CASTAWAY CRITTERS
The James A. Hueholt Memorial Foundation for Animals

Cats who test positive: It's not the end of the world

When people hear the words "positive", they tend to think the worst. Perhaps even that their pet cat's death is imminent. Some even may think that they will need to have their beloved pet euthanized.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The AAFP says that cats infected with FeLV or FIV may live for years. Testing a cat for Felv/Fiv was never meant to be used as a tool for diagnosis, rather as a tool for screening cats in order to provide better care. A cat testing positive simply means it has tested positive for the retrovirus infection, not that the animal has tested positive for the disease, thus a decision for euthanasia should never be made solely on the basis of whether or not a cat is infected. Diseases in cats infected with FeLV or FIV may not necessarily be a result of retrovirus infection.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners, an organization of veterinarians with a special interest in the health of cats, urges pet owners to have their cat tested for FIV and FeLV in order to properly treat the pet. Infected cats may live for years if diagnosed early and treated properly.

Kittens younger than 6 months who are born to FIV infected Mothers may test positive for the antibody, yet most will not be infected. The AAFP suggest retesting these kittens at 60 day intervals. If results of tests after 6 months of age are still confirmed (using a second method of testing) positive then these kittens should be considered infected. For full details see the AAFP's testing guidelines at http://www.aafponline.org/pdf/guidelines_retrovirus_testing_2001.pdf.

We ask that individuals looking for a pet or even thinking of fostering, consider the possibility of adopting or fostering a positive cat if conditions in your home are suitable. Perhaps if you already have a positive cat, you would be willing to adopt a second positive cat.

Best Friends No More Homeless Pets Forum had a discussion on placing pets testing positive that will shed more light on the subject here.

FIV positive cats have been known to often live long lives and may never get sick. The mortality rate is higher for FeLV positive cats, who usually contract the disease as kittens. A study showed most die by the age of two to three years old (33% at 6 months, 63% at 2 years, 83% at 3.5 years.) For more information and available treatment on Feline Leukemia (FeLV), please visit FelineLeukemia.org.