Part 2 – I am FeLV+. But, please don’t count me out!
By Uchenna C. Okeke
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a condition that often sparks fear or confusion. Too often, the diagnosis alone is enough to send potential adopters walking away. They picture a sickly cat with little time left. But beneath the label is a fur-baby that yearns to live, love, and be accepted.
If Sonny could speak, this orange creamsicle of a cat might tell you: “Yes, I am FeLV+, and I plan to live a long, healthy, love-filled life. Please don’t count me out.”
What is FeLV?
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a viral infection that compromises a cat’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to illness. Fortunately, FeLV is preventable through vaccination (85% effective), and regular testing can help detect infection early and prevent its spread. FeLV spreads mainly through close contact with infected cats via saliva, urine, or milk, often during activities like grooming, sharing food or water bowls, or bites. It can also be passed from mother to kitten during pregnancy or nursing. It is more common in outdoor or unneutered cats, and it cannot spread to humans or other animals like dogs.
Signs of infection may include weight loss, poor appetite, lethargy, pale gums, recurrent infections, or skin problems, although many show no symptoms for a long time.
What Hurts More Than the Diagnosis? – REJECTION!
Let’s be honest. Viruses scare people and such fear leads to rejection. But for FeLV+ cats, the hardest part of their diagnosis isn’t the virus itself, but the rejection that follows. Potential adopters often overlook them in favor of healthier cats. They see the “FeLV+” label and move on, without giving these loving cats a chance. Yet the truth is, with proper care, many FeLV+ cats live comfortably and happily for years.
How to Care for FeLV+ Cats
Caring for a FeLV+ cat isn’t hard, it just takes compassion, awareness, and a little routine. Here’s how to help your feline friend stay happy and healthy:
- Keep Them Indoors: This keeps them safe from infections, stress, and danger. A cozy indoor space filled with toys, soft beds, and window views gives plenty of fun and comfort they need.
- Feed a High-Quality Diet: Feed a high-protein, low-filler diet. Some vets may recommend immune-boosting supplements or special formulations. Always consult your vet before switching foods.
- Schedule Regular Vet Visits: Regular check-ups can detect issues early, even if your cat appears healthy.
- Create a Calm Environment: Stress weakens the immune system, so keep the home calm. Minimize loud noises, sudden changes, and overcrowding. Provide hiding spots and safe zones where your cat can relax.
- Keep Solo or Provide Safe Companions: FeLV spreads through close contact, so it’s safest to keep FeLV+ cats either alone or with another FeLV+ cat. With vet advice and proper vaccination, living with a FeLV-negative cat may be possible, but needs very close supervision.
- Give lots of Love: FeLV+ cats form deep bonds with their humans. They know what it means to be passed over, and when you choose them, they don’t take it lightly. So cuddle often, play daily, and remind them, through every moment, that they belong.
Sonny is Waiting for You
Every day, cats like Sonny watch as others around them are adopted. Their profiles get fewer clicks. Their foster homes get fewer visits. Not because they’re unkind or unfriendly, but because of a virus they didn’t choose. Sonny doesn’t know what FeLV means. He doesn’t understand why he doesn’t get a second look. He just curls up on his blanket and waits. But he’s not waiting for miracles. He’s waiting for you.
FeLV+ cats are not broken or fragile. They are simply special. And they need someone willing to look beyond a diagnosis and see the sweet soul looking for a caring human. If that might be you, learn more about Sonny and his dream of finding a home of his very own.
And, be sure to stay tuned for next month’s article because your pet has more to tell you….
Did you miss Part 1 of this series? No worries! It’s still available here: If Your Pet Could Speak – I want to fit in, but please don’t rush me.
September 6, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Come watch some silly cat videos for a good cause!
The world’s #1 cat video festival is back with screenings in theaters across the USA and around the world! Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CATVIDEOFEST 2025, a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses.
Each year across the country, local theaters partner with nearby cat-focused charities, animal welfare associations, and shelters alike. A portion of ticket proceeds from every show goes directly to the Humane Society of Loudoun County to help local cats in need. HSLC will also be bringing adoptable cats to Alamo’s lobby on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7 (note slightly different times).
Buy tickets: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Related Events
July 13, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Looking for your next furry family member? We have many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever homes! Come meet them at the PetSmart in Dulles Landing from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on July 13. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
Related Events
September 6, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) will be at the Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun for CatVideoFest – the world’s #1 cat video festival! Be sure to stop by the HSLC tables for free giveaways and HSLC merch! Adoptable cats will make an ap-purr-eance from 1:00-3:00. Alamo will be donating a % of gross ticket sales to the Humane Society of Loudoun County!
For showtimes, visit the Alamo website.
More about CatVideoStFest: CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. CatVideoFest is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area.
Related Events
June 9, 2025 @ 12:30 am – June 13, 2025 @ 11:30 pm
Not every pet is a social butterfly. Some just want a couch, a quiet corner, and a person to love.
Welcome to Happiest at Home—a virtual adoption event featuring our most lovable homebodies. These animals might not “do” adoption events, but they do cuddles, companionship, and unconditional love. Check out their stories on HSLC’s social media channels, June 9-13. Then, complete a no-obligation application and arrange a comfortable meet-and-greet for your new best friend. Please help us match these home-loving companions with their purrfect humans!
Related Events
June 21, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
HSLC has many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever families. Come meet them at the Pet Supplies Plus in Sterling from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, June 21. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete a no-obligation application today to expedite the application process.
Related Events
May 18, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Looking for your next furry family member? We have many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever homes! Come meet them at the PetSmart in Dulles Landing from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on May 18. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
Related Events
March 23, 2025 @ 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
We have many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever families! Come meet them at the PetSmart in at Dulles Landing from 12:30pm to 2:30pm on Sunday, March 23. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
Related Events
May 2, 2025 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Humane Society of Loudoun County will be bringing adoptable felines to Leesburg First Friday on May 2. Be sure to stop by and meet the kitties up close and in purr-son at Coldwell Banker Realty!
Related Events
February 22, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
We have many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever families! Come meet them at the Pet Supplies Plus in Sterling from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, February 22. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.