FIV and FeLV testing is a must for every cat owner and, as sad as it is to receive a positive result, only this test will ensure early and effective treatment against these highly serious and contagious diseases among felines. FIV carries the feline immunodeficiency virus and FeLV is due to the feline leukemia virus. Both debilitate the animal, so do not letFind out now how the FIV and FeLV test works.

FIV and FeLV rapid test: result comes out on the spot

There is only one way to know if the cat is healthy: by performing specific tests to identify diseases. They are laboratory-based and preferably done with the management of a veterinarian. The pet market also offers tests for cat protectors, but even this rapid FIV and FeLV test needs a blood test for analysis (so it is recommended to seek professional help forthis collection).

Usually, the test kit comes with a slide with control and result windows, a container to collect blood and a vial with diluent. The whole procedure is intuitive and easy to do. The result usually appears in a few minutes. Understand what the steps of the FIV and FeLV rapid test are and how to do it below:

FIV and FeLV rapid test: how to do it

• First, blood is collected from the feline (most tests ask for at least 1 ml);
• This collection is then homogenized in the diluent vial;
• Drops of the mixture are then applied to the test plate (one drop for the FIV window and one for the FeLV window);
• Note that there is a "C" in each result window, which stands for "control".
• Below it, a stripe-shaped sign should appear seconds (or minutes) after the drop is applied (this indicates the effectiveness of the test).
• In the absence of this trace, a new test is performed on a new slide;
• Next to the "C" is a "T", which stands for "test" (this is where the result appears).
• Please wait a few moments.
• If a stripe appears next to the control trace (i.e. on the test), the cat has tested positive, otherwise it is FIV/FeLV negative;
• The whole procedure is quick and is done within a few minutes.

FIV and FeLV: test for the presence of the virus in feline blood

Any test evaluates the presence of antigens or antibodies in the feline's blood (either the rapid FIV and FeLV test, or the one performed by a veterinarian). The best known are PCR and ELISA and both have up to 99.7% specificity. Therefore, it is recommended to do periodic tests or counterproof of the previous test, especially when symptoms persist. See how they work:

• PCR testing in cats: is a test that in addition to looking for the presence of the virus, studies details of the viral DNA and RNA when it is present. It is able to identify FIV, FeLV and several other infectious diseases in the cat.
• ELISA testing in cats: is a screening test for FeLV (Feline Leukaemia) and is usually requested when the cat has classic symptoms of the disease (listlessness, fever and continued lack of appetite). It works by locating the antigen in the plasma.

Why is FIV and FeLV testing so important?

These are distinct and exclusively feline diseases. Contagion occurs through the cat's contact with the virus hosted in another feline, either through secretions or scratches and bites during a fight. They are serious diseases that put the animal's entire health at risk. That is why it is so important to periodically test for FIV and FeLV - either to start an early treatment or to maintain the cat's health.pet away from these evils.

Any breed of cat can be affected by FIV and FeLV, but the contagion is more common in mongrels, as most are bred or rescued from the streets. But don't think that a Persian cat is immune to it: if he has contact with a cat with the virus, he can also be infected. So, all caution is needed with the most dangerous cat diseases.