Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I currently own 2 older cats. This week I got 4 kittens (rescue). They tested negative for leukemia. Today a kitten was dumped near my house. I took it to the vet. He said it was 4 weeks old and can't be tested until 6 weeks old. He also said I could put it with the other kittens even though it wasn't tested. I am afraid to do that. He said at 4 weeks it can't give the others leukemia. Right now I have it in a large cage, but hate to leave it there for 2 weeks. Does anyone know anything about this? Thanks, Pam

Hi Pam,

Actually, kittens can be tested for FeLV at any time. Even a one-week-old kitten can be tested, as long as you can get 3 drops of blood for an in-house test. In tiny kittens an insulin syringe works pretty well.

You are right in not putting the younger, untested kitten with the others. I know of no reason why this baby cannot have the test done, and if negative, allowed to join the others. I hate to think of such a young baby by itself for 2 weeks, unless it is absolutely necessary.

If your vet is flat against testing a four-week old baby, I would want to know why and consider going elsewhere just for the test.

At the cat hospital where I work we routinely test very young kittens, at least for FeLV. FIV results may not be accurate in baby kittens because if the mom has antibodies, the kittens may test as false positive.

Regards,
PHKitkat

Thanks for the information. I will call Monday and ask the other vet that works there. The 4 week old kitten is doing great, but it is so lonely! Pam