When should cats be tested for FeLV and FIV?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – I am a technician in a busy veterinary practice in Houston. I wanted to ask another opinion on when you think cats should be tested for retroviruses such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV)?

Regards,

Megan A.

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email Megan. You asked my opinion on when cats should be tested for retroviruses such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

This summer, the American Association of Feline Practitioners released guidelines about the diagnosis of, treatment of and prevention of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV). They wrote that cats should be tested in the following situations:

• When first acquired
• After exposure to an infected cat or a cat of unknown status
• Before vaccination with FeLV or FIV vaccines
• When entering a multi-cat situation
• When a cat becomes sick
• Best of luck!
• Dr. Debra
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