How to Care for a Cat with Feline Leukemia - Caring for a Cat Diagnosed with FeLV

1. Give an unvaccinated cat a shot of the vaccination if recently exposed. There is no treatment or ‘cure’ for this virus.[6] Vaccination against FELV will greatly increase your cats chances of clearing the infection if exposed instead of becoming persistently infected, which is most likely if your cat is unvaccinated. Cats can start a leukemia vaccine series as early as 8 weeks of age.[7] Boosters are given every 1-3 years depending on the amount of exposure risk, and the type of vaccination used.

2. Give your cat medication for worms, ear mites, fleas, ticks, and anything else that may cause him/her discomfort. Do not treat him/her for all these things at once, or else the cat will just feel even worse. Wait a week or two before treating him/her for a second condition.

3. Keep your house stress-free. If your cat is frightened or agitated by anything in your house, get rid of the cause. Ask your family and friends to be quiet and to avoid being loud when inside the house.
- Keep your cat's environment warm enough. He/she may need more warmth than a non-infected cat. Snug blankets and sleeping areas are essential.

4. Feed your cat a high quality, balanced diet . Higher-quality food will improve your cat's condition and is an assurance that your cat is getting the required nutrients that cheaper food lacks. Do not feed any home or commercially prepared raw diets as cats with FELV have a compromised immune system and could become ill from harmful bacteria this way.[8]
- Don’t feed solely fish, as this is lacking in many essential nutrients.

5. Ensure that the cat's gear is hygienic. Keep all of your cat's litter boxes, food bowls, water bowls, etc. very clean. This means daily cleaning, without fail. If you're not around to do it, someone else must be tasked with this chore.