Miss Kitty-vet visit :( FIV+

[BuddyandDillonsMom]

Miss Kitty had to go to the vet to get her FIV/FeLV test done....I didn't think it would be a problem because that has always just been a "routine" thing with my other cats. She did fine for the bloodwork, she has gained .2, so she now weighs 8.8lbs. :RAHCAT Sadly, the test came back FIV+. :cry: The vet said it was a weak positive, so she needs to be checked again in 4-6 weeks. Of course, I wasn't expecting that, so I started crying in the exam room. I was working on maybe 4 hours of sleep, and had a crazy day at work, so that didn't help, either. I didn't test her tonight since her appt. was at 5:00, and we didn't get home until around 6:00ish, and she seemed upset about having to go there. She's such a sweet little girl, and I just feel so bad for her. I know it's not a death sentence, but I've never had a cat come back positive, and we've had cats ever since I can remember. So, I've had a rough afternoon, and I can't even sit here and type this without crying. :sad:

 

[knolet]

Re: Miss Kitty-vet visit

I'm so sorry to hear about Miss Kitty and hugs to you (((BuddysMom))). Sending lots of well wishes to you and Miss Kitty, hope you can both get a little rest tonight.

Kathie

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Re: Miss Kitty-vet visit

I am so sorry to hear this. You might add FIV to your subject line. I know we have FD/FIV cats on the forum who have lived long lives. Their beans can help you out.

 

[cjleo]

I'm sorry to hear that Miss Kitty is FIV+. If it is a weak positive, she may test negative next time. If you have questions, please ask me!

You might try and boost her immune system. You can try some Llysine and there is a product called Pet Tinic. People I know have used both products with good results.

I had two senior cats who were FIV+ when I got them. They both lived quite a long time at my house - 13 to 15 years old. It does shorten their life expectancy, but not by that much.

FIV+ is by no means a death sentence. Feed her well and she should live quite a while.

Claudia

 

[Laura and Harley (GA)]

((((Jennifer)))), I'm so sorry about Miss Kitty's diagnosis! What a shock. I too have never cared for an FIV+ kitty but there are those on board like cjleo who have. It's not a death sentence and so long as she, Lulu, Dillon and Buddy do not swap bodily fluids, it should not be transmitted. She's still you same sweet Miss Kitty and she still loves you the same.

:YMHUG:

 

[Complick8d]

I second everything Claudia said. I'm sorry about the diagnosis, but my FIV+ kitty outlived several of my "healthy" cats. He lived to be over 17 yrs old and was happy and seemingly healthy until he died.

 

[Beth & Atlas]

FIV+ is not a death sentence. There are a lot of myths out there about FIV+ cats. My Gary is FIV+ and he is just as normal as can be for now. We watch for infections due to a weakened immune system, make sure we feed a healthy carnivore diet, and keep current with his vaccinations. And yes, there are some end of life issues we have thought through as FIV+ can complicate treatment success plans.

I was told by one vet that an FIV+ cat had to be kept seperated and they are typically aggressive with other cats etc. Gary is none of that.

The first vet Gary saw was going to put him down the day I brought him in for being feral and positive.
You know how fast I walked out of that office after getting the antibiotic he needed.

FIV is transmitted by deep puncture wounds. If everyone in your home is getting along they are fine. You can also have your cats vaccinated for FIV, but it is controversial as once a cat is vaccinated they can test positive for FIV later. The test can't tell the difference. Some owners, if they choose to vaccinate, have tags made indicating the vaccination. It is possible if Miss Kitty was an in/outdoor kitty...she may have been vaccinated?

But whether she is or isn't, if she is sweet, loving, and feline friendly she is not highly likely to spread the disease and with good attentive care can live a nearly normal lifespan and lifestyle.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus