Why are some shelters no longer testing all cats for FeLV and FIV?

Even when testing is done within the appropriate time frame, negative and positive results are very difficult to interpret. FeLV is a complex disease; cats that test negative on an in-house test may still be infected and later show signs of disease.

Which is worse FIV or FeLV?

FIV has highly variable clinical signs that are similar to FeLV and include fever, anemia, weight loss, and diarrhea along with a high risk for secondary infections. FIV tends to be clinically less aggressive than FeLV. “FIV is classically seen as a disease of male aggression from cats biting each other,” Dr.

Should cats with FIV be euthanized?

Cats infected with FIV should never be euthanized, unless they are actually experiencing a severe, debilitating illness that cannot be treated (as we would with any other cat).

Does FeLV vaccine need a booster?

Because the virus is not complete or alive in the vaccine for FeLV, every cat that receives the vaccine must receive a booster. Boosters occur 2 to 4 weeks after the first vaccine. The duration of immunity—or the length of time that the vaccine protects your cat—is proven at 1 year in most vaccines.

Can cats clear FeLV?

Following exposure to FeLV, infections may progress in several different ways. In some instances, a cat can mount an effective immune response against the virus and completely eliminate it, but these abortive infections are rare.

Is FIV a death sentence?

Although it can be fatal if left untreated, a positive test for FIV is not a mandatory death sentence for your pet. With a high-protein diet and aggressive treatment of secondary infections, an FIV-positive cat can lead a reasonably normal life for a number of years after diagnosis.

What should I do if my cat has a positive FeLV?

How should FeLV-positive cats be managed? Any cat that has tested positive for FeLV should be kept indoors at all times and provided with good nutrition, a low-stress environment, and regular veterinary care.

What’s the longest a cat has lived with feline leukemia?

In 2007, the oldest cat at the Best Friends Sanctuary was positive for the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Cybella, a Siamese, was – drum roll, please – 21-1/2 years old. Not only did she live a long life but an extremely happy life as well.