FAQs For Pet Owners Adopting FIV+ Cats

If you are interested in adopting a cat and have found that they have feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), you may be wondering how that condition will affect the pet's life. FIV attacks the immune system, leaving a cat vulnerable to infections. Some FIV+ cats are euthanized because of their condition, but with some preventative care, these cats can have long, happy lives. One study found that an FIV status didn't significantly affect a cat's longevity. Read on to learn more.

Can an FIV+ Cat Be Around Other Animals?

FIV cannot be transmitted to non-feline animals or to humans, so an FIV+ cat can work in many different family situations. People used to believe that FIV could be transferred through saliva, but the virus stays deep inside a cat's gums and is mainly passed through bite wounds. Although it isn't recommended that an FIV+ cat live with an FIV- cat, some veterinarians may say that it's okay based on your cats' temperaments. When there are no territorial disputes or aggressive fights, it's less likely that the virus will be passed to another cat.

How Can You Manage Your Cat's Condition?

Preventative care is the best way to manage FIV since secondary infections are the main issue. This means that you should keep your home clean and stay on top of disinfecting water/food dishes, cat beds, litter trays, and toys. While some cats may roam outside, FIV+ cats should be indoor-only cats. When a cat roams outside, they can be prone to parasites, viruses, and bacteria. Plus, you don't want to have an FIV+ cat roaming outside so that they don't spread the virus.

How Can Your Animal Hospital Help?

The good news is that even if a cat is FIV+, they may not manifest symptoms for many years. If your cat does show symptoms of illness, then they will need prompt attention at an animal hospital. Common symptoms of FIV include rhinitis, gingivitis, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, and poor appetite. An animal hospital may recommend temporary antivirals and antibiotics to treat certain symptoms. Drugs that are made to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), like Zidovudine, can help FIV+ cats with stomatitis. These types of medications may reduce a cat's viral load, but there are side effects, so you and the vet will need to weigh the pros and cons. To stay on top of your cat's condition, an animal hospital may also recommend more frequent visits for an FIV+ cat. For instance, instead of annual visits, an animal hospital might recommend quarterly or bi-annual visits.

Reach out to an animal hospital today for more details.


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