Blue Buffalo Canned Food Helps FIV Cat to Lose Weight

Sam my FIV cat was recently put on a diet to lose weight.  I feed Sam according to the direction on the bag but apparently that feeding suggestion was not for a cat that is inactive.  I suppose if Sam was a normal and healthy cat he would be more inclined to be more active.  He would be permitted to go outdoors and wander around the yard, climb trees and play with the other cats.  But since Sam has FIV and cannot be subjected to stress we have not attempted to socialize him with our other cats.  Sam's health condition FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus - FIV in Cats) causes Sam to sleep more.  He will play for 10 minutes with our dog and then he will sleep for three hours.  This inactive lifestyle will cause a cat to put on weight.  

Overweight Sam

When Sam was examined recently by his veterinarian he could not easily find his ribs because they were hidden under layers of fat.  Cats that are overweight are at risk of developing heart disease as well as diabetes.  It is best to restrict your cats eating habits only if your veterinarian advices that cat be put on a diet.  Some cats that are obese may have a medical condition such as a thyroid disorder or diabetes.  

Feed Sam the Cat Pet Bowl by Susang6

I use to feed Sam a dry cat food but found that it was full of carbohydrates; normally the carbohydrates will fuel a cat by providing energy but in Sams case since he sleeps most of the time they turned into fat.  Currently I feed Sam Blue Buffalo spa selects grain free canned food and the dry kibble for his slim ball.  What I like about the food is that it is all natural with no by products and no fillers.  Plus it has a good source of antioxidants.  Sam loves the food; dry kibble and canned.  Eating good food is easy for Sam as he is certainly one cat that enjoys food that tastes good.

Blue Buffalo Spa Select Canned Cat Food, Tempting Tuna Grill Entrée (Pack of 24 3-Ounce Cans)

Since Sam needed to lose weight I cut his food down to 4 small meals per day. Sam was not a happy cat, he did not being on a diet.  He wanted more food and was vocal about it.  He would sit in front of me while I was trying to publish articles and a few times on top of my computer monitor and demand to be fed.  He nipped at my hand, took all of my pens and hid them as well as pushed his food bowl with his head across the floor.  His protesting for more food went on for 10 days. 

Sam after diet: Slim and trim

Sam lost weight within the first month.  I found that the blue buffalo diet gave Sam more energy.  I suppose the combination of the natural ingredient cat food with no by-product meals, artificial colors, preservative, corn wheat or soy along with the reduced portions and the interactive slim ball toy that I gave Sam provided him with energy to play more and lose weight. He lost a half pound in first week and there after he continued to lose weight.  

PetSafe SlimCat Food Distributor Ball, Blue

A friend of mine suggested that I buy Sam a MultiVet Slim Cat Food Distributor Ball.  I liked the idea of feeding Sam one of his small meals in the ball.  In a way I was making Sam work for his food.  The ball allows you to adjust the food slot so that only bone piece of kibble comes out at a time.  By doing this Sam was pushing the ball all over the room so he could eat.  The ball increased Sam’s activity by stimulating him with food.

Cat Diet Tips:

Feed cat small meals throughout the day and take the bowl away when they are finished eating.  It is not good to let the bowl sit so they can nibble on cat food all day.

Choose a cat food that is free of fillers, grains and starch.  A diet that provides protein will fuel cat with energy that they need without the excess fat.  Carbohydrates convert into fat.

Check your cat to determine if they are overweight.  Can you feel their ribs easily or do you feel excess skin and fat?  

Before starting your cat on a diet check with your veterinarian first to make sure that it is not a medical condition.

Increase your cat’s activity with clicker training and interactive toys.

Moving with your FIV Cat

Moving to a new home with a cat that has feline immunodeficiency virus is not recommended because the cat may get sick from an anxious situation and from the stress. However sometimes the move to a new home is inevitable and the pet owner must take the necessary steps to make the FIV cat’s transition to new home less traumatizing. 

help cat to adjust

The best way to introduce an FIV cat to a new home is to take the cat to visit the home several times to get the cat comfortable with the new surroundings.  My cat Sam has FIV and I needed to move him out of our home because of the extensive damage to the home from a tornado.  I felt the decay and the mold was not good for his immune system.  I decided to move him to my office.

