FeLV and FIV testing in kittens
A simple blood test is recommended for all kittens to screen for two potentially dangerous viral diseases unique to cats: feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
FeLV vs. FIV
Let’s compare these two viruses to learn how they affect cats:
|
|
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) |
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) |
How transmission occurs |
Through bodily fluids (such as saliva during mutual grooming) and across the placenta in pregnant cats |
Usually through bites from other cats, though may cross the placenta or be sexually transmitted |
How testing is performed |
Simple blood test performed in-house |
Simple blood test performed in-house |
What testing detects |
Antigens, or active virus in the blood |
Antibodies, either passed to kitten by mom or from exposure to the virus |
Confirmation of positive |
Yes, should be performed |
Yes, should be performed |
What the virus causes |
Suppression of the immune system, anemias and cancers, including leukemias and lymphomas |
Suppression of the immune system, causing inflammation in the mouth (gingivitis/stomatitis), conjunctivitis, secondary infections, cancers |
Life expectancy |
80% to 90% of diagnosed cats will die within 3 to 4 years of diagnosis |
Varies, many cats live normal life spans |
How contagious |
Not highly contagious, generally requires prolonged close contact |
Easily passed through bites, but otherwise low transmission risk |
Treatment |
No specific treatment available |
No specific treatment available |
Prevention |
Vaccination, keep cat indoors, spay/neuter your cat |
Keep cat indoors, spay/neuter your cat |
Contagious to people or dogs |
No |
No |
When should a kitten be tested for FeLV/FIV?
We recommend testing kittens as soon as possible or by 3 months of age for multiple reasons:
- FeLV is easily passed through mutual grooming. A FeLV-positive kitten is a risk to other cats in the household.
- If your kitten has tested positive for FeLV, they won’t benefit from the FeLV vaccine.
- If your kitten has tested positive for FeLV or FIV, they should be kept indoors to protect other cats.
- If your kitten has tested positive for FIV, be cautious about letting them interact with other cats until another test to confirm FIV is performed at 6 months of age.
False positive FIV test
It’s not uncommon for kittens under 6 months of age to have a false positive test result for FIV. Your kitten gets antibodies from their mother. If the mother has antibodies against FIV, she may pass these antibodies to the kitten. If your kitten tests positive for FIV, it’s recommended to get them retested when they’re 6 months of age.
If your cat is confirmed positive for either FeLV or FIV, you should discuss with your veterinarian whether more frequent wellness exams are necessary to catch issues early. You should also respond promptly to any signs of illness, such as inflammation of the gums, discharge from the eyes or nose, or vomiting. Reach out to your VCA care team to help support you and your kitten through these types of situations.
A CareClub® membership for your kitten includes their annual exams, rechecks and sick appointments¹ along with the vaccines and yearly preventive services² your pet needs to support their best health.
CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance. CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.
1. Covered services vary by CareClub plan. Unlimited exams are any exams during regular business hours, excluding specialty, emergency and telemedicine exams. Urgent care exams are available through CareClub until December 31, 2024, at select VCA Animal Hospitals Urgent Care locations.
2. Vaccines may include rabies, feline distemper (Panleukopenia), feline respiratory virus (Rhino, Calici) and feline leukemia (FeLV). Lab work checks for issues like diabetes, liver and kidney disease, parasites and general infections.
