How to Care for a Cat with FeLV

FeLV is the feline leukemia virus, which is a contagious disease in cats that suppresses the immune response. It affects between 2 and 3 percent of all cats in the United States. Kittens, older cats and cats that are already ill are at higher risks of infection. Cats with the disease cannot fight of otherwise harmless infections, and many die within three years of diagnosis. With proper care, you can ensure your infected cat lives a full life for as long as possible.

Instructions

    • 1

      Have the infected cat spayed or neutered.

    • 2

      Keep the cat indoors and separate it from other indoor cats to prevent the infection from spreading. Outdoor cats risk getting infected with pathogens from other animals.

    • 3

      Feed your cat a well-balanced cat food. Consult your veterinarian for specific brand recommendations. Do not feed the cat a raw-food diet. Parasites and other pathogens in the raw food may cause an infection in cats with suppressed immune systems.

    • 4

      Take your cat to the veterinarian for a routine checkup every six months. Request that the vet pay special attention to the cat's gums, lymph nodes and skin. These are areas that can easily become inflamed and show signs of infection quickly.