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Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), are the
second leading causes of illness and death in cats after automobile accidents.
It is crucial that you identify whether your cat has FeLV or FIV to give you cat
the best possible care, and to prevent infection of other cats.
FeLV TRANSMISSION:
Transmission of FeLV occurs through bodily secretions, such as saliva or urine.
Mutual licking or grooming, sharing of food and water bowls, sharing litter boxes,
and bites while fighting, can all spread FeLV.
Transmission can also occur from an infected mother to her unborn fetus or to
kittens via nursing.
FIV TRANSMISSION:
Transmission of FIV occurs predominantly from cat bites while fighting.
Transmission from an infected mother to her kittens can also occur, but it is rare.
TESTING:
Both viruses can be detected by a simple blood test.
PREVENTION:
If your cat tests negative for FeLV, a vaccine is available that can help
prevent it from acquiring the disease. There is no vaccine available for FIV.
WHEN TO HAVE YOUR KITTEN OR CATS TESTED
All cats, even single, indoor kittens and cats should be tested.
FeLV
Kittens can be tested at any age. If, however, there has been known or
suspected exposure to FeLV, it is recommended to retest 3 months later.
FIV
Kittens and cats with a known or suspected exposure to FIV should be tested
when they are six months or older. Cats that go outside should be tested
annually for FIV.
Testing kittens younger then six months for FIV can give false negative results
because it takes months for the virus to be detectable in the blood or false
positive results can also occur due to the passing of maternal antibodies to
the kitten.
**Note** Cats that test positive to FeLV and/or FIV should be kept indoors to
prevent the spread of these two diseases and also to protect them from other infectious diseases.
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