What is FIV?

 

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is less common and less lethal than FeLV and is found in approximately 1% -14% of cats all over the world, including North America. As with most viral infections, the cat's own immune system develops a strong and potent response against the virus. This response may be very efficient at keeping the virus at bay, sometimes for the entire life of the cat.

FIV bears similar symptoms to human HIV and often leads to a continuous drop in white blood cell counts, namely, T cells. This stage is known as immunodeficiency that leads to an inability of the cat's immune system to fend off other less deadly infections. Such infections become deadly in FIV-infected cats and may result in AIDS and death.

 

 

How is FIV transmitted?

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Cats infected with active FIV carry the virus in their saliva. It is believed that FIV is transmitted from sick to healthy cats by saliva as a result of fighting wounds. Infected mothers may also infect their offspring. Several years ago, a vaccine for FIV was developed and approved for preventing infection; however, due to low efficacy this preventive treatment is no longer available in the USA. 

Is my cat at risk?

 

Generally speaking, cats that have access to the outdoors, have contact with other cats, and/or are aggressive by nature have a higher likelihood of contracting FIV. Moreover, cats carrying another deadly virus, Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), are at a higher risk for contracting FIV.

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Having FIV is NOT the end of the world! 

 

Cats with active disease are more likely to produce and shed the FIV virus in their saliva, are more contagious, and are more likely to develop the disease. This means that cats without detectable FIV are less infectious and more likely to remain healthy.

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**Note: FIV transmission in households with several cats is generally very low. There is little to no evidence that adopting an FIV-positive cat, that is fix, poses any risk to other cats. 

 

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How often should I test my cat for FIV?

 

If your cat has not been tested for FIV it is best to test them as soon as possible. If your cat enjoys the outdoors or is part of a household with more than one cat we recommend testing your cat once every 6 months. 

 

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What makes CatDX testing unique?

 

CatDX tests for the presence of FIV directly in the Saliva. Our test is capable of detecting as little as 100 viruses, ensuring an accurate and affordable result. The relative ease of collecting saliva allows you to test for FIV by not having to visit your local vet. While the affordable price allows you to test your cat as often as needed. 

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** CatDX FIV saliva test does not indicate current of past FIV infection. This test only measures the presence of FIV in the saliva at the time of collection!  ** In some cats, complete activation of the immune system may result in undetectable virus levels despite past infection with FIV (Meers J. et al). 

 

Order your test now!

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