Does my new cat need a Fel HIV test if his brother tested negative?

Hi
I've been fostering a neutered male for the last month and tonite the woman who runs the rescue group came over with the paperwork so I could adopt him. As we were going through his medical records, it was noted that the vet had been unable to restrain him so he was not tested for Fel HIV/Leukemia, but his brother was and tested negative. He's definitely not a fan of being restrained/carried/held, so I can understand why they had so much trouble.

The rescue woman said that if one cat in a litter tests negative, chances are his/her littermates will, too.

Do you think I should take him to my vet and get him tested anyway? I have another cat in the house as well who tested negative. Also, any approx idea how much the tests will cost at the vet?

Thanks!

I would.

You are much better to be safe than sorry - Chances are he won't have it, but there is nothing better than peace of mind.

Where do you live? I'm in Australia so prices could be much different here.

At the clinic where I work the FeLV/FIV test is $29.00. You didn't say in your post how old the cat is. If he's a young cat who has never been outside or been exposed to any indoor/outdoor cats (and his mother tested negative) he too should be negative. I have never heard that the FeLV/FIV status of siblings has anything to do with whether a littermate is infected. I would only rely on whether the mother is negative. If it were me though (because I tend to be paranoid about it) I would have the cat tested. If he's still unrestrainable when they try to get blood to run the test it only takes a few minutes for them to take him to the back and knock him out for a few minutes with a little gas. I really think it's important to know his status--especially if you have other cats that are exposed to him.

Get the kitty tested. I lost my 2 yr. old tuxedo to FeLV in February - it was sudden and sad. We took his mother in as a stray and kept his sole littermate as well. Had them tested subsequently and both thankfully tested negative. I'd opt on the side of caution just to have peace of mind.