Questions & Answers

My kitten tested positive for FeLV. Our older cat tested negative, so she was vaccinated and they are kept separate. Should I do an IFA test in 2 months? If that is negative, is it safe to re-introduce the 2 cats? Does a negative result after a positive mean that she can no longer transmit the disease?

My kitten tested positive for FeLV. Our older cat tested negative, so she was vaccinated and they are kept separate. Should I do an IFA test in 2 months? If that is negative, is it safe to re-introduce the 2 cats? Does a negative result after a positive mean that she can no longer transmit the disease? CD drsimonI am sorry for your dilemma.  I would keep these cats strictly isolated.  I would repeat the FeLV snap test and perform a FeLV IFA in 2 months.  If either one remains/is positive then your kitten could still expose your other cat. 25% of these cats convert to negative on both tests (safe), 25% become positive on both tests (typically soccumb to the virus and more common in kittens), and 50% remain discordant (where the results of the 2 tests are different and the patient may never become ill). Unfortunately, these discordant cats are still potentially contagious.  Good luck.

Christine Simon D.V.M.

 

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