URINE AND PARASITE TESTING
Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Testing (FeLV / FIV)
Blood testing that helps evaluate exposure to two important feline viruses while accounting for age, vaccination history and the limitations of individual results.
THE SHORT VERSION
Testing helps answer a clinical question.
Feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus are distinct infections with different transmission patterns and testing strategies. Results require veterinary interpretation, and one screening result does not answer every follow-up question.
What is this test?
Feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus are distinct infections with different transmission patterns and testing strategies. Results require veterinary interpretation, and one screening result does not answer every follow-up question.
What information can it provide?
- Feline leukemia virus screening commonly detects viral antigen.
- Feline immunodeficiency virus screening commonly detects antibodies rather than directly proving active clinical disease.
- Young age, maternal antibodies, recent exposure and other factors can influence interpretation.
- Confirmatory or repeat testing may be appropriate when results or history are unclear.
When might your veterinarian recommend it?
- Assess a new cat, kitten, sick cat or household introduction.
- Evaluate bite exposure, outdoor access, unknown history or signs compatible with infection.
- Discuss vaccination, household management and species-specific preventive care.
What can owners do before the visit?
- Bring previous test results, vaccine history and likely exposure dates.
- Tell the clinic whether the cat is newly adopted, pregnant, fighting or living with other cats.
- Ask whether a repeat sample or confirmatory method is needed.
What can this test not tell you by itself?
- A screening result can require confirmation or retesting.
- Antibody detection and antigen detection answer different biological questions.
- A positive result should not automatically be treated as a prediction of immediate poor quality of life.
Do not change medication, interpret an abnormal number as a diagnosis or delay urgent treatment without direction from your veterinary team.
Useful questions for your appointment
- What exactly does this test detect?
- Could age, recent exposure or prior history change interpretation?
- What follow-up, vaccination or household precautions are recommended?