Managing FeLV costs $500-$3,000 yearly - no cure exists. This retrovirus attacks the immune system, causing infections, anemia, and cancer. It spreads through saliva, nasal secretions, and shared bowls. An effective vaccine exists, but once persistently infected, the virus stays for life.
A retrovirus that integrates into DNA and suppresses immunity. Spreads through grooming, shared bowls, bite wounds, and mother-to-kitten transmission. Not all exposed cats become persistently infected. Affects 2-3% of US cats
Weight loss, poor appetite, recurring respiratory/skin/bladder infections. Pale gums, swollen lymph nodes, chronic diarrhea, fever, mouth sores. Lymphoma and cancers in later stages. Many cats show no symptoms for years
SNAP test ($30-$60) detects FeLV antigen in 10 minutes. Confirm positive results with IFA ($50-$80) or PCR ($80-$150). Test new cats before introduction. Retest 30-60 days post-exposure. Average $50-$100
No cure exists. Manage secondary conditions: antibiotics ($30-$80/episode), interferon ($50-$150/month), blood transfusions ($300-$800), lymphoma treatment ($2,000-$6,000), twice-yearly vet checks. $500-$3,000/year
Varies enormously based on complications. Healthy FeLV cats cost less; those with frequent infections or cancer cost much more. $500-$3,000 annually.
Any breed is susceptible. Outdoor cats, strays, and cats in multi-cat environments face highest exposure risk.
Some FeLV cats live several years with good care. Others develop fatal complications within months. Average survival after diagnosis is 2-3 years.
FeLV vaccine is highly effective. Keep cats indoors. Test all new cats before introduction. Vaccine + indoor lifestyle is the best defense.
02/04
Varies enormously based on complications.
Most policies cover FeLV diagnosis and related illnesses after enrollment. A standard 14-day waiting period applies. Secondary infections, anemia, and cancer triggered by FeLV are covered.
Pre-enrollment FeLV-positive tests - even shelter SNAP results - mean the virus and all related conditions are permanently excluded. Secondary infections, anemia, and lymphoma are all denied.
FeLV management costs $500-$3,000/year - far exceeding deductibles. Cancer adds $2,000-$6,000+. A single anemia hospitalization can justify years of premiums.
Insurers may link any illness back to FeLV as the root cause. Respiratory infections, cancers, and anemia are all attributed to immune suppression - even unrelated conditions get denied.
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