What are the first signs of FIV in cats?

Some of the most common signs seen in FIV infected cats are:

  • Weight loss.
  • Recurrent fever.
  • Lethargy.
  • Enlarged lymph nodes.
  • Gingivitis and stomatitis (inflammation of the gums and mouth)
  • Chronic or recurrent respiratory, ocular and intestinal disease.
  • Chronic skin disease.

What is the life expectancy of a cat with FIV?

5 years
Cats infected with FIV may live for months or years. On average, life expectancy is 5 years from the time of diagnosis depending on how active the infection is. There is a FIV vaccination given twice initially, then yearly thereafter for outside cats or cats exposed to outside cats due to the potential of cat bites.

Can cats live a normal life with FIV?

Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive cure for FIV. However, it is important to realize that while it is impossible to predict the survival of a given cat infected with FIV, cats infected with FIV can live very normal, healthy lives for many years if managed appropriately.

Is FIV a death sentence for cats?

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is, as the name implies, a virus that can infect cats. Caused by a retrovirus, FIV is in many ways similar to the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), which also is caused by a retrovirus.

Do cats with FIV suffer?

The ongoing damage of FIV in cats eventually leads to a weakening of the immune system. Once that happens, cats with FIV can become vulnerable to secondary infections. People often think that FIV and the feline leukemia virus are the same illnesses because they can cause similar symptoms in cats.

What happens if a cat is FIV positive?

Kittens Can Receive FIV Antibodies From Their Mothers So when you see a positive FIV result in a kitten, it’s generally just a sign that their mama had FIV and passed the antibodies to her kittens. Antibodies can be passed to just one littermate, to multiple, or to the entire litter.

What are the stages of FIV?

What are the stages of FIV? Cats infected with FIV often experience three stages of infection: acute, subclinical and chronic.

Is it expensive to have a cat with FIV?

According to estimates, the cost range from $150 to $2,000 per treatment. This cost varies depending on the medications your veterinarian prescribes, whether or not you have pet insurance, whether or not your cat needs surgery, and the time in which your cat undergoes treatment.

Should cats with FIV be euthanized?

Cats infected with FIV should never be euthanized, unless they are actually experiencing a severe, debilitating illness that cannot be treated (as we would with any other cat).

Do vets euthanize cats with FIV?

Historically, FIV- positive cats have often been considered un-adoptable, and are euthanized in many shelters.

Do cats with FIV need medication?

Many cats infected with FIV respond as well as uninfected cats to appropriate medications and treatment strategies, although a longer or more aggressive course of treatment may be needed.

What should I feed my cat with FIV?

For cats, these diets should be 80 to 90% meat. The remainder of the diet being a mixture of whole grains and fruits and vegetables. Other things to consider for the FIV positive cat: minimal vaccines, minimal use of chemicals, and avoid heavy cleaning products in the house.