The Garf Foundation

10/13/2026

FUN FACTs about FeLv
What is Feline Leukemia?
FeLV, or Feline Leukemia Virus, is a virus that attacks the immune system of a cat. It isn’t a form of cancer but is actually a virus that weakens the immune system. Cats with FeLV can live normal, happy lives — they just have a shorter life expectancy than FeLV negative cats. Historically, cats with this disease have been euthanized
the minute they are diagnosed. and now, Animal Defense League of Texas, have taken a different stance, allowing FeLV cats to live with dignity and be adopted into loving homes—however, we can only continue to save these cats if people are willing to foster and adopt them.

Is FeLV Contagious?
Only to other cats. For this reason, it is required that FeLV+ cats are kept indoors only. They can only cohabitate with other FeLV+ cats as it is spread from cat to cat via prolonged, direct contact with an infected cat’s saliva (sharing food bowls, grooming each other, etc.), urine, blood, and from mother cat to kittens during pregnancy. Feline leukemia is species specific, so other animals such as dogs cannot contract the virus. The virus itself is not airborne and dies rapidly in the environment, so you won’t have to worry about carrying the virus on clothes when you leave the house or have friends over.

Are the FeLV+ cats available for adoption/foster sickly?
No. The FeLV+ cats appear and act just as healthy as the other cats we have available for adoption. They do, however, have an increased risk of getting sick. This makes protecting them from stress, feeding a high quality diet, and addressing health problems as soon as they arise absolutely critical. You wouldn’t know a cat had FeLV by just looking at it, and many people have FeLV+ cats in their home and don’t even know it because they never got them tested.

Do FeLV+ cats need special medication or care?
Not while they are healthy. If/when they do eventually get sick, they will usually get very sick quickly and may need more care than a normal cat since their immune system doesn’t work as well.

Why do shelters usually automatically euthanize FeLV+ cats?
There are many myths and misconceptions out there about feline leukemia. As a result, it is can be challenging to find people willing to adopt or foster FeLV+ cats. Some organizations feel this is more than they can handle or that they do not have the resources to shelter these cats.

How can I help?
If you currently have no other cats in your home or share your home with another FELV+ cat, please consider fostering or adopting one of our FELV cats! All of our cats who test positive are sent to foster for 30 days prior to a second test is done and we desperately need foster homes to give them a place to crash until their final results are in. If you would like to be a part of saving lives, please email [email protected] and let them know you want to help a FELV cat or kitten in need!

10/06/2026

My sweet boy Linus. Love him so much.❤️

10/04/2026

At the Garf Foundation, we are passionate about promoting the adoption of FIV/FeLV+ cats. Please cast a vote for our foundation. 🧡

The category is services and then in Non-profit

Vote in any or all categories once per day October 1st through October 8th EDT!

09/29/2026

https://animalworksvets.com/calling-all-cat-owners-the-facts-about-fiv-and-felv/

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FeLV) are two of the most infectious diseases affecting cats that have no cure.

09/28/2026

Most FIV (FelineImmunodeficiency Virus) cats live long, normal, and asymptomatic lives.Transmission: It requires a deep bite wound from aggressive fighting; it does not spread through casual contact, sharing food bowls, or grooming.Coexistence: FIV-positive and negative cats can safely live together in harmony if they are spayed or neutered and do not fight.Species-specific: FIV cannot be transmitted to humans or dogs.

FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) is shed in saliva, urine, f***s, and milk, meaning it can pass through mutual grooming, shared litter boxes, and food bowls.Infection outcomes: Not every exposed cat gets sick; infections can be abortive (cleared), regressive (controlled safely), or progressive.Indoor protection: FeLV-positive cats should live strictly indoor-only lives to protect them from secondary infections and keep other outdoor cats safe.Prevention: A reliable vaccine exists and is highly recommended for at-risk or outdoor-access cats.

Testing & Myth-Busting TidbitsKitten testing quirk: Kittens under 6 months old should not be routinely tested because they can carry temporary maternal antibodies that yield false positives.

09/25/2026

09/25/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we have to make this post but a special kitty named “Mister “ crossed the rainbow bridge this morning with his loving owner by his side. He was 20 years old and was adopted from HSOP and was the most loving cat . He loved his family very much and they will miss him. Rest in peace Mister. You touched the hearts of so many . Mister had a knack for finding the sunny spots. Though their time with us feels far too short the love they shared will stay with us forever. The Garf Foundation helps kitties like Mister who had FIV. ❤️💔

09/23/2026

Here are some statistics on FeLV/FIV: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) affects roughly 2% to 3% of all cats in the United States and Canada.General PrevalenceOverall population: 2%–3% of healthy or general-population cats in North America carry the virus.High-risk groups: Infection rates jump up to 13%–30% in cats that are sick, young, unneutered males, or allowed outdoors. Global differences: Prevalence varies widely by region, ranging from under 1% to over 30% depending on local stray and outdoor cat management.Survival and MortalityLeading cause of death: FeLV is second only to trauma as a cause of death in infected domestic cats.Prognosis: About 85% of persistently (progressively) infected cats die within three years of diagnosis.Natural resistance: Roughly 70% of cats exposed to the virus have strong enough immune systems to resist infection or clear it completely.Associated ConditionsLymphoma and Leukemia: FeLV is a primary driver behind blood cancers and lymph node tumors.Anemia: Chronic low red blood cell counts affect a large percentage of sick, positive cats.Immunosuppression: The virus destroys immune defenses, leaving felines vulnerable to fatal secondary infections.

08/08/2026

This kitty called Jaclyn is at HSOP and is FIV positive. If anyone is interested in adopting a beautiful sweet cat then she is your girl ! The Garf Foundation will pay her adoption fee. FIV cats can live with regular healthy cats in the same household . Go by and meet her.. she won’t disappoint you.