Hi,
A standard between the tests (ELISA looks for exposure and IFA looks for infections: I remember the difference with "E" for exposure, "I" for infection...the old brain cells ain't what they used to be! ) is 90 days.
Some vets will suggest 30 or 60 days, but you might not get a good result because there is research that shows it can take a cat up to 90 days to clear the virus after exposure. Even a positive IFA should be restested in 90 days because the cat could mount an immune-response and overcome the virus. Of course, on the other hand, it could also sequester it in bone marrow; someone mentioned that a bone marrow aspirate could be done to determine that and it can; I considered having it done on one cat, but it is painful and invasive and I elected not to. My own opinion is that the number of IFA-negative carriers is relatively small.
I have one cat (Charlie) who did clear the virus. My friend Joan has two who have cleared it. It DOES happen!
I would give them all the supportive care possible to help their immune systems, and retest in 90 days.
I wish you all the best luck and will keeps all fingers and paws crossed here and I'll think 'negative'!!
Hope this helps; take care, Julie
"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is
to protection by man from the cruelty of man. "
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged
by the way its animals are treated."
Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
Paws Come WITH Claws - If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.
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