There are no medications that can eliminate the virus from the cat's body, nor is there a cure for feline leukemia. However, there are methods for improving and prolonging a diseased cat's life. Certain medications, such as alpha interferon, may improve a cat's clinical signs and prolong its survival. Antiviral medications can also be beneficial. These help to suppress viral replication, although they will not eliminate it. Such treatments can be expensive and usually are prescribed for the remainder of the cat's life.
Cats that are sick usually need to remain in the hospital for several days in order to provide the necessary care for stabilization. Bacterial infections that develop as a result of the virus require treatment with antibiotics. If the cat is very anemic, a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace the red blood cells. Intravenous fluid therapy is often necessary in cats that have kidney disease or in cats that are dehydrated because they are not eating, have diarrhea, or are vomiting frequently.
