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feline hiv
Sent to Cat Experts September 14 10:42 AM

we found a kitten in the backyard and took it to the vet immediatedly with the intentions of keeping her. she is in good health but tested positive for hiv a very low level the vet told me. The vet said it will probably clear and to recheck in 12 weeks. I was concerned about the other cats I have 7,10 and 14. She didnt put much stock in the postive result and didnt seem worried. She told me transmission is like in humans blood or sexual contact. After about a week I introduced her to the other cats and everyone is getting along fine. I just took her to the vet for shots and this vet a differrent one from the initial visit said she would keep her secluded until the nextr blood test, that it could be transmitted through saliva, sharing the same water bowl or food bowl. Should i be worried. Please help

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
September 14 10:56 AM (13 minutes and 29 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Dear friend,

Many young kittens test with a fase positive on a test called a "snap", test. In 12 weeks do an Elisa test which is much more accurate. A low titre on the snap can just indicate minimal exposure but not infection. Just give the baby her own food and water dishes and your other cats should be fine.

Please let me know if you still have questions or want to discuss this further. I will be happy to help in any way possible.

Very sincerely,

Terri



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Please press ACCEPT if my answer was helpful and leave feedback Thank you! Terri
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Terri Riba -- Feline Healthcare Expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 8613 Cat Accepts
20 years in vet care: general medicine/ Emergencies/critical care/ behavior/ nutrition/ holistics
Reply
September 14 11:01 AM (5 minutes and 29 seconds later)
         
Reply to Terri Riba's Post: can hiv be transmitted through saliva, i was under the impression it was from wounds and blood contact. she doesn't like the kitten food and has been eating the other adultdry food(she likes the soft)it's hard to keep her from eating the other. Do you think i should keep her secluded until retested?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
September 14 11:06 AM (4 minutes and 59 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

YES it can be transmitted through saliva so do try to keep her secluded or at least away from the other cats dishes until she is retested. It is a good precaution to take.



Dedicated to Cats and the people who love them!
Please press ACCEPT if my answer was helpful and leave feedback Thank you! Terri
Picture
Terri Riba -- Feline Healthcare Expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 8613 Cat Accepts
20 years in vet care: general medicine/ Emergencies/critical care/ behavior/ nutrition/ holistics
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