FIV Antibody (Rapid Test)

Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, is a virus of cats that slowly weakens the immune system, the body's defence against germs. It spreads mainly through deep bite wounds, so it is seen more often in cats that roam outdoors and fight, especially males that are not neutered. Casual contact, such as sharing bowls, spreads it far less easily. An infected cat may look healthy for years, then get gum and mouth problems, weight loss, fever or infections that keep coming back. FIV is not the same as HIV and is not known to infect people.

This rapid kit looks for antibodies to FIV in serum or blood. Antibodies are proteins the immune system makes after meeting a germ. Because FIV infection lasts for life, finding these antibodies in an adult cat usually means the cat is infected. A few drops of the sample are placed on the test device, and a coloured line or spot shows the result. Vets commonly use it for sick cats, for cats that have been bitten in fights, and for new cats before they join other cats at home. The lab also lists a combined FIV and FeLV kit.

Results need care. Kittens under about six months of age may carry antibodies from their mother, so they can test positive without being infected; your vet may repeat the test when the kitten is older or use another test. A cat vaccinated against FIV can also test positive. A cat infected very recently may test negative because antibodies take time to appear. Your vet may confirm a positive result with another test, such as FIV PCR. A registered veterinarian reads the result together with the cat's age, signs, history and other tests, and guides the cat's care.