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The Daily Insight

What is Feline Triple Test

Author

Emily Dawson

Published Mar 19, 2026

The SNAP® Feline Triple® Test screens cats for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibody, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen, and feline heartworm (FHW) antigen. This three-in-one test for feline infectious diseases introduces an enhanced tool to promote feline health care.

What is a feline test?

The feline leukemia (FeLV) and FIV test is a blood test used to detect exposure to or infection of one of these viruses. The feline leukemia test is often called the “Feleuk” test or abbreviated as “FeLV” test. The feline immunodeficiency virus test is also referred to as the FIV test or feline “AIDS” test.

What is FeLV FIV HW test?

Our records show your cat is due for a Feline Leukemia Virus/Feline A.I.D.S. Virus/Feline Heartworm test. FeLV/FIV/HW testing screens your pet for two of the most deadly diseases cats can become infected with: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline A.I.D.S (or Immunodeficiency) Virus (FIV). …

How much is a feline combo test?

Test NameSectionPriceAerobic and Anaerobic Combo up to 3 aerobic susceptibilities for one specimen (Fixed price; must select at submission)Bacteriology$110.00Aerobic Bacterial Culture with up to 3 susceptibilities for one specimen (Fixed price; must select at submission)Bacteriology$105.00

When should I test my cats combo?

We recommend testing every new kitten or cat to your home before vaccinating for this disease. Also, we recommend retesting 6 months later or every year at their annual wellness appointment to be sure of a negative result.

What are the symptoms of cat diseases?

  • Persistent cough.
  • Breathing difficulties (panting, wheezing, rapid or open-mouthed breathing)
  • Depression.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Weight loss.
  • Sporadic vomiting.
  • Lethargy.
  • Sudden death.

Should I adopt a cat test?

By definition, a screening blood test is a test done to detect disease before it shows manifestations and becomes symptomatic. So even if the cat or dog you are adopting looks healthy, it is ideal to get a screening blood test to make sure they don’t have problems like diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid disease.

At what age can a kitten be tested for FIV?

Kittens should only be tested if they are above 8 months of age.

How common is FIV in kittens?

It’s Uncommon for Young Kittens to Truly Have FIV Even though kittens may test positive for antibodies, it’s actually very unlikely for a kitten who was rescued at a young age to truly have FIV, because they generally are too young to participate in the kinds of activities that expose them to the disease.

How common is FIV in stray cats?

Compared to all other feline health threats, FIV infection is “quite common,” according to Dr. Levy. “We estimate that about four percent of all feral cats in the U.S. are infected,” she says.

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Are feline leukemia and FIV the same?

FeLV stands for feline leukemia virus, and FIV is feline immunodeficiency virus. Although caused by distinct viruses, these diseases have similarities: both are contagious and incurable; both are more likely to be acquired by a cat that is allowed outside.

Is there a vaccine to prevent FIV in cats?

There is currently no vaccine commercially available in North America to protect against FIV, so the best way to reduce risk is to limit contact with cats who may be infected with the disease by keeping cats indoors and testing all cats within the household.

How common is a false positive feline leukemia test?

If you test 1000 cats you will see that 17 out of the 47 cats that test positive do not actually have FeLV. That means that over 36% of positive results are actually false positives. In areas with a prevalence lower than 3% the number of false positives increases.

Is it expensive to have a cat with FIV?

Treatment for the feline immunodeficiency virus is quite expensive. According to estimates, the cost range from $150 to $2,000 per treatment.

How contagious is FIV to other cats?

Can positive cats be kept with other pets? Although FIV isn’t easily transmitted between cats (only through deep bites and not via sharing food and other normal interaction), the risk means that a FIV positive cat should be adopted into a single cat household only.

How do cats spread leukemia?

The virus occurs in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces and milk from infected cats. It is spread cat-to-cat through: bite wounds. from an infected mother cat to her kittens.

How long can you leave your cat alone?

When it comes to longer absences, the cat lovers and experts behind Animalpath.org say that healthy, adult cats shouldn’t be left alone for more than 24 to 48 hours.

Is it best to get a kitten or a cat?

Kittens will require more time and attention, not to mention time spent cleaning up after them, than adult cats, so if you’re gone most of the day, an older cat can be the best fit for you. If you have small children, an adult cat may also be a better choice.

How do you pick a cat?

When choosing a cat, pick one that is active, inquisitive, and seeks affection and attention from people. Sometimes cats are uncomfortable in noisy or unfamiliar environments, so keep that in mind during your evaluation. An adult cat should allow handling and petting without hissing or scratching.

Can indoor cats get diseases?

While living an indoor lifestyle is certainly safer overall than living outdoors, and indoor living contributes to a longer life expectancy, important infectious diseases can find indoor cats. Feline rhinotracheitis virus, feline calici virus, and feline panleukopenia virus make up the feline distemper complex.

What is the most common health problem in cats?

Common Cat Health Problem: Tapeworms One of the most common feline health problems inside your cat, tapeworms live in kitty’s small intestine, sometimes growing as long as two feet. Symptoms of a tapeworm infection can be subtle, but may include vomiting and weight loss.

Can humans get diseases from cats?

The answer is yes. There are actually a number of diseases you can contract catch from your cat, known broadly as zoonotic diseases. The word “zoonotic” is used to describe any disease that is transmittable from animals to humans. The best known and most feared example of a zoonotic disease is rabies.

What are the signs of FIV in cats?

  • Poor coat condition.
  • Fever that keeps coming back.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Inflammation in the mouth and gums.
  • Chronic or recurrent infections in the eyes, skin, upper respiratory tract, or bladder.
  • Constant diarrhea.
  • Persistent eye problems.
  • Seizures.

What are the final stages of FIV in cats?

Final stage – Cats are exposed to a host of infectious pathogens on a daily basis but are protected by their immune system. Once FIV destroys enough T lymphocytes, the immune system loses its ability to fight off opportunistic infections, turning otherwise harmless situations into emergencies.

Can kittens get FIV from father?

FIV can only be spread between cats. Unaltered, outdoor cats of breeding age are at the greatest risk for infection. Kittens can test positive for the FIV virus, due to antibodies from an FIV+ mother, but only a small percentage are really infected.

What is the life expectancy of a cat with FIV?

Cats infected with FIV may live for months or years. On average, life expectancy is 5 years from the time of diagnosis depending on how active the infection is. There is a FIV vaccination given twice initially, then yearly thereafter for outside cats or cats exposed to outside cats due to the potential of cat bites.

Can kittens get FIV from mom?

FIV is a virus specific to cats and only cats. It is normally transmitted by severe bites, but occasionally an infected mother cat can pass it to her kittens via her milk, or during mating.

How can you tell if a stray cat has FIV?

  1. Loss of appetite.
  2. Weight loss.
  3. Poor coat condition.
  4. Persistent fever.
  5. Inflammation of the gums and mouth.
  6. Skin, urinary, intestinal, or upper respiratory tract infections.
  7. Persistent diarrhea.
  8. Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders.

Can FIV be transmitted through litter box?

FIVis not easily passed between cats and cannot be spread casually. It is not passed by sharing of food or water dishes, grooming each other, litter boxes, mock fighting, scratches, no even sneezes.

Is FIV in saliva?

FIV is transmitted via saliva between cats that fight and bite their competition.

How do indoor cats get feline leukemia?

How Can My Cat Get Feline Leukemia? FeLV is transmitted from other infected cats “shedding” the virus — a time when the virus is replicating in the body and released into the environment through their saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk.