Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Treatment

Zakk Beat
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

What is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)?

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a contagious virus that spreads between cats through close contact—mainly through saliva when cats groom each other, share food bowls, or play together.

Once contracted, the virus weakens your cat’s immune system, making it harder for their body to fight off infections and illnesses. FeLV is a serious condition that can shorten a cat’s life, but with proper care and monitoring, infected cats can still enjoy quality time with their families.

Key Things to Know About FeLV

What it does: FeLV weakens your cat’s immune system, making them vulnerable to infections and other illnesses.
How it spreads: Primarily through saliva—when cats groom each other, share bowls, or through bite wounds.
Warning signs: Watch for lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss, fever, and recurring infections. Some cats show no symptoms at first, making testing important.
Treatment & prevention: There’s no cure, but a vaccine can protect healthy cats. Keep infected cats separate from healthy ones.
Life expectancy: Every cat is different. While many face challenges within 2-3 years, some cats can live much longer with proper care.
Testing: A simple blood test diagnoses FeLV. Test kittens before vaccinating and retest to confirm results.
Who’s at risk: Outdoor cats, strays, and those in multi-cat households face higher risk. Indoor-only cats are generally safe.
Protecting your cats: Test new cats before bringing them home, vaccinate healthy cats, and limit exposure to unknown cats.

Zakk at Adoption & 1 Year Later

Zakk’s Story

We went to a shelter to adopt a dog, but there were no dogs available. We decided to look at the cats, but none of them seemed very interested in me until I was leaving. There was a closed room with a glass door. Inside was a white cat all by himself, facing away from the door.

He peaked my curiosity. Why was he in there all alone?

They said he was 3 years old, and he tested positive for the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). I was told he would probably only live another year or so. I asked to meet him. The shelter employee said I could meet him, but then I would need to leave the building immediately after exiting the room.

That was the last day Zakk would spend in a room in isolation. We adopted him and took him home that day.

He was a very sweet cat, and he immediately showed me affection.

We could see the toll feline leukemia virus (FeLV) had taken on him. He was unhealthy, had little fur, and had about 10 coughing fits a day, as well as being unable to meow.

They said he would have a hard time getting his fur back, and the meow most likely would never come back based on his health.

Zakk Before Picture

Zakk’s Diet

I began doing research online and found information about what a healthy cat diet is supposed to be—and it was not your typical store-bought cat food. I learned about species appropriate diets and how mimicking what a cat would eat in the wild is a healthy option.

I decided I would make his cat food, which is mostly a raw diet, and occasionally he got healthy treats. Feeding Zakk a healthy diet ending up being a life changing experience for him.

Vet Results

When I adopted Zakk, the veterinarians gave him a grim prognosis. They didn’t expect him to live very long given his poor health condition. Even a close relative of mine, who is a veterinarian, agreed with their assessment.

After following a consistent healthy diet, tests for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) were run again. I actually brought Zakk to 2 different veterinarians for these tests. Both vets showed Zakk was negative for feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

Years later, Zakk is thriving and a very healthy and happy cat. The vets are astonished at his remarkable recovery. I continue to feed him the same diet.

Zakk After Picture

This picture was taken about a year after we adopted Zakk. The difference with this guy has been amazing.

He meows all the time, his fur is incredible, and no more coughing fits at all.

I still can’t believe nobody wanted this cat! Every day for almost 2 months, he got passed on by tons of people at a huge shelter that sent out 30 cats a day! I’ve never loved a cat in my life, but that has changed!