Sam resting on his cat tree

To help my cat with his adjustment to his new home I got the office ready by gathering some of his things; cat tree, window seat, toys, bed and litter box and his food and water bowls.  By taking his things to the office he would be more comfortable because his scent would be in the room.  I then plugged in a feliway diffuser into the electrical outlet.  Feliway is an effective way to keep cats calm and happy. 

The plan was to bring Sam to work with me for ten days before leaving him overnight. The time spent in the office would allow Sam to get use to the new home and would prevent anxiety.

Sam Travels to Office

To prepare Sam for his trip to my office I sprayed his carrier with feliway behavior modifier before putting him into the carrier.  My office is a short distance from the house so Sam did not get anxious during the ride.  When we arrived at the office I spoke softly to Sam and encouraged him to come out of the carrier.  He emerged cautiously and jumped onto my lap.  I petted him and told him it was okay and soon he leaped to the floor and did some exploring.  He ran to his cat tree and scratched on the post, then leaped to the window seat and looked out at the street.  He seemed happy and content with his surroundings; however he did leave his mark on the wall.

Sam playing with toys

Marking

Cats will mark their territory and in Sam's case he was pointing out that the office was his and warning all cats to stay away.  I would have been surprised if Sam did not mark my office.  The marking indicated to me that Sam had accepted the office as his home.

I neutralized the urine odor by spraying Nature's Miracle onto the marked area and when the product dried the stinky smell was gone.  Sam did not remark the wall.

Sam resting in office sink

Adapting to the New Home

Day one through four Sam was eager to get into the carrier to come home however by day five I needed to put him in the carrier to come home. This of course was a sign that he was perfectly content with his new home. 

Notes

Sam went to work with me every day for 10 days.  On the 10th day he spent the night.  By allowing Sam to get used to his new home he did not feel stress.  The transition was uncomplicated and Sam was not anxious.

At night when I left to go home I turned on animal planet and set the volume at low.  The television provided Sam with the comfort of not being alone. I also left a dim light on.  I felt that the set up of my office provided Sam with all the comforts of home.

Before bringing your FIV cat into a new home make sure that the area is treated for fleas, mites and ticks. I use diatomaceous earth food grade. This safe and effective product can be used for home or on your pets. 

Tips

Feliway products simulate your cat’s natural pheromones to help your pet cope with stress. I recommend this product because it works.

Safe and Natural Flea Treatments for Cat

With so many flea treatments available it is difficult to know which flea remedy is right for your cat.  Many of the topical applications of flea treatments are not as toxic as one would think, however if your cat has Feline Leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus you may be concerned with the toxicity of the topical or internal  flea treatments and how they affect your cat long term.  For this health concern many people are turning to natural flea treatments for their cats.

Adult cat flea:  Image credit Wikipedia commons

My cat Sam has FIV (Feline immunodeficiency virus) and due to his health condition I was

concerned about using chemical based flea treatments.  I asked a friend of mine who has an AIDS cat what she used and she told me about diatomaceous earth, food grade.  I purchased the safe and natural product and used it to treat my home and my cat for fleas. 

Treat your Home with Diatomaceous Earth

The best way to prevent your cat from becoming infested with fleas is to treat your home with a safe and natural flea formula. Kill household pests with Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade.

Follow the direction on the package and mix the earth with water, then fill a sprayer and treat your entire house; carpets, upholstered furniture, drapes, bedding, pet beds, cat trees, scratching posts.  Treat all areas where fleas and ticks would hide.  

Another way to treat your home with diatomaceous earth is to shake the earth onto your carpet, pet beds, on the floor close to your baseboards, behind your refrigerator and stove and also under your kitchen and bathroom.  Reapply the Diatomaceous earth, food grade twice a week for four weeks.  Treat your cat with diatomaceous earth when you treat your home.

Nature's Wisdom Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth 3 lb. Jar

Diatomaceous Earth for Cats

Sprinkle a small amount of the earth onto the palm side of your hands. Then rub the earth onto your cat’s fur.  You would reapply the earth to your cat twice a week.  Before you treat your cat with the second dosage of diatomaceous earth use a flea comb to remove the dead fleas. 

