{"id":9010,"date":"2026-11-04T06:48:15","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T06:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/?p=9010"},"modified":"2026-11-04T06:48:33","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T06:48:33","slug":"felv-and-fiv-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/felv-and-fiv-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"FeLV and FIV in Cats: Symptoms, Testing, and Care"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are two viral infections that can affect a cat&#8217;s immune system. FeLV spreads more easily through prolonged close contact with infected cats, while FIV spreads mainly through deep bite wounds, usually sustained during fights. No cure currently eliminates either infection, but some infected cats can remain well for years with appropriate veterinary care. This guide explains the signs, testing, vaccination and long-term care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Are FeLV and FIV Different?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The two viruses behave differently. FeLV can directly cause anaemia and cancer, while FIV mainly weakens the immune system over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Does Each Virus Do, and How Are They Transmitted?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, FeLV spreads through infected saliva and urine, mutual grooming, shared litter trays and food bowls, and bite wounds. Infection usually requires prolonged, repeated exposure. Mother cats can also transmit the virus to their kittens in the womb or through their milk; this is likely the greatest source of infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FIV mainly weakens the immune system over time. The MSD Veterinary Manual notes that it spreads mostly through bites. Outdoor cats, male cats and older cats are more likely to be infected.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Are the Symptoms of FeLV and FIV?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs vary widely, and some infected cats appear healthy for a long time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Early and Advanced Signs Can Occur?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FeLV signs may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pale gums from anaemia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss or poor appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeated or slow-healing infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammation of the gums and mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enlarged lymph nodes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, cats with FIV may develop fever and swollen lymph nodes shortly after infection. These signs usually pass, and the cat may seem healthy for months or years. Over time, infections of the gums, skin, digestive tract or urinary tract may become more common.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Which Symptoms Need Same-Day Care?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact a vet the same day if your cat has difficulty breathing or very pale gums. Refusing food, weakness, or collapse also needs urgent care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Tests Are Used for FeLV and FIV?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both infections can be screened for with blood tests. FeLV screening tests generally detect viral antigens, while FIV tests usually detect antibodies against the virus. Vetic offers blood testing and diagnostic services; confirm with the clinic team that FeLV\/FIV-specific testing is available at your chosen location.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Does Testing Show and When Might Retesting Be Needed?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A common FeLV screening test is a quick blood test that detects FeLV antigen in the blood. FIV testing usually looks for antibodies against the virus. The MSD Veterinary Manual recommends FeLV testing for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All kittens at their first veterinary visit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats before joining a household with other cats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats before their first FeLV vaccination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats who are unwell or may have been exposed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a recent FeLV exposure, repeat testing may be recommended at least 30 days later. FIV testing may also need to be repeated after recent exposure because antibodies can take time to become detectable. Annual testing may be recommended for cats at ongoing risk of exposure, such as those with outdoor access or who live with an infected cat.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Does a FeLV-Positive Result Mean?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A positive FeLV screening result can be worrying, but it may need confirmation because screening tests can occasionally produce false-positive results. Your vet may recommend further tests to confirm the result.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Does a Positive Result Mean for Prognosis and Other Cats?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A positive FeLV screening result does not by itself establish the type or long-term status of infection. FeLV infection can be abortive, regressive or progressive, so your veterinarian may recommend additional or repeat testing. In studies cited by the MSD Veterinary Manual, average survival after FeLV diagnosis was about 2.4 years, but individual outcomes vary, and some cats remain healthy for several years. The disease tends to progress faster in kittens than in adults. The MSD Veterinary Manual advises keeping infected cats indoors to protect their health and reduce spread to other cats.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Are FeLV and FIV Managed Long Term?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no cure for either virus. Treatment focuses on supportive care, early treatment of other illnesses and maintaining quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Supportive Care and Monitoring May Be Needed?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The MSD Veterinary Manual recommends vet visits at least every 6 months for cats with FeLV or FIV. Supportive care may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prompt treatment of any infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A complete and balanced diet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular parasite control<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A calm, low-stress home<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neutering, as advised by your vet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your vet may also recommend vaccinations against other diseases. Have a Vetic vet assess any signs of illness promptly, as early treatment may help.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Should Your Cat Get the FeLV Vaccine?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FeLV vaccination is recommended for kittens and cats younger than 1 year, while vaccination for adult cats depends on their individual exposure risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Which Cats May Benefit and What Are the Vaccine Limitations?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The MSD Veterinary Manual cites 2020 AAHA\/AAFP guidelines that classify FeLV vaccination as core for cats under 1 year and non-core for low-risk adult cats. Testing is advised before the first dose, as vaccination does not protect a cat that is already infected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An FIV vaccine is not routinely available in India. Contact your nearest Vetic clinic to ask whether the FeLV vaccine is available and to discuss whether it is appropriate for your cat.