Do FIV cats need special food?
A good mixed diet is important for the health of any cat, and FIV cats are just the same. Best avoid a limited diet of one type or brand of food; give good quality, with some variety is the basic advice. This will help keep any cat in the best of health which, in turn will maintain the immune system at its strongest.
How can I boost my cat's FIV immune system?
It is a good idea to boost its immune system with vitamins. You can give your cat vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, selenium, and zinc. Talk to your vet about the proper dose for your specific cat. Your vet will most likely recommend something along the lines of 3 to 5 ml of LC-vit daily or 5 ml of Nutri-Plus Gel daily.
Should I give my FIV positive cat vitamins?
Some vets also recommend that FIV positive cats get started on a routine of supplementary vitamins and nutrients alongside of their usual diet of cat food. L-Lysine tablets are a great option to help boost your cat's ability to fight infection and repair damage to her system from illness.
Can FIV cats have cat milk?
Milk, no never give milk. Kittens and puppies once weaned from their mother lose the ability to digest the milk sugar lactose. Just like people that are lactose intolerant. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal cramping can develop.
Do probiotics help cats with FIV?
Probiotics have also proven to be effective for boosting the cat's immune system. You can purchase probiotics in a powder and mix in the recommended dose with a little wet cat food. If you see any signs your cat may be getting sick (runny nose, watery eyes, etc) take your cat to the vet.
Is L Lysine good for cats with FIV?
Lysine (brand names: Enisyl-F®, Incremin®, Viralys®, Felisyl®, Optixcare) is an amino acid supplement used to treat clinical signs associated with feline herpes virus infection in cats.
What is the life expectancy of a cat with FIV?
5 yearsCats 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.
What are the final stages of FIV in cats?
They may experience periods of illness followed by periods of health. The final, chronic stage of the disease can also last months to years. In this stage, however, as immune function decreases at a more rapid pace, manifestations of illness are more common and readily diagnosable.
How do you treat FIV in cats naturally?
Support your cat's immune systemFeed a species appropriate, minimally processed diet grain-free canned or homecooked diet. ... Add quality supplements to boost the immune system, such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, and anti-oxidants.Minimize vaccinations.Don't use chemical flea and tick prevention products.More items...•
Can FIV be spread through water bowls?
FIV typically does NOT spread through cats grooming each other, sharing food and water bowls, or sharing a litter box.
Should I let my FIV cat outside?
Cats Protection recommends that FIV-positive cats are kept indoors and only allowed outside in an impenetrable garden or safe run. They should not be allowed direct contact with FIV-negative cats.
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.
How do you treat FIV in cats naturally?
Support your cat's immune systemFeed a species appropriate, minimally processed diet grain-free canned or homecooked diet. ... Add quality supplements to boost the immune system, such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, and anti-oxidants.Minimize vaccinations.Don't use chemical flea and tick prevention products.More items...•
What is the life expectancy of a cat with FIV?
5 yearsCats 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.
How much vitamin E should I give my cat?
If you're feeding your cat a balanced diet, her vitamin E intake should be sufficient. The Association of American Feed Control Officials recommends a minimum 30 grams of vitamin E per day for an adult cat.
What should I do if my cat is FIV positive?
Dr. Woyma also recommends that FIV positive cats have a wellness visit with their veterinarian every six months, and they should also have wellness bloodwork done routinely to monitor for any changes or early signs of disease.
How to help a cat with FIV?
Adjust your cat’s diet as the disease progresses. Your cat’s dietary needs may change as the FIV progresses and your cat’s immune system gets weaker. Your vet can recommend dietary changes to keep your cat as healthy as possible, despite the effects of the disease. FIV can have negative effect on oral health in cats.
How to care for a FIV cat?
Fortunately, with proper care, an FIV cat can live a long and happy life. Part of this proper care includes feeding your FIV cat a healthy diet. Work with your vet to choose the best diet for your cat and take simple steps at home to ensure your cat eats and enjoys its food. Steps.
What to do if your FIV cat doesn't like eating?
If your FIV cat does not feel like eating, you will need to encourage it to eat. At mealtime, add a tasty topping (chicken or beef broth) to the food. You could also add a bit of tuna to the food. These extra toppings may add just enough extra flavor to entice your cat to eat.
What to feed a cat to make it healthy?
To make a homemade diet for your cat, use an animal-based protein source (cooked chicken, turkey, beef), carbohydrate (rice, boiled or mashed potatoes, whole oats), and vitamin and mineral supplements. The portion size you feed your cat will depend on several factors, such as age, activity level, and overall health.
What is a FIV cat?
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is a disease that affects a cat's immune system. Also known as Feline AIDS, FIV weakens the immune system and makes a cat more susceptible to infections in various parts of the body (skin, digestive system, respiratory system). Fortunately, with proper care, an FIV cat can live a long and happy life.
What is the best diet for a cat?
Many commercial diets are available that would provide your cat with proper nutrition. These diets come in several forms, including dry and canned. Dry foods are typically inexpensive, but may not be very tasty or digestible. Canned foods are tasty, but may not be nutritionally complete.