Diatomaceous earth food grade is safe and natural for human and pets.  Learn more by viewing video: 

Tips:

Another way to remove the fleas from your cat is by shampooing your cat with a small amount of dawn dish soap.  This treatment works by killing the fleas on contact. Do not get the dawn in your cats eyes.  Dawn is not a long term flea control. 

Neem oil is also an affective flea treatment.  For best results use a small amount of the oil.  Apply Ark Naturals Neem Protect Spray for All Pets)
 by spraying the palm of your hands, and then rub your hands together.  Run your hands over your cat’s fur.

Cat Health - Feline Idiopathic Cystitis

 Feline idiopathic cystitis or commonly known as sterile cystitis. This condition is inflammation of the bladder. The veterinarian checks the cat’s urine to determine if the urine is sterile or if it has tiny crystals or sand like particles in the urine.

Niki after 1 week of treatment

My cat is Niki is a 12 year old socialized feral Maine Coon Cat was recently diagnosed with FIC.  She is independent,territorial and  aggressive with our other cats.  She is not a "people" cat. She likes her veterinarian and my husband and I.  Her bad behavior and aggressive nature has caused her to have stress. 


Stress, dry cat food, obesity, lack of exercise put your cat at risk for Feline idiopathic cystitis condition. 

Watch for Symptoms

Cats that are sick will urinate in places that would get your attention; sofa, chair, bed, kitchen counter.  This is their way of telling you that something is not right.  If you cat is urinating outside of their litter box and it is not due to new cat or dirty litter box then contact your veterinarian.

Other symptoms are excessive urination with signs of strain or pain and blood in urine.

As a pet owner you know your cat and thus know when something is not right.  My cat showed signs of wanting to sleep more and she also had tear stained eyes. She appeared to be putting on weight but her appetite seemed to lessen. 


Over the course of three weeks she became more aggressive with cats and with me. She did not want to show weakness so she hid in the back of the closet and did not sleep at the foot of our bed. She did not want to be held and she did not want to be groomed or petted.  I noted all of her symptoms in a journal. I treated the home with feliway mood modifier and it seemed to help some. Her illness came on quickly and when she showed no interest in food and urinated on my kitchen counter I made an appointment for her to see her veterinarian.

If you note behavior changes in your cat, a loss of appetite, and urinating outside of litter box when box in clean then note the signs and contact your veterinarian.   

Diagnosis  Treatment Prevention

The veterinarian will give your cat a wellness exam and will do a urinalysis.  Urine appearance that is red or brown in color, has a cloudy look and has a strong ammonia odor could indicate a serious cat health condition. 

In Niki’s case, her veterinarian examined her urine under a microscope to look for white blood cells which indicated inflammation, and crystals; bladder stones.  Her urine showed signs of blood and tiny crystals. Further tests are needed; mature cat blood screen and ultrasound.  These tests are needed to rule out serious kidney, liver and bladder disease. 

 Meloxicam Metacam®. Treatment 


Meloxicam a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent was prescribed. The treatment of Meloxicam was short term to control the severity of Niki's pain and to reduce the bladder inflammation.  Along with medication Niki is to eat Hill’s c/d food for bladder health for the rest of her life.

In many cases the Feline idiopathic cystitis will resolve within a week provided your cat has a wellness exam by their veterinarian and follows the doctor’s orders.

What you can do to Prevent Feline Idiopathic Cystitis

Prevent FIC by feeding your cat a high protein and low carbohydrate canned food or make your cat a raw food.  Raw food with no fillers, chemicals or preservatives is very healthy for cats. 


Make sure your cat is hydrated.  Do this by mixing the canned cat food with two tablespoons of filtered water or low sodium chicken broth.  

Preventative high protein with low carbohydrates cat food that I recommend:
 

 Keep your cats water fresh.  If your cat is finicky about drinking water than enhance the flavor with low sodium chicken broth or add a tablespoon of tuna water from canned tuna. 

Another way to prevent FIC is to keep your cat active.  Plan a play time for your cat.  Choose a feather type toy like da bird so that your cat can chase the bird.  Niki plays with da bird daily and she likes her catnip mouse and balls.  If your cat is lazy and does not want to play then use a clicker to train them with low fat treats.  You can get your cat to do anything provided there is a food reward.  

