As a pet science blog author and a cat parent myself, I’ve always been intrigued by the complexities of feline health. Recently, I came across a valuable resource from the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) that can help cat owners and veterinarians alike in assessing the need for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) testing.
Understanding the Importance of FIV and FeLV Testing
FIV and FeLV are serious threats to the health of our feline companions. FIV can weaken a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to other infections, while FeLV is a cause of immunodeficiency in cats. Both can lead to severe health issues and even death if left undiagnosed and untreated.
FIV and FeLV Observation Form: A Tool for Better Health Assessment
The AAFP has designed an observation form that cat owners can fill out and present to their veterinarians. This form is a comprehensive guide that helps veterinarians determine the necessity of FIV and FeLV testing based on the cat’s lifestyle, health history, and current health status.
Sample Observation Form
Let’s take a look at a sample of this form, which you can find here for printing and use.