I need more about FIV???

Question

I took our little stray back to the Vet. and THANKS to all you ans.. She is up in wt. to 2lb. The vet was happy to see so much improvement in her. He said he thought that " she was a dead kitten" when I brought her in. I told him I had alot of help from people on the internet.

But she did test ( FIV,) today, So we will see how she does for the next 2 weeks and take her back to see the Vet. Because we have 5 other cats we love. can this be taken care of???

Answer 1

I had an FIV + cat for seven years who lived with another cat, shared food/water bowls & litter box.  The other cat never became FIV +.  Your FIV+ cat can live for many years w/this disease.  Make sure the cat is neutered or spayed & kept indoors at all times.  Their immune systems are compromised because of the FIV.  

Here's an article on FIV:

http://cats.about.com/cs/healthissues/a/...

Answer 2

FIV, unfortunately, is not curable.  but the good news is cats can live long lives with proper monitoring & treatment.  

have your other cats been tested & vacinated?  that's extremely important.

if your new kitty tests positive, it's not a death sentence.  if you want to keep her, she needs to be kept separate from your other cats.  it may be better to find a home for her where she can be an only cat or with other FIV positive cats.

I sincerely hope the test comes back negative.  good luck & best wishes to you!

Answer 3

I have six cats and one with FIV-  how old is the cat?  Did vet prescribe interferon?  Anything to boost it's immune system?  FIV is the same for cats as humans in the way that a cat can test positive but not show any symptoms for years- this is phase one-  over time it becomes harder for thier immune systems to fight off viruses and infections.  When this happens they have reached the second phase.  I have my Charlie on Interferon.  It ends up costing 'bout 21 bucks a month but it is worth it for my lil guy.  Talk to your vet aout it.  As for it being safe for other cats- well thats up to your colony.  Do the cats fight?  If they do than you will want to isolate this one because it is infectied and FIV is contracted in cats from another cat bite.  I don't have to do this cause Charlie is an Angel- but I am lucky.