What is the best amino acid for cats?
Taurine is a very important amino acid for cats. It is found in animal-based proteins and is essential for a cat's health. A taurine deficiency can lead to problems with vision, heart muscle function, and digestion. Other than protein, cats also need carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals in their diets.
How many cats have FIV and FeLV?
Both FeLV and FIV are found in 1½ to 3% of all cats in the U.S. The incidence of the disease has not changed significantly over the years. The actual rate of transmission between cats is not known. It is likely that many cats who are exposed to the disease never become persistently infected. In some cases the amount of exposure may not be enough ...
How old do kittens have to be to get FIV?
Kittens must be 6-8 months of age before test results can be considered accurate. FIV is primarily transmitted by bite wounds. It affects mainly outdoor cats, and male cats much more frequently than females. The best prevention for FIV is to keep your cat indoors.
How does a cat contract FIV?
For a cat to contract FeLV, it takes prolonged, close contact - the kind of contact you’d get with two cats living together, sharing bowls, and mutual grooming. FIV is transmitted almost exclusively through bite wounds. Kittens of infected mothers are typically infected through the mother’s blood or milk.
Why is it important to keep your cat clean?
Extra special care should be taken to keep the environment (water and food bowls, litter boxes, bedding, toys, etc.) clean so that bacteria and other viruses can't take advantage of the infected cat's weaker immune system.
Why should cats be kept indoors?
Disease-positive cats should be kept strictly indoors to eliminate the risk of transmitting the disease to other cats through fighting, as well as to reduce exposure to secondary infections that could harm the cat . These viruses primarily affect the immune system, which results in lowered resistance to infections.
How long after a cat bite can you retest for FIV?
It is recommended to re-test for FeLV at least one month after known or suspected exposure. For FIV, a re-check is recommended at least 60 days after a bite wound or if the cat’s FIV status is unknown.
Why is dry food bad for cats?
Dry food is undesirable because they are dehydrating; also, carbohydrates (including vegetables) are unnatural to the feline diet and put stress on the liver, pancreas, and immune system. See our most powerful immune support supplements. Many infected cats live normal lives and never show signs of the disease.
Can a FIV positive cat eat?
Trying to figure out what to feed your FIV-positive cat can be quite a challenge, especially if you’re a first-time owner. Yes, they ’re pretty much like any other cat, but since they have a weaker immune system, they’re more vulnerable to infections and diseases. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t be able to live normal, happy lives—they can, and they do! The key is in choosing the right diet.
Is cat food good for a FIV cat?
If you think that all commercial cat food is good for your FIV-positive cat, then think again! There are plenty of low-quality cat food brands being sold on the market that not only offer little to no nutritional value but also cause various health problems in cats. They typically contain ingredients that are high in carbohydrates, like wheat, grain, oats, potatoes, and rice, or use harmful chemical preservatives, such as BHT and BHA, which are known to cause skin diseases, as well as cancer.
Stay Away from Dairy
Despite the many TV commercials and social media ads we’ve seen where cats are happily lapping up a bowl of milk, most of them are actually lactose-intolerant. That means they can’t properly digest milk and other dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and butter.
Say No to Plant-Based Diets
Plant-based or vegan diets are a no-go even for non-FIV cats, but especially so for FIV-positive ones. Cats are obligate carnivores, so if there’s one thing that should be in their diet, it’s definitely animal meat.
Give Kibble in Moderation
Dry cat food, commonly known as dry kibble, is a favorite among cats and cat owners alike. What’s not to like, right? It’s affordable, handy, easy to clean up, and for cats, it tastes great. However, if dry kibble is always your FIV-positive cat’s main entrée, they’re bound to get sick.
How to prevent FIV infection in cats?
Confine cats indoors to prevent the spread of FIV infection to other cats and to reduce exposure to disease-causing organisms. Control internal and external parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms with a preventative medication. Feed a nutritionally complete and balanced diet.
What to do if your cat is showing signs of FIV?
If your cat starts showing signs of illness, prompt and accurate diagnosis is critical for a successful treatment outcome. 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 is a FIV in cats?
Share. Print. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an infectious disease that attacks a cat's immune system. It causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in cats, resembling AIDS caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in humans (although FIV cannot transmit to humans). In North America, a 2006 study of more than 18,000 cats ...
Why should cats be confined indoors?
Infected cats should be confined indoors to prevent the spread of FIV infection to other cats and to reduce exposure to disease-producing organisms. Isolate. The best method of preventing spread to other cats in the household is to isolate the infected cat from interacting with housemates.
What are the symptoms of FIV in cats?
Inflammation of gums or mouth. Chronic or reoccurring infections of skin, eyes, bladder, and the upper respiratory tract. Persistent diarrhea. Eye conditions. Behavior changes. Slow but progressive weight loss. If your cat shows any of the symptoms above, it is essential to have them tested for FIV by their veterinarian.
How long can a cat live with FIV?
Although the life expectancy of a given cat infected with FIV is highly variable and is impossible to predict, they can live normal lives for years if managed appropriately. Many succumb at an older age from causes unrelated to their FIV infection.
