10/23/2026
🐾 FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS (FeLV): COMMUNITY ALERT & APPEAL FOR SUPPORT
The NL West SPCA is currently dealing with a concerning number of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) cases among cats and kittens originating from the Halfway Point and Benoit’s Cove areas.
Several cats from these areas have tested positive, raising serious concerns about further spread throughout the local cat population. Our volunteers are actively working to humanely trap stray and roaming cats to provide necessary care, arrange testing, and help prevent further transmission.
We want to raise awareness about this virus, encourage responsible cat ownership, and ask for your support as we work to protect these animals.
WHAT IS FeLV & HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
FeLV is a contagious virus that affects cats, weakening their immune systems and potentially leading to serious infections, cancers, and other illnesses. It cannot spread to humans, dogs, or other non-feline animals.
The virus spreads primarily through close contact between cats, including mutual grooming, sharing food and water bowls, bite wounds, and from infected mothers to their kittens.
We strongly encourage residents of Halfway Point, Benoit’s Cove, and surrounding areas to take precautions.
Despite local restrictions on roaming cats, many continue to wander freely, sometimes without appropriate vaccinations or being spayed or neutered. This puts both their own health and the wider cat population at risk.
Please help prevent further spread by:
-Keeping your cats indoors.
-Speaking with your veterinarian about FeLV testing and vaccination, particularly if your cat has been outdoors.
-Spaying and neutering your pets.
-Preventing contact and shared food or water bowls between your cats and unfamiliar cats.
-Contacting us at the NL West SPCA if you are caring for stray or roaming cats in the affected area.
Allowing cats to roam freely doesn’t just put your own pet at risk. It can contribute to the spread of potentially life-threatening illnesses throughout the community.
❤️THE STRAIN ON OUR SHELTER
We currently have at least 15 cats and kittens requiring FeLV testing, with more expected as trapping continues.
At approximately $180 per test, we are facing a minimum of $2,700 in testing expenses alone. This does not include veterinary examinations, follow-up testing, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, medications, or ongoing care.
We are doing our due diligence to ensure cats coming into our care from this area receive appropriate testing, particularly given the number of known positive cases.
Beyond the financial burden, FeLV presents significant challenges for our already stretched resources.
FeLV-positive cats cannot be integrated into our general shelter population, as this would put FeLV-negative cats at risk. They require separate housing, infection-control precautions, and ongoing veterinary monitoring.
With limited isolation space, volunteers, and financial resources, this situation places an enormous strain on our shelter.
FeLV-POSITIVE CATS DESERVE A CHANCE TOO
A positive FeLV test does not automatically mean a cat is sick, suffering, or facing immediate death.
While FeLV can eventually cause serious illness, some positive cats remain healthy and symptom-free for years with proper veterinary care and a safe indoor home.
FeLV testing can also be complicated. Some cats successfully suppress the virus and may test negative on follow-up, while other initial positive results may not be confirmed. This is why veterinary assessment and additional testing are so important before making decisions about an animal’s future.
Sadly, some shelters euthanize FeLV-positive cats despite them appearing otherwise healthy.
We do not want this to be the outcome for the cats and kittens in our care simply because they have tested positive.
We recognize that some may eventually become seriously ill, and humane euthanasia may be necessary when their quality of life is significantly compromised. However, a positive test result alone should not determine an otherwise healthy animal’s fate.
These cats still want to play, cuddle, and be loved. They deserve the same opportunity for a loving home as any other cat.
❤️ COULD YOU ADOPT AN FeLV-POSITIVE CAT OR KITTEN?
We are looking for compassionate individuals and families willing to open their homes to adopt these animals.
FeLV-positive cats must live strictly indoors, either as the only cat or with other appropriately assessed FeLV-positive cats. They cannot be placed with FeLV-negative cats due to the risk of transmission.
They can also live with compatible dogs or other non-feline pets and require regular veterinary care.
If you are interested, please complete an adoption application and specify that you are interested in an FeLV-positive cat or kitten. We will contact you with more information and arrange an opportunity to meet the animals.
Adoption application:
https://sites.google.com/view/nlwestspca/adoption-application
💗 HOW YOU CAN HELP
With at least $2,700 in anticipated testing costs alone, and more cats still requiring rescue, testing, and veterinary care, we urgently need community support.
We are determined to give these animals every reasonable chance, but we cannot do it alone.
Donations of any amount would be sincerely appreciated.
E-transfer: [email protected]
If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this post, spreading awareness, or opening your home to an FeLV-positive cat.
These cats did not choose their circumstances, and an FeLV diagnosis does not make them any less deserving of love, compassion, or a chance at life.
Thank you for supporting the NL West SPCA and the animals who depend on us ❤️🐾
