FHV-1

Future Breeder Gail

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Feb 18, 2022
Messages
3
Purraise
0
Purchased a kitten to start my cattery, she traveled from Russia to USA. Upon arrival she showed signs of FHV and testing proved that she is FHV-1 positive. She was vaccinated before leaving Russia, could this be a false/positive diagnosis? If not, would it be ethical to breed her?
 

mani

Moderator and fervent feline fan
Staff Member
Moderator
Joined
Feb 28, 2012
Messages
46,571
Purraise
23,328
Location
Australia
You are more likely to get a false negative than a false positive, and no, it would definitely not be ethical to breed her.
Any queen previously infected with FHV will be a permanent carrier and the stress of kittening will often result in re-shedding of FHV which can then be passed to the kittens (although the queen may show no signs herself).

Breeding is not easy; this is just the first hurdle you'll encounter. For a start it's much better to find a closer breeder who can mentor you. There's a good lot of information about how to find a reputable breeder, along with a lot of other things you'll need to know, in here.
Breeding Cats: What Cat Owners Need to Know – TheCatSite Articles

But this is not my area. We have people who know a lot more, and they'll probably post their responses when they're on the forums.
 

GoldyCat

Moderator
Staff Member
Moderator
Joined
Jul 31, 2008
Messages
15,759
Purraise
4,676
Location
Arizona
It's always possible to get a false reading on a test. You could wait a couple of weeks and have her retested. If she's still positive you have your answer.

Does your contract with the breeder have a health guarantee? Depending on the way it's worded you might be able to get at least part of your money back, or get a different kitten.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #4

Future Breeder Gail

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Feb 18, 2022
Messages
3
Purraise
0
You are more likely to get a false negative than a false positive, and no, it would definitely not be ethical to breed her.
Any queen previously infected with FHV will be a permanent carrier and the stress of kittening will often result in re-shedding of FHV which can then be passed to the kittens (although the queen may show no signs herself).
[/URL]

Breeding is not easy; this is just the first hurdle you'll encounter. For a start it's much better to find a closer breeder who can mentor you. There's a good lot of information about how to find a reputable breeder, along with a lot of other things you'll need to know, in here.
Breeding Cats: What Cat Owners Need to Know – TheCatSite Articles

But this is not my area. We have people who know a lot more, and they'll probably post their responses when they're on the forums.
Thank you, I was hoping for a different answer, but you confirmed what I already assumed.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #5

Future Breeder Gail

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Feb 18, 2022
Messages
3
Purraise
0
It's always possible to get a false reading on a test. You could wait a couple of weeks and have her retested. If she's still positive you have your answer.

Does your contract with the breeder have a health guarantee? Depending on the way it's worded you might be able to get at least part of your money back, or get a different kitten.
Thank you, I will try testing again. My breeder is applying cost towards another kitten, it is just heartbreaking to have to send her somewhere else to live.
 
Top