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.
Why was FIV vaccine discontinued?
It is important to know that the one existing FIV vaccine was discontinued in the United States and Canada because it is notorious for causing false positives on FIV tests.
What happens if a cat has FIV?
Inflammation of the gums and severe dental disease, known as gingivostomatitis, is common in cats infected with FIV, and they are significantly more likely to develop cancer and immune-mediated blood disorders than healthy cats. Weight loss, seizures, behavioral changes and neurological disorders are all possible.
Is FIV vaccine still available?
FIV is most commonly diagnosed in outdoor cats, and once a cat is diagnosed as FIV-positive, they remain infected for life. It seems logical that you would just need to get an FIV vaccine to protect your cat, but the vaccine is no longer used.
How long can a cat with FIV live? – Related Questions
Which is worse FIV or FeLV?
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is much more devastating than FIV. This is because FeLV typically results in cancer (e.g., lymphoma), leukemia (e.g., cancer of the bone marrow or circulating white and red blood cells), and severe bone marrow suppression (e.g. anemia) in young cats.
Does FIV shorten a cat’s life?
False! Although FIV cats are at a higher risk for developing illness, many of them live very long lives just as long as a non-infected cat. There is a high incidence of cats that never develop clinical signs from being infected with FIV.
Do cats with FIV sleep more?
FIV-infected cats spent 50% more time awake than the sham-inoculated controls and exhibited many more sleep/waking stage shifts–i.e., 40% more than controls.
Can a cat with FIV be around other cats?
Yes, as long as the cats get along and do not fight. The risk that a FIV-positive cat could spread the virus to a FIV-negative cat can be minimized by having them live in separate rooms until you are confident that they will not fight with each other.
Is it safe to adopt a cat with FIV?
However, new research has shown that FIV-positive cats are in fact very adoptable, and can live the same lifespan as an FIV-negative cat. This research has also debunked the myth that FIV- positive cats cannot safely live with non- infected cats.
Should I euthanize my cat with FIV?
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).
How much does it cost to own an FIV positive cat?
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 I keep my FIV cat healthy?
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.
What food is best for cats with FIV?
In general, cats with FIV do not need a special diet.
Choose a commercial diet.
- Dry food usually contains plant-based proteins (grains, vegetables).
- Semi-moist cat food is another option.
- On the food label, look for a certification from the Association of American Feed Control officials.
How do you treat FIV in cats naturally?
Support your cat’s immune system
- Feed 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.
What should I feed my FIV positive cat?
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. The remainder of the diet being a mixture of whole grains and fruits and vegetables.