Feline AIDS/Leukemia test

Hi everyone,

I have a question about the feline AIDS/leukemia test. I was wondering what the benefits are of having this test done.

I only have one cat, which I obtained from the SPCA. At the first vet visit, the vet reccommended it, but I declined because I thought "what's the point in knowing that your cat will become incurably sick in the future?".

I totally understand that it would be important to know when thinking about introducing new cats to the household (which we may do in the future), but what are the other benefits to having this test done?

Thanks for your always valuable insight!

If you got your cat from SPCA then they should have done the test already. Look on your paper work and see if it says anything about it or call them and ask. This is a test that most shelters do now. A lot of shelters do the test cause if there is a positive one then they will most likely be put down instead of adopted out. The main reason for you to know the answer to if your cat has either of these would be so you can be more aware and be able to help with any symptoms that come from this. It makes you more aware and you are able to make them more comfortable. I have a FIV positive cat. She had it when I adopted her (I did not know she did and they did not do the FIV test as a rule back 5 years ago). When I found out she had it, it was hard to know but I have been able to be more aware that her immune system is not as strong and to take care of things more promptly with her. We have had her for five years now and she is still going strong. You would not be able to tell she has FIV.
Sorry for the ramble, hope that answers your question.

I agree you'll be in a better position to care for your cat if you know her status, and if its FIV it isn't all that immediately serious anyway. If she was FeLV, then you could remain vigilant for changes in behavior and health, which could only benefit her. Yes knowing may make you uncomfortable, but you are her guardian. Also, most likely she will be negative and that can give you peace of mind.

But here's a huge caution about the FeLV and the FIV tests:

The standard test that is run in a vet's office (and by Humane Societies) only screens for exposure to FeLV. It is called an Elisa test. It's relatively inexpensive to run and a good way to screen for exposure. But the only way you can absolutely test for FeLV is through a test called the IFA test. That test needs more blood and is typically sent to a lab. The shame is that many cats are euthanized after seeing the results of the Elisa. Most vets don't think to confirm the diagnosis with the IFA test.

For FIV, if a cat was vaccinated for FIV, they will always show positive on the FIV test. So unless you know the background of your cat, you will never know for certain if they are actually positive, or just vaccinated. This is why I do not vaccinate for FIV. The vaccination doesn't do that much and only puts doubts in your mind if they have the disease or not.

The only advantage to having the tests run is to start them on a preventative illness routine (best quality food, holistic healthy treatments), or if you plan to adopt another cat in the future.

Great! That was very interesting and informative - thank you guys for your help!

I somehow doubt the SPCA here did the test - the paperwork that I have just show that he was given a basic immunization, a de-worming, and a neuter. It's still possible, though!

It's very good to know about the positive results for immunized kitties - I had no idea and of course opted for the FIV vaccine at the first vet visit without knowing the consequences! Oops. I guess I'll never know of my kitty was exposed.

So, if my current cat's FIV status will be now forever unknown, do you guys think I should not jeopardize the health of another cat in the household in the future? I just want to do what's best for them!

Of the 2 diseases (FIV and FeLV), my personal opinion is that FeLV is much serious and I would not expose another cat to one with it. I lost a fully vaccinated adult cat to the disease through kittens that came in my house that were supposed to have been tested for it. The risk is higher with kittens as their immune system isn't fully developed. But even a vaccinated adult cat has a 1 in 10 chance of contracting the disease after continuous exposure (this takes months through casual contact).

Before the FIV test was developed, cats with FIV lived for years without any real symptoms. Once the test was developed, FIV positive cats were euthanized in droves. Everyone panicked without understanding the disease. I do know people that mix FIV with non-FIV cats. If I were to find out tomorrow that one of mine was positive with it, I wouldn't change what I do in my house. The same is true for FIP (I've lost one to that disease also). Others may have a very different opinion on this.

Originally Posted by cableknit

Great! That was very interesting and informative - thank you guys for your help!

I somehow doubt the SPCA here did the test - the paperwork that I have just show that he was given a basic immunization, a de-worming, and a neuter. It's still possible, though!

It's very good to know about the positive results for immunized kitties - I had no idea and of course opted for the FIV vaccine at the first vet visit without knowing the consequences! Oops. I guess I'll never know of my kitty was exposed.

So, if my current cat's FIV status will be now forever unknown, do you guys think I should not jeopardize the health of another cat in the household in the future? I just want to do what's best for them!

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Are you sure you vaccinated him for FIV rather than Felv?
Vets here don't usually even suggest FIV vaccine, but Felv vaccine is suggested a lot.