At Vets to Pets, we believe veterinary care should feel calm, personal, and convenient. Our Fear Free certified mobile team provides gold-standard care, from preventive care to advanced diagnostics,  in the comfort of your own home. By reducing stress for your cat, we’re able to focus on thoughtful, individualized care while giving you clear guidance and peace of mind.

One important part of preventive care for certain cats is vaccination against Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). While not considered a core vaccine for every adult cat, it is strongly recommended for those at risk based on lifestyle

What is Feline Leukemia Virus?

Feline Leukemia Virus is a contagious virus that can cause serious, long-term health problems. It may lead to immune system suppression, anemia, certain cancers, and other complications. FeLV remains one of the leading infectious causes of death in cats.

How FeLV spreads:

  • Close contact with an infected cat, including grooming, bite wounds, or sharing food and water bowls
  • From a mother cat to her kittens before or shortly after birth
  • Less commonly, through contaminated items such as litter boxes

Cats infected with FeLV may appear healthy at first, but many develop severe illness over time. The virus can significantly shorten a cat’s lifespan.

Why Vaccination is Important

Outdoor cats, cats in multi-cat households, or those with potential exposure to unfamiliar cats are at higher risk of infection. Vaccinated cats are far less likely to contract and spread the virus, helping protect other cats in the home and community. Preventing FeLV helps preserve immune function and overall quality of life.

Vaccination Schedule

  • Kittens: Begin FeLV vaccination at 8 to 12 weeks, with a booster 3 to 4 weeks later.
  • Adult cats: Two doses, 3 to 4 weeks apart, if previously unvaccinated.
  • Booster doses: Annual boosters are recommended for cats at ongoing risk of exposure.

Before vaccination, we recommend testing cats for FeLV, as cats that are already infected will not benefit from the vaccine.

At Vets to Pets

FeLV vaccination is tailored to your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors. Outdoor cats, cats living with other cats, or cats with unknown exposure history are prime candidates for protection.

Preventing FeLV is an essential part of comprehensive feline preventive care. Protecting your cat with vaccination not only helps them live a longer, healthier life but also reduces the spread of this serious disease in the community. If your cat is due for their FeLV vaccine, schedule a visit with Vets to Pets today!