FIV / FeLV SNAP Combo Test
An in-clinic ELISA blood test that simultaneously screens cats for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus antibodies and Feline Leukemia Virus antigens.
💬 In Plain English
The FIV/FeLV SNAP Combo test is the most important routine blood test performed on cats and kittens. Using just three drops of whole blood, serum, or plasma, this 10-minute tabletop test screens for two major feline retroviruses. It detects feline leukemia (FeLV) by looking directly for the viral antigen (p27 capsid protein), and tests for feline AIDS (FIV) by detecting antibodies the cat’s immune system produced against the virus. Because both viruses weaken the immune system and can be transmitted through cat bites, outdoor fights, or from mother to kittens, every newly adopted cat or sick feline should be screened.
🔬 Clinical & Technical Depth
For Vets & TechniciansFormal Clinical Definition
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) point-of-care modular test concurrently identifying circulating soluble FeLV p27 viral capsular antigen and host antibodies directed against FIV structural transmembrane proteins (gp40/p24).
Why Veterinarians Use It
Veterinarians use this test to establish feline retroviral baseline status at adoption, before vaccinations, after fight bite wounds, or during illness.
Clinical Context Encountered
Performed routinely at kitten intake, shelter adoption exams, or emergency evaluations of sick indoor/outdoor cats.
Clinical Reference Guide (Diagnostic Test)
Normal vs. Abnormal Results
Normal is a single positive control dot with clear sample windows; abnormal shows a blue color spot indicating positive antigen (FeLV) or antibody (FIV).
Next Steps If Abnormal
Confirm FeLV positives with external real-time RT-PCR or IFA; retest FIV-positive kittens at 6 months of age to rule out transient maternal antibodies.
- •Retroviral-positive cats must be housed strictly indoors to prevent spreading viruses to neighborhood cats and to shield their vulnerable immune systems from outside infections.
❓ Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian
Take these actionable questions with you to your next clinic visit or appointment:
- 1Could my young kitten have maternal antibodies that caused a false-positive FIV result (requiring a retest after 6 months of age)?
- 2Should a positive FeLV SNAP result be confirmed with an external laboratory IFA or PCR test?
- 3How does my cat’s retroviral status affect other cats living in our home?
Academic & Clinical References
- 2020 AAFP Feline Retrovirus Testing and Management GuidelinesOrganization: American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) • Accessed: 2026-01-10https://catvets.com