 |
Your
cat may be at risk
for the feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia
virus
Please download the brochure.
FIV and FeLV are manageable
if detected early. Your cat can be tested for
both diseases with one blood test. And it only takes
10 minutes.
Learn more
about these diseases
FIV is the feline form
of HIV.*
FeLV is feline leukemia
virus.
Both viruses affect cats in similar ways, and both can
be deadly.
Simply put, all cats are at
risk.
Even "indoor" cats should be tested to rule
out the possibility of infection. However, there are
factors that can put some cats at higher risk:
Risk factors
- Fighting
- Time outdoors
- Contact with other cats (i.e.,
when boarding or at cat shows)
- Newly adopted
- Sickness
*FIV only infects cats. FIV is not transmissible to
people. |
|
|
Talk to your veterinarian about
FIV/FeLV testing
31 million cats are at risk for FIV each year.*
11% of cats at risk for FIV/FeLV are being tested.*
Since your
last visit to a veterinary clinic, has your cat:
- Had a bite wound?
- Been outside for even a brief
period of time?
- Been exposed to any other cat
whose status is unknown?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, your
cat should be tested. Testing is an important step toward
keeping your cat healthy and helping to stop the spread
of the feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia
virus.
*Data source on file.
|
|
What are the dangers of the feline
immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus?
FIV and FeLV:
- Are found in every region of the United
States
- Are highly contagious
- Are transmitted from cat to cat
- Have few outward signs, and no "sure"
signs
- Are associated with illness and death
of more cats than any other disease
- Weaken a cat's immune system
Why should I test my cat?
Without testing, there is no way to know whether your cat
is infected.
Without a diagnosis, your cat cannot be treated properly.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
recommends that all at-risk cats, sick cats and kittens
should be tested.
If you do not know the status of your cat, it may carry
and possibly spread the disease to other cats.
Not only can you help your cat
live a happy, healthy life, but you can also help stop the
spread of these two deadly diseases.
What are the signs?
There are no "sure" signs of either disease.
In some cats, signs don't appear for weeks, months or even
years after they are infected. That's why testing is so
important.
 |
| Infected cats can show any of
these signs: |
|
What if my cat does have these diseases?
Your veterinarian can work with you to manage the infection
through diet and preventive health care.
You and your veterinarian can develop
a plan that includes:
- Semiannual wellness visits
- A balanced, nutritional diet
- Watching for signs of other illnesses
- Spaying/Neutering of adults
- Maintaining your cat's vaccination program
With proper care, infected cats
can live long and healthy lives.
Put your mind at ease, and protect
your cat-Ask your veterinarian about FIV/FeLV testing.
FIV and FeLV are leading causes of illness and death in
cats.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
urges all cat owners to have their cats tested for FIV and
FeLV, especially at-risk cats, sick cats and kittens.
Early detection of infection will enable you to manage the
disease, maintain the health of your cat, and will also
help prevent the spread of infection to other cats.
*Information taken from Idexx Laboratories, Inc.
|
|
| |
