My cat is FIV positive currently with an upper respiratory infection and he is anemic

Question

He was recently diagnosed with FIV. He is an indoor cat but unfortunatley got the virus from his mom. Right now he is having his first episode which is an upper respiratory infection and being anemic. The Vet gave me an antibiotic to try for two weeks but really didn't give me any other alternatives. I know that this is not curable, but I have been reading up on what the virus entails but I feel like i have so many questions unanswered........Does anyone know of any kind of food or supplement that may help the anemia. Also, what can I expect from here on. Is it getting closer to the end for him now that he had his first "episode"?

I just am not ready to loose him.. he is only 5 :( Any suggestions would help....

Answer 1

The best supplement for anemia that I've used is easy to get - it's called Pet Tinic, and is available at most pet stores.  I've used it many times in sickly cats, and kittens with terrible anemia due to flea bites. I don't see why it couldn't help him as well.   What you need to do of course is boost his immune system.  That you can do two ways - one is with the healthiest diet you can afford (by that I mean one free of by-products, corn, and chemicals).  The other is by using things like l-lysine and interferon.  Talk to the vet about interferon - it needs a prescription but l-lysine is available in the vitamin section.   Having the healthiest immune system that he can get will help him fight off those things like URI's that can be so dangerous for him.  

Answer 2

Hi Sharon,

I am so very sorry to hear about your cat. Five is so young...

I've had cats for over 30 years now, and fortunately none has ever had FIV. There are cat foods for almost everything now. Food for older cats, food to remove hairballs etc. Call up a really good pet store in your area and ask them if they carry food with an iron supplement.

I hope that helps.

Answer 3

Did you try giving some nedications?? Or try going to vet??