Testing

"The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection status of all cats should be known."
AAFP Guidelines, 2005

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), an organization of veterinarians with a special interest in the health of cats, urges you to have your cat tested for FIV and FeLV. Infected cats can live for years if diagnosed early and treated properly.

Why You Should Have Your Cat Tested
Early detection of infection will help you not only maintain the health of your own cat, but will allow you to prevent spreading infection to other cats. Fortunately, it is usually quite simple to diagnose infection. A small blood sample is all that’s needed, and veterinarians often choose to perform the test right in the clinic. You’ll get the result of an “in-house” test in minutes, allowing you to consult with your veterinarian before leaving the clinic. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to follow up with a blood sample sent to a veterinary laboratory. In this case, the result will usually be available to you within a week.

When to Have Your Cat Tested
FIV and FeLV testing is important in the following situations:

• If your cat has never been tested before
• If your cat is sick, even if it may have tested free of infection in the past
• When cats and kittens are newly adopted, whether or not they will be entering a household with other cats
• If your cat has recently been exposed to an infected cat
• If your cat is exposed to cats that may be infected (for example, if your cat has been bitten by a cat of unknown status or if your cat goes outdoors unsupervised or lives with other cats that might be infected). Your veterinarian may suggest testing periodically as long as your cat is potentially exposed to infected cats.
• Prior to your cat's receiving an FIV or FeLV vaccine
• If your cat lives in a household with unknown FIV or FeLV infection status; infected cats can remain asymptomatic for years, during which time they may transmit the virus to uninfected cats.
  
  AAFP Guidelines, 2005.

We strongly recommend that you speak with your veterinarian about having your cat tested, as your cat may be at risk for FIV and/or FeLV infection. Use our online FIV/FeLV observation form to record these signs, and bring it to your veterinarian to aid in your discussion.