Both Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodefieciency Virus are contagious and potentially fatal diseases. These viruses are associated with the illness and death of more cats than any other group of infectious diseases.

Vets have long considered them hard to diagnose, but new research has identified symptoms and behaviors that indicate when infection is most likely, and when a cat should be tested.

The symptoms for both FeLV and FIV include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, abscesses, gingivitis, weight loss and swollen lymph nodes. One in four cats with even one of the signs listed above is likely to test positive.

However, a cat with no symptoms may test positive for either virus. Cats most at risk are outdoor cats, cats that fight, or share food and water with other cats, and cats in multi-cat households.

When a cat's behavior puts it at risk, or when a cat shows clinical signs, it makes sense to have your cat tested.

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