Install an outdoor cat cottage or garden for your cat.  Allow your cat to spend time outdoors in a safe area. The fresh air and the natural vitamin D will improve your cat’s health.  If not a cat outdoor enclosure, then consider walking your cat on a leash in your yard.

Make sure you have a litter box for each cat in your household. Keep the litter box clean.  A cat will feel stress if they have no access to a clean litter box.

Control your cats stress by eliminating stressful situations.  


I set up a safe room for her on the heated/air conditioned sun porch.  The floor is cement and there are 8 windows that provide fresh air and a view of bird feeders.  The room has all that she needs; bed, toys, litter box, cat tree and window seats.  Niki loves her safe room and both my husband and I have seen an improvement in her disposition.  She is using her litter box, eating well and aggressiveness is gone.  She likes being the center of attention.

Niki stress free in safe room: she loves her cat tree

Meloxicam

Niki had a reaction to the meloxicam, after her first dosage she began vomiting, however there was no diarrhea.  Meloxicam is the only approved NSAD for cats in the USA. It is not recommended for long term usage as it causes severe kidney damage; renal failure.  According to manufacturer of Meloxicam – this warning has been issued "Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. 

Other Side effects of meloxicam include stomach and intestinal ulcers, intestinal bleeding, dark or tarry stools, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The side effects caused from meloxicma can be life-threatening and the side effects can occur quickly. 


Cat Food Treatment for FIC

 

FelV and FIV 

If you have a cat has feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)  or leukemia (FeLV) then it is best for you to feed your cat a high protein, low carbohydrate diet and to make sure that they are hydrated.  Plan to keep your cat active by playing with them for one hour each day.  Keep your cat in a happy state of mind. Stress is a factor for this cat disease.

Notes from Susan:   

It was hard for me to see that Niki was sick because she is a cat with a bad behavior.   She showed no signs of strain in litter box, no blood in urine or odor.  Her appetite was always good until one day she did not eat and she urinated on my kitchen counter.  She was telling me loud and clear that something was wrong. 

On December 23, 2011 I contacted my veterinarian.  Her appointment was on December 26, 2011.  I would hope that we caught her FIC in time and that with long term treatment to control stress and feed her a prescription diet that she will live a long life.

Her mature cat blood test is scheduled for January 13th with follow-up appointment on the 23rd.

January 10th Update 
Niki has been using her litter box for the last two weeks and I think because we have controlled her stress that she is healthier.  Since her diagnosis for FIC she has been viewed grooming Gracie our other mature cat and playing with a tennis ball.  Niki is happier.  She will sit on my lap and she will purr very loudly.  I hope that these positive outward signs are an indication that her health has improved and that there will be no serious blood results.  


Niki's sedation for blood tests and ultrasound is on 1/13/2012.  I am praying that she is Okay.

January 17th:
Niki's blood tests showed that there is no reason to worry.  Her blood was normal.  The veterinarian wants her to stay on the prescription Hills cd multicare bladder health diet for the rest of her life and we are to recheck her urine in six weeks.  As of this date the diet and the low stress has agreed with Niki and she is using her litter box.  One thing that I did notice about her litter box behavior is that it has to be clean at all times or she gets grouchy.

Cat Upper Respiratory Symptoms and Treatment

Four of my housecats had symptoms of a cold which rapidly turned into an upper respiratory infection.  These cats were indoor cats that did not go outdoors.  The only contact with outdoors that they had was a window seat on the screened in sun porch. There symptoms were sneezing, water eyes and nasal drainage with no appetite and refusal to drink water.  The day before their cold like symptoms all cats drank a lot of water and slept more and they hid under the bed, sofa and in the closet. 

Tear stained eyes symptom of cold

I responded to their symptoms quickly and  the first thing that I did was isolate them in one room and added an air purifier to the room to remove 99.9 percent of the airborne germs. I then called my veterinarian and they saw the cats immediately.  The  cats were treated with the antibiotic Doxycycline.

