My cat has lymphoma. Can FeLV be present despite negative tests?

Question

My 7 year old cat was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. I am concerned that maybe she had FeLV this whole time and it went undetected. She came from a litter of kittens that died from the virus. Due to this- she was rigorously tested four times 3 ELISA and one IFA over a year and a half time earlier in her life (approx 4 years ago and 5 years ago). Is it possible to be negative 4x and still have it? She is terminally ill now and I a, about my other cats contracting FeLV. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 5 years and 6 months old | 10 lbs

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that Stassi has been diagnosed with lymphoma. If Stassi and all of your other cats have been indoors only, and were all negative for FeLV to start with, there is next to no chance that your other cats have contracted or will contract FeLV. It is statistically improbable that Stassi has tested negative for FeLV four times and would still have FeLV, unless she may have been exposed to another cat in the past 4-5 years that has FeLV. Lymphoma is a fairly common type of cancer that can occur in cats with or without FeLV. I hope that helps to clarify your concerns. I'm really sorry that you and Stassi are going through this situation.

My cat has lymphoma. Can FeLV be present despite negative tests?

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