When should a cat have a FIV/FeLV test? How much does it cost?

The FIV and FeLV viruses are two potentially fatal pathogens that can endanger a cat's life. In the event of an infection, prompt diagnosis is crucial. Because the symptoms of infections are not always clear, veterinarians frequently perform blood tests on animals to see if they are carriers.Veterinarians accomplish this by using quick antigen screening tests.

FIV/FeLV – what should you know?

FIV stands for Fline Immunodeficiency Virus, which is also known as feline immunodeficiency virus. It weakens cats' immune systems, as the name implies, and is usually referred to as feline AIDS. Cats become infected through direct contact with other animals. FIV, like the HIV virus in humans, destroys feline CD4 lymphocytes once inside the body. Cats that have been infected for a long period show no symptoms and become prone to various illnesses that eventually can lead to death. There is no specific therapy for the FIV virus at the moment, and research into a vaccine is in progress.

FeLV stands for Feline Leukemia Virus, which is a feline leukemia virus that causes a chronic infectious disease in these animals. Infection is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with an affected cat. The virus enters the cat's body through the mucous membranes and then goes through the blood vessels to the spleen and bone marrow, where it multiplies rapidly and impairs the immune system. The disease progresses in a variety of ways; approximately 33% of cats develop persistent viremia, which leads to the animal's death within 3–4 years, either directly from the virus or indirectly from sensitivity to other diseases. 33% of cats will fight the infection and develop immunity to the virus, while the remaining 33% will not become infected after being exposed to the virus. The type of virus, the animal's immune condition, age, environmental circumstances, and whether the animal has antibodies to FeLV all contribute to the infection's course.

FIV/FeLV test – how is it performed?

A blood sample from the cat is required for the fast FIV/FeLV antigen test. The test itself entails dribbling a sample of your cat's blood into the test window. The result is visible after 3-5 minutes.