I live in the woods and care for a feral cat colony and have indoor cats too that one can expect sick days.  I am prepared to care for animals that are in need in fact if an animal finds its way to my yard and is hungry, thirsty or in need of medical care then I will do my best to help that animal however I was not prepared for the airborne virus as it made four of my housecats ill and my FIV cat that lives in my office across town became infected from being exposed to me.

 My Bombay cat showed the first signs of the virus; cold-like symptoms.   I quickly took him out of the room and away from the other cats and put him in another room.    I called my veterinarian and reported my findings. The cat was seen by a veterinarian immediately for a wellness exam.    The virus attacked my cat quickly and made him deathly ill by the time he went to the vet his nose was stuffed up and his mouth was open and he was having difficult time breathing he had an upper respiratory infection. The upper respiratory virus is very contagious and I work with a lot of cats and there is a high possibility that the germs were on me and thus I brought the germs into my home.

Treatment:

1. Doxycycline:Administer with syringe without needle.  Best way is to put the syringe in the side of the cats mouth and release the liquid slowly.  (Follow dosage instructions given by your veterinarian)
2. Lysine powder: (follow dosage instructions by your veterinarian)  mix the lysine with can cat food once per day for 30 days.  Or buy the cat chewable tabs for cats. (The chewable tabs are easier to administer to the cats)
3. Feed high quality food:  I am feeding all of the cats Blue Buffalo can spa select.  It has a good source of antioxidants that will boost cats immune system.
4. To help the cat’s breath better run hot water into the tub and allowing the room to fill with steam.  Put your sick cat in the bathroom for 20 minutes.  The steam aids in opening up the nasal passages.  This of course is helpful because the cat can then smell his food.
5. Wipe the cat’s nose with a cotton ball that is moistened with warm water, this will remove the excess nasal drainage and allow the cat to smell.
6. To entice the cat to eat add three tablespoons of filtered water to a microwave safe plate or shallow bowl.  Then add one tablespoon of the canned cat food and heat for 10 seconds.  The warm food has a strong aroma and the cat can smell it and will then eat.
7. If the cat refuses to eat use a feeding syringe without needle and fill it with the watered down canned food.  Feed the cat slowly from the side of their mouth.
8. Keep cats hydrated. My cats refused to drink so my husband and I administered filtered water by way of a syringe.  We were up a few nights caring for them so that they would stay hydrated and nourished.
9. To prevent the spreading of germs wear a ventilator mask, latex gloves and spray your clothing with Lysol disinfectant spray.

 Note: 

All cats were up to date with vaccines FVR except FIV cat because vaccines except rabies are hard on their immune system.  What I learned is vaccines will help prevent many strains of viruses but they do not prevent all of them.  It is like a human getting a flu shot.

With antibiotic treatment and the administering of syringe hydration and nourishment all of the cats showed signs of improvement within three days and were completely healed within 10 days.

Cats hide when they are ill because it protects them from being attacked, this is nature.  When cats are sick it is a sign of weakness.  Cats will hide until they can hide no more.

I recommend this Lysine for cats.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis Symptoms

Cats that are not vaccinated for the prevention of FVR are at risk every time they interact with cats outdoors, at the groomers or at kennel.  If you cat is permitted to socialize with neighborhood cats they may become infected when they groom another cat or if they inhale the virus from a cat that is coughing.
 

Healthy adult cats that are infected with Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) that  receive medical care from their veterinarian usually do not have complications and will recover however mature cats age 8 or older, kittens and cats with a weakened immune system and cats with Feline Leukemia or AIDS could become seriously ill and some may die.  

You can prevent your cat from getting infected with FVR by getting your cat vaccinated and keeping up with the annual shots.  Keep all appointments for preventative wellness exams by your veterinarian. 

If you think your cat has been exposed to FVR then get a journal and document any symptoms that may indicate illness.  From the time a cat is exposed to the virus it takes five days for the cat to show symptom.  The first symptoms of FVR are similar to that of a cat cold; however as the virus progress the symptoms will get worse.  If you suspect that your cats is infected with Feline influenza then make an appointment with your veterinarian for a wellness check-up.  Take your journal with you when you take your cat to their appointment.  The journal will help you to discuss your cat’s health with the veterinarian it will also allow you to make notes in regard to your cats diagnosis and treatments.