How to determine if a cat has FIV?
To obtain a diagnosis, testing is done using a small blood sample. A positive screening test is typically followed by a confirmatory test. If an FIV-infected cat develops functional immunodeficiency (many do not), it often occurs years after they are infected by another cat.
What can I do to help my cat with FIV?
Medications: Anti-viral drugs (e.g., AZT) can help some cats with FIV, but treatment is usually limited to supportive care and dealing with secondary health concerns as they arise. Diet: Good nutrition is essential to maintaining optimal immune function in FIV positive cats.
What is the best treatment for FIV in cats?
Zidovudine (AZT) and other antiviral medications have been used to treat some cats suffering from the effects of FIV infection. These drugs can reduce a cat’s viral load, but the side effects of treatment may outweigh the benefits.
What tests are needed for a cat?
Your veterinarian may also recommend additional diagnostic tests like a complete blood cell count (CBC), blood chemistry panel, and a urinalysis to get a better picture of your cat’s overall health and to plan appropriate treatment.
Can you give cats interferon?
Veterinarians have also used interferon on cats exhibiting symptoms associated with FIV, but the benefits of this drug are questionable. Erythropoietin can be prescribed to raise the red blood cell count of an FIV positive cat suffering from anemia.
Can antibiotics cause diarrhea in cats?
Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s condition. Cats who take antibiotics can develop loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Antiviral medications can cause bone marrow suppression. Cats on antiviral drugs should have a complete blood cell count (CBC) checked frequently.
Can cats get FIV?
Secondary bacterial and fungal infections are a common problem in cats with FIV. The appropriate use of antibiotics and antifungal medications can often improve a cat’s condition for a period of time. When a cat’s quality of life declines to an unacceptable level, euthanasia or hospice care is the best option.
Can a cat have a positive FIV test?
False positive results on FIV tests are real problem. A positive result in an apparently healthy cat should always be confirmed by at least one other type of test. Cats who have been vaccinated against FIV will test positive on screening tests and Western Blot tests. Cats under the age of six months will sometimes erroneously test positive on FIV screening tests because they have maternal antibodies against the disease in their bloodstream. If you have any doubts as to your cat’s diagnosis, ask your veterinarian to show you the results of at least two different types of FIV tests and explain why he or she has reached the conclusion that your cat does indeed have FIV.
How often should I feed my cat fish?
If your cat isn't sensitive to it, it's OK to feed a few times a week, but fish in cat food is often preserved with ethoxyquin prior to being purchased by the cat food companies, so it isn't listed as an ingredient on the list. ...
How much should a cat eat a day?
But if she's an adult cat between 10 and 12 pounds, if she's anything like our cats (not overly active, but playful), she'll probably eat about one 5.5 ounce can of food a day. Or should be eating about that amount.
Do cats like pate?
Some cats don't like the Pate - even though for most canned foods, the healthy options are only the pate styles. Well, when I faced that problem with my cats, I turned the pate into "gravy" (which they like) by putting it in a small blender with some warm water. This they would eat.
Do FIV cats have special needs?
FIV kitties do not have special dietary needs, but they will do best on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. I'm surprised at your vet - an issue with diarrhea is chronic dehydration, and the BEST way to address that is with canned food! FYI, I have an FIV+ kitty, and he had (note HAD) chronic diarrhea.
What should cats eat to stimulate their immune system?
Diets that are least likely to over stimulate the immune system are those made with pure, fresh ingredients. For cats, these diets should be 80 to 90% meat.
What does FIV mean in cats?
My cat is FIV positive. What can I do to help her live a long life? FIV, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus in cats that is similar to human HIV. Usually, cats are infected early in life but don’t become clinically sick for years; these cats are usually diagnosed by routine blood testing. By.
What is the FIV virus?
June 25, 2015. FIV, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus in cats that is similar to human HIV. Usually, cats are infected early in life but don’t become clinically sick for years; these cats are usually diagnosed by routine blood testing. The virus hangs out in the immune system for years. While it lives there, the virus weakens ...
How old do FIV positive cats live?
On the flipside, there are wonderful examples of FIV positive cats who live to 18 years old. For the owner of one of these cats, it may be a challenge to help these cats live to a good old age with good quality of life. The key is in taking care of the immune system. Almost 75% of the immune system lives in the intestinal tract in any mammal.
How long do cats live with FIV?
The more immune challenges the FIV infected cat encounters, the more likely that cat will have a shortened life expectancy. On the flipside, there are wonderful examples of FIV positive cats who live to 18 years old .
How do cats get moisture?
Cats get the moisture they need from water & foods that are wet/soft foods. If u must give dry because u cannot be there all the time but want them to have something to nibble on give them Fromm foods. I feed my cats the Gold label. because they’re all seniors here & even if they’re not, they will still eat it.
Where does the immune system live in cats?
Almost 75% of the immune system lives in the intestinal tract in any mammal. This means that what we put in our mouth is more important than anything else we can do. This is especially true for FIV positive cats. These cats should eat very low antigen diets.
