Can a stray cat test positive for FIV?
Positive FIV test results are a fairly common occurrence. Stray cats, old cats, and even kittens oftentimes test positive for FIV.
What does it mean if your cat has FIV?
If this happens, it means they are a carrier and have the potential to pass it on to others. If your cat is FIV positive, it means they have tested positive for the feline immunodeficiency virus.
Can a FeLV positive cat be returned to the home?
For example, a cat can test positive during one phase of infection, and test negative if she overcomes the virus. In some cases, like Miracle’s, caregivers may already know that cats are FIV- or FeLV-positive, but that shouldn’t keep them from returning cats to their outdoor homes.
How long can a kitten with FIV live?
Kittens with an FIV+ mother may test positive for up to 6 months, however, due to the presence of maternal antibodies, which dissipate over time). FIV+ cats can live as long and healthy a life as non-infected cats.
Positive FIV test results are a fairly common occurrence. Stray cats, old cats, and even kittens oftentimes test positive for FIV.
If this happens, it means they are a carrier and have the potential to pass it on to others. If your cat is FIV positive, it means they have tested positive for the feline immunodeficiency virus.
For example, a cat can test positive during one phase of infection, and test negative if she overcomes the virus. In some cases, like Miracle’s, caregivers may already know that cats are FIV- or FeLV-positive, but that shouldn’t keep them from returning cats to their outdoor homes.
Can a positive FIV test be a false positive?
This test is more specific and will truly identify those cats under most conditions who are truly positive for FIV. This test searches out and identifies the specific DNA viral particles of FIV. If no DNA viral particles are present, then the test will be negative. This test, again, is very specific for FIV.
What does it mean if your cat is FIV positive?
If your cat is FIV positive, it means they have tested positive for the feline immunodeficiency virus. It is one of the many parallels between FIV and HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). both are retroviruses which suppress the immune system. This as lead to many referring to the condition as feline AIDS.
Can a feline with FIV transmit to a human?
FIV is a feline-only virus that cannot be transmitted to humans. Cats who test positive for FIV can live for many years without serious symptoms. A positive FIV test result SHOULD NOT be a death sentence.
Can You euthanize a cat with a FIV test?
That is why many veterinarians, including the feline medicine experts at the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), suggest shelters and owners never opt for euthanasia based on a positive test alone.
When to re-test a kitten for FIV?
Tests can result in a false negative or positive, which may occur for a variety of reasons. Due to the false results that occur it is important to re-test a kitten within six months after the first test, as it can take up to eight weeks or longer for a cat to develop FIV antibodies.
When to euthanize a cat with FIV positive?
An FIV-positive test does not require euthanasia unless the cat is already ill and suffering beyond treatment. If the initial ELISA test is negative but you believe the cat was exposed to FIV, you can have the test redone after 60 days for a more accurate result.
What should I do if my cat has FIV?
The veterinarian, like a vet should, suggests a FeLV/FIV test. Two days later, the test comes back positive for FIV. You, as an owner, need to know how to handle this scenario. The first test we run is called an ELISA test.
FIV is a feline-only virus that cannot be transmitted to humans. Cats who test positive for FIV can live for many years without serious symptoms. A positive FIV test result SHOULD NOT be a death sentence.
Is there a cure for feline leukemia virus ( FeLV )?
When cats are spayed or neutered, hormone-driven fights (and any resulting bites) associated with mating decrease dramatically. Spaying and neutering also ends the transmission of FeLV from mother cats to kittens. It is important to know that a vaccination for FeLV exists, but it is not 100 percent effective.
What should I do if my cat test positive for FeLV?
A cat exposed to FeLV may test positive during the transient phase of the infection and then test negative if the virus is overcome. Tests are not 100 percent accurate and can yield false positive results. Community cats with FeLV should remain in their outdoor homes since they can’t live indoors and aren’t socialized to people.
Is there a universal test for FIV and FeLV?
The thought behind universal testing is that the spread of FIV and FeLV can be slowed by identifying positive cats and removing them from the outdoor population. However, spay/neuter can also stop the spread of the viruses and may, by attacking the modes of transmission, be a more efficient approach.