FELV results

Hello all, I'm writing to ask for your interpretation on a situation regarding discordant FeLV (feline leukemia) test results. 12 months ago, my Nimbus (presently 1.5 years old) tested (+) for the in-house test but then (-) for the IFA test. One month after that she tested (-) for the in-house test. Last week during her annual vaccinations and checkup, she tested (+) again with the SNAP in-house test. We are awaiting the IFA results... With that being said, we were planning on getting another kitten at the end of this month but are now discouraged. If she tests (+) on the IFA, we will absolutely not consider getting the kitten, as it poses too great of a risk for all parties involved. What would you do in the scenario that she tests (-) for the IFA? I just want to confirm that it is inadvisable to get another cat. Thank you kindly for your thoughts on the matter- will keep you updated, LD

Hello!  Just to translate the vet-speak for those who may not know, FeLV (Feline leukaemia Virus) is not uncommon in cats and is usually passed on through close contact or bite wounds. There are different tests available for it.  Nimbus tested positive to a SNAP test, a quick in-house that was run at the vets, which shows (with a certain amount of reliability) that he has been exposed to FeLV.   However, the second test suggested that the FeLV virus has not actually reached his white bloods cells at this time (no active infection) and therefore he may not be able to pass it on. This is a good thing, but it is rare for FeLV to be completely cleared from the body; the virus may hide in the bone marrow for a while, and resurface to infect other cats at a later date. Quoting from the Cornell university website, the only sure way to protect cats from FeLV is to prevent their exposure to FeLV-infected cats.

We don't have a blog that answers your question yet, but you may find this resource helpful https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-leukemia-virus