Recommend That All Cats be Tested for FeLV

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) revised their guidelines for FeLV testing. They recommend that all cats be tested for FeLV. In addition, cats should be (re)tested:

•During sickness: Regardless of previous negative results. While many signs (such as fever, stomatitis, vomiting, and diarrhea) are obvious indicators of illness, other signs are subtle and may include changes in behavior, grooming, and eating habits.

•When being adopted/entering new home: Regardless of age and whether or not they will be entering a household with other cats. They should be tested prior to being introduced into the household.

•When living in multi-cat households in which another cat is infected with FeLV, or are otherwise at high risk (e.g., cats that go outdoors unsupervised).

•After potential exposures: When cats have had known or possible exposure to other cats who are infected or are of unknown infection status. If a negative test is obtained, the test should be repeated after a minimum of 30 days.

•Prior to initial FeLV vaccination: FeLV vaccine should not be given to FeLV infected cats.