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Are Some Common Misconceptions About FeLV and FIV?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A positive FeLV test does not always mean a cat will become ill quickly. Both infections can have different courses, and some cats remain well for years with appropriate care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Can People or Other Species Catch These Viruses?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, FeLV does not spread to people, and FIV is not known to infect humans. Both viruses mainly affect domestic and wild cats.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Can an FIV-Positive Cat Live with Other Cats?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, in some households. FIV spreads mainly through deep bite wounds, so cats that live peacefully together without fighting have a low risk of transmission. However, the risk is not zero. Have all cats tested, introduce cats carefully, and consult your veterinarian about whether they can safely share a home.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A FeLV or FIV diagnosis can feel overwhelming. However, many cats continue to enjoy a good quality of life with regular care. Testing, vaccination where appropriate and routine check-ups are important steps. To discuss testing or ongoing care, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">book a consultation at your nearest Vetic clinic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>FAQs<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>How Long Can Cats with FIV and FeLV Live?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many cats with FeLV or FIV can live well for years with appropriate veterinary care and monitoring. According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, the average survival after an FeLV diagnosis is about 2.4 years, although individual outcomes vary. Many cats with FIV remain healthy for months or years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Are the Final Stages of Feline Leukaemia?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In advanced stages, a cat may have worsening anaemia, repeated infections, weight loss or cancer. Your vet will help you monitor comfort and discuss quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How Did My Indoor Cat Get Feline Leukaemia?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some cats are infected as kittens, often from their mother, before joining a home. Contact with an infected cat may also be a source.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Is Feline Leukaemia Curable in Cats?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No cure is currently available for FeLV infection, but supportive care can help infected cats maintain a good quality of life. Some FeLV-positive cats stay well for a long time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Is It Safe for a Cat with FeLV to Live with Other Cats?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FeLV can spread between cats through prolonged close contact, including mutual grooming and sharing food or litter areas. FIV is transmitted primarily through bite wounds, so the risk from peaceful cohabitation is different. Your veterinarian can advise on testing, vaccination and household management based on the cats&#8217; individual circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Is the Feline Leukaemia Vaccine Worth It?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2020 AAHA\/AAFP guidelines classify FeLV vaccination as a core vaccine for kittens and cats younger than 1 year. For adult cats, vaccination is based on individual exposure risk, such as contact with FeLV-positive or unknown-status cats or outdoor access. Test cats for FeLV antigen before vaccination.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>References<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Levy, J. K., &amp; Burling, A. (2018, updated 2024, September). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. MSD Veterinary Manual. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/cat-owners\/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-cats\/feline-leukemia-virus-felv\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/cat-owners\/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-cats\/feline-leukemia-virus-felv<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tizard, I. R. (2018, updated 2024, September). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. MSD Veterinary Manual. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/cat-owners\/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-cats\/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/cat-owners\/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-cats\/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are two viral infections that can affect a cat&#8217;s immune system. FeLV spreads more easily through prolonged close contact with infected&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":9011,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9010","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet-health"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO 5.0.4 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how feline leukemia (FeLV) and FIV spread, the symptoms to watch for, how testing works, and how to care for an infected cat long term.\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Dr. Abhishek Choudhary, BVSc &amp; AH\"\/>\n\t<meta name=\"keywords\" content=\"pet health and treatment\" \/>\n\t<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/felv-and-fiv-in-cats\/\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"generator\" content=\"All in One SEO (AIOSEO) 5.0.4\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Vetic | Your Love, Our Care\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"FeLV and FIV in Cats: Symptoms, Spread, Long-Term Care | Vetic\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how feline leukemia (FeLV) and FIV spread, the symptoms to watch for, how testing works, and how to care for an infected cat long term.\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/felv-and-fiv-in-cats\/\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Vetic-PNGBlue.png\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:image:secure_url\" content=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Vetic-PNGBlue.png\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"67\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"67\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-11-04T06:48:15+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-11-04T06:48:33+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/vetic.in\/\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"FeLV and FIV in Cats: Symptoms, Spread, Long-Term Care | Vetic\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Learn how feline leukemia (FeLV) and FIV spread, the symptoms to watch for, how testing works, and how to care for an infected cat long term.\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Vetic-PNGBlue.png\" \/>\n\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"aioseo-schema\">\n\t\t\t{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/vetic.in\\\/blog\\\/pet-health\\\/felv-and-fiv-in-cats\\\/#blogposting\",\"name\":\"FeLV and FIV in Cats: Symptoms, Spread, Long-Term Care | Vetic\",\"headline\":\"FeLV and FIV in Cats: Symptoms, Testing, and Care\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/vetic.in\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/dr-abhishek-choudhary\\\/#author\"},\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/vetic.in\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/vetic.in\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/11\\\/FeLV-and-FIV-in-Cats_-Symptoms-Transmission-and-Long-Term-Care.png\",\"width\":1890,\"height\":1063,\"caption\":\"What is FeLV and FIV in Cats? 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