FeLV is a common virus transmitted from cat to cat by direct contact.  All outdoor cats are at risk, with young and older cats and those that fight, especially un-neutered tom cats, at most risk.  Some have resistance but if the disease develops, it is untreatable and fatal.

Some of the signs include:

• Initial stages - after a period from weeks to years after infection where no signs of disease are shown, similarly to HIV in humans, recurrent illnesses develop.
• decreased appetite
• progressive weight loss
• Poor coat condition
• Lymph nodes enlargement
• Persistent fever
• Pale gums
• Inflammation and infection of the gums and mouth
• Infections of the skin, urinary tract, respiratory system
• Diarrhoea
• Seizures or behaviour changes
• Eye disease

Vaccination is safe and effective in protecting your cat against this disease, and can be given at the same time as the regular 'booster' vaccination.

A blood test is available to diagnose infection.