Public Service Post. There are still many old school vets that do think a cat should be euthanized after testing positive but it’s important to do your own research.
Feline Leukemia virus, or FeLV, is one of the most common cat-specific diseases in the U.S. Unfortunately, it remains poorly understood by humans, and many still believe it to be a death sentence. Because of this, cats and kittens who test positive for the virus are often needlessly euthanized in shelters and veterinary offices. Here’s some great news: Feline Leukemia is not a death sentence! With proper supportive care, FeLV-positive cats and kittens can live healthily and happily for many years. FCS has placed several FeLV-positive cats and kittens into loving foster and adoptive homes to fantastic results. Learn about some of those cats (and the humans who love them) in our latest blog post. – Catfe Lounge
Our home is mixed positive and negative FeLV (and some FIV too!) and I have zero regrets here. We love these cats and they can and do often live many healthy years. So much fear over this disease but thankfully new research is proving it’s manageable! – Emily
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Some ‘old school’ vets are still very quick to recommend euthanizing and it’s so important for people to do their own research. – 4paws1heart
I’m a conservative FeLV cat mom. My 4 yr old tested positive (much to my surprise, shock, 3-negative tests as a baby) and was suffering IMA as a result. We managed to get her into remission, with Darbopoetin injections, Doxy and prednisolone. She was an AMAZING participant in her care, taking 2-4 pills twice daily for the 38 months we were blessed to have her post-diagnosis. FeLV is trick. I’m also a firm believer that if a cat CHOOSES to hate treatment it is our responsibility to respect that choice and not force it. FIV though…. Not once will I euthanize. Incidentally, she was the baby of my 5 cats- none of my other kitties tested positive to this day and they ALL bathed her daily, shared food and litter spaces and were NOT vaccinated for FeLV (which I will always do from here until eternity.) – Annette
