Cat FIV & FeLV Testing in San Jose — ARCH Veterinary
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) are two of the most important infectious diseases of cats — and both can be diagnosed with a single drop of blood in our hospital. ARCH offers in-house SNAP combo testing for every new cat, kitten, and stray, with results in 10 minutes.
Why test every cat?
FIV and FeLV are silent for months to years before causing illness. Early diagnosis lets us tailor wellness care, vaccinations, and lifestyle decisions — and protects other cats in the home. Stray rescues, new kittens, sick cats, and any cat exposed to outdoor or unknown cats should be tested.
How testing works
We collect a few drops of blood and run an in-house SNAP Combo test. Results in 10 minutes. Positive results are usually confirmed with a follow-up confirmatory test (PCR for FeLV, Western blot or PCR for FIV) — especially in kittens, where maternal antibodies can cause false positives.
Care for FIV-positive cats
FIV is spread mainly by deep bite wounds, not casual contact. Many FIV+ cats live long, healthy lives indoors with twice-yearly exams, dental care, and prompt attention to infections. They can safely live with FIV-negative cats in stable, non-fighting households.
Care for FeLV-positive cats
FeLV is more contagious and has a more guarded prognosis. FeLV+ cats should live indoors, separate from FeLV-negative cats, with regular bloodwork, dental care, and vigilant monitoring for anemia, infections, and lymphoma.
Vaccination
FeLV vaccination is recommended for kittens, outdoor cats, and any cat that lives with a FeLV+ cat. FIV vaccination is no longer routinely used in the U.S. The best prevention for both is keeping cats indoors and testing all new cats before introduction.
Advanced veterinary care in San Jose
ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.
Frequently asked questions
How long does testing take?
About 10 minutes for the in-house SNAP combo result.
Can FIV+ cats live with other cats?
Yes, in stable households where cats don't fight. FIV spreads mainly through deep bite wounds.
Is FeLV always a death sentence?
No — many FeLV+ cats live several years with good care, but prognosis is more guarded than FIV.
Should kittens be tested?
Yes. We re-test kittens that test positive after 6 months of age to rule out maternal antibodies.