THAT’S THE PROBLEM WITH FIV.  YOU CAN’T ALWAYS TELL.

Here’s what you need to know about feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) testing.

FIV and FeLV infections are major causes of illness and death in cats.  Both viruses are spread contagiously from cat to cat, and surveys show that up to 15 percent of sick cats are infected with one or both of the viruses.  But even healthy cats may harbor infection and spread viruses to other cats.  In some cats, signs of disease may not become apparent until weeks, months or even years after they first become infected with FIV or FeLV.
FIV is typically spread when one cat bites another; rarely does an infected mother infect her kittens.  FeLV is spread when the saliva or urine of an infected cat comes in contact with another cat.  This can happen when cats from each other, or when the share food and water bowls or litter boxes.  Kittens born to infected mothers are commonly infected as well.

Why should my cat be tested?

The American Association of Feline Practitioners, an organization of veterinarians with a special interest in the health of cats, urges you to have your cat tested for FIV and FeLV.  Early detection of infection will help you not only to maintain the health of your own cat, but also 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 hospital.  You’ll get the result of an “in-house” test in minutes, allowing you to consult wit you 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 should my cat be 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 are newly adopted, whether or not the 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 the may be infected (for example, 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 FeLV vaccine (in this case, FeLV testing is the most important.)

Am I at risk?

 Research to date has shown that FIV and FeLV only affect cats.

 Talk with your veterinarian about having your cat tested.  Your veterinarian is your best source of information on the prevention, diagnosis and management of FIV or FeLV infection.  Routine visits to your veterinarian can help you know if your cat is sick.  Remember, infected cats may live for years if diagnosed early and treated properly.  Early detection offers infected cats the best chance for a long and happy life, and helps prevent the spread of infection to other cats.

 So what do these viruses do?

 FIV and FeLV affect cats in similar ways, primarily by interfering with the immune system’s ability to ward off infections.  Bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi found in the everyday environment – where they usually don’t affect healthy cats – can cause severe illness in FIV and FeLV infected cats.  Various kinds of cancer and blood diseases are much more common in cats infected with either virus, too.

  Early signs of infection are often subtle and commonly seen in cats that are simply not feeling well.  These signs include:

• Decreased appetite
• Decreased grooming
• Decreased energy

 As infection becomes more advanced, you may see the following signs:

• Marked loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Pale gums
• Mouth sores
• Diarrhea
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Abscesses