What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus? The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection is a complex retrovirus that causes immunodeficiency disease in domestic cats. Whilst most infected cats do not show symptoms, they are prone to developing other infections and certain types of cancer. FIV is similar to HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) and causes a feline disease that is similar to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). However, FIV is a highly species-specific virus that infects only felines. There is currently no evidence that FIV can infect humans. What is Feline Leukaemia Virus? Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a disease that impairs the cat's immune system and causes certain types of cancer. This virus infection is second only to trauma as the leading cause of death in cats, killing 85% of persistently infected felines within three years of diagnosis. The virus commonly causes anaemia or lymphoma, but because it suppresses the immune system, it can also predispose cats to deadly infections. It affects all breeds, with males more likely to contract the infection than females, and it is usually seen between the ages of one to six years old.Why do I need this Test?Many people confuse FIV with FeLV. Although these diseases are in the same retrovirus family and cause many similar secondary conditions FeLV and FIV are different diseases, so it is important to determine which virus (if any) your cat has. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for either virus. However, the prognosis and life expectancy is significantly enhanced by regular Vet check-ups and careful health management of infected cats, so early diagnosis is vital. How do I perform the Test?It is very simple - just obtain a blood sample and apply 1 drop of blood to the test cassette and then add 2-3 drops of the test solution. You will then be able to read the results after 10 minutes.
J**N
Thanks to the other reviewer who mentioned the videos on getting blood from the ear like a diabetic test
We had a new outdoor kitten test positive for FeLV at the vet, which the vet wanted us to put down or quarantine indoors. After a month as kittens sometimes have false positives or can clear the virus we retested with this kit which was negative. We waited another month and retested with this kit again negative. Back to the vet for an IFA test (sent out to lab) which was also negative. So this test was both economical at less than 10% the price of the first vets in house test and results for this kitten matched with the vet test taken the same week. Thanks to the other reviewer who mentioned the videos on getting blood from the ear like a diabetic test, that worked really well. I also wanted to note that each test was in an individual foil pack with a clearly visible expiration date that was well into the future. We'll be using this test with new kittens in the future before bringing them home.
E**T
These work great, & are convent IF you can get blood ...
These work great, & are convent IF you can get blood from your cat. I find that getting the blood is difficult for me to get from my cat so consider practicing blood draw before purchase. A good youtube video is "How To Test Your Diabetic Cat's Blood Sugar At Home".
B**E
... of money that can be spent on other things like food, litter and spay/neuters
We are a cat rescue and this test saves us loads of money that can be spent on other things like food, litter and spay/neuters. We're very happy with this test and our vet accepts the results.
M**
These work great and saves our rescue so much money
These work great and saves our rescue so much money. Thank you for offering this at an affordable price! Just bought more today!
L**L
I was very dissatisfied with the product. There was ...
I was very dissatisfied with the product. There was no Feline vaccine in the vial. I would never buy again from this dealer.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
3 weeks ago
