Introduction

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are contagious, viral diseases that can damage the immune systems and cause cancers in cats. Asymptomatic cats can be carriers of either disease. Neither FIV nor FeLV are transmissible to dogs or humans in any way.

Overview

• Only 2.5 percent of the United States cat population would test positive for FeLV or FIV.

• Stray cats are most at risk of infection due to spread by deep bite wounds and scratches that occur when fighting. Research shows that FeLV and FIV positive cats can live safely indoors with other cats providing they do not fight.

• There is no perfect test for either of these diseases. If a cat was recently exposed or infected, it can several months to test positive. Additionally, testing is not accurate on kittens under six months of age. Keeping kittens in our care until 6 months old to provide accurate testing counter to our goals and best interest of the kittens. Testing is an increased cost that would require increases in adoption fees. CCAR is committed to providing affordable fees for the community to support responsible adoption.

Our testing policy

With the relative rarity of these diseases, the cost of testing, and the limits of the tests themselves, our policy is to test only the cats with bite/fight wounds, FeLV/FIV symptoms that are otherwise unexplained, and those that are to be released outdoors.

Adoption

Adopters should speak with their veterinarian to determine the best testing options for them. Should adopters request FeLV or FIV testing prior to adoption, CCAR may do so at an additional cost to the adopter. CCAR recommends establishing veterinary care for newly adopted pets within sixty (60) days of adoption.