeLV)?
A. Feline leukemia (FeLV) is a virus that affects around 4 percent of all cats (feral or domestic). Cats can be tested with a simple in-house kit or the blood can be sent to a lab. If a cat tests positive, it does not necessarily mean a death sentence for the cat. The good news is that the cat can fight off the virus, which is why a second test is vital around 2 to 3 months after the first positive test. The other good news is that a cat can live for many years after testing positive. Usually the younger the cat, the more serious the initial infection is and the less his chances are for survival. So one has several options to consider when a cat tests positive. If you are a cat rescuer, in our opinion, you should vaccinate your own cats for FeLV, to give them added protection in case you bring in a cat with this virus. And brief, casual contact will not put your cats at risk. It has to be prolonged contact, prolonged sharing of litter boxes and food bowls, and mutual grooming.
Related Questions
- What happens to the kittens if a mother cat has tested positive for Feline Aids (FIV) or Feline leukemia (FeLV) and is put to sleep?
- What do I do: My Newly Rescued Cat/Kitten Tests Positive for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)?
- should i put kittens tosleep if their mother tests positive twice for feline leukemia?