Watch for these Symptoms:

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• Swollen and irritated eyes with excessive tearing; clear discharge that becomes thick and turns a greenish color as the virus gets worse.  (see image above) 

• Nose membranes and sinuses will become inflamed (red and swollen) Your cat will develop a clear nasal drip.  As the virus gets worse the clear nasal drip will become thicker and turn the color of green.

• Fever

• Behavior changes, not using litter box, withdrawn 

• Loss of appetite with no desire to drink water

• Dehydration

• Drooling

• Pain and signs of stiffness in joints

 Tips:

There is no cure for Feline viral rhinotracheitis, all you can do is provide your cat with comfort, keep your cat warm and treat the symptoms.  Your veterinarian may give you a prescription for antiviral medication. Administer the medication according to the directions given by your veterinarian, do not miss a dose and do not stop the medication unless your veterinarian tells you to stop.

To prevent your cat from getting infected with feline influenza you should get your cat vaccinated for FHV-1.

Another way to prevent your cat from becoming ill is to keep your cat indoors.  A cat that is permitted to go outdoors may easily come in contact with a cat that has an infections feline disease:  Feline Leukemia, AIDS and FVR (Feline viral rhintrachetis.) 

Notes from Susan:

If your cat has a weakened immune system or an autoimmune disease then they must be vaccinated for rabies, feline leukemia, distemper and forviral rhinotracheitis (FVR).  Even if your cat is not exposed to other cats, you must provide them with vaccines because they may come in contact with a infected cat when they go to groomers or to veterinarian for medical care.  Take steps to prevent your cat from becoming ill.

Learn more about FVR here: 
Image credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons 

Cat Cold Symptoms and Treatment

Some cats are more susceptible to colds than other cats.  The reason is because these cats are usually exposed to other cats.  Whenever you take your cat to the veterinarians, groomers, or board them at the kennel their risk of getting a cold will increase.   The best way to prevent your cat from getting a cold is to keep your cat away from other cats or to limit their exposure.  Another way is to boost your cat’s immune system by feeding them high quality protein food and to supplement their diet with natural cat antioxidants.

Recently my AIDS cat Sam came down with a cold.  He was coughing and sneezing and although he was not exposed to other cats he did come in contact with my dog that had a cold.  To help boost his immune system I gave Sam natural cat grass.  These grasses are a natural way to provide your cat with antioxidants.  I kept Sam in the cat safe room for rest and relaxation.  During the cold Sam's activity decreased, his appetite increased and he slept more than usual.  My veterinarian suggested that I watch him and if he stopped eating and drinking then to call them.  Sam recovered within 72 hours.

Symptoms of a cat cold:

Sneezing frequently with signs of mucus build up and your cat may wheeze. 

Excessive coughing

Sleeping more than usual

Watch your cat’s eating and drinking habits

 If the cat stops eating and drinking water then call your veterinarian.  Otherwise there is no reason to worry.  If the cat’s immune system is strong it will fight off the cold within a week.

Tips:

Keep your cat indoors and this will prevent the spreading of germs.

If the cat’s cold gets worse  or does not heal then contact your veterinarian as this may be an indication that that it has spread to the upper respiratory infection.

Keep cats away from mice.  If you note that your cat is hunting a mouse in your home then call pest control.  

Feed your cat high protein food similar to what a wild cat would eat.  Provide your cat with canned food as it will help to keep them hydrated. 

Grow fresh cat grass by buying seeds and then provide the cats with fresh grass that is chemical free. 

Cat Annual Wellness Exam

An annual wellness exam will aid in preventing serious illness and thus keep your cat healthy.  Many cat owners take their cats to the veterinarian office when the cat is ill and omits taking the cat for their yearly check up because they think the cat is fine.  A cat could be infected with feline AIDS or Leukemia and in the beginning stages will show no symptoms.  You could prevent your cat from being infected with these diseases by taking your cat for their annual checkup. 

A wellness exam allows the veterinarian to check your cats eyes, ears, mouth, weight, heart and the skin and coat will examined for fleas, ticks, mites, hair loss and lumps or bumps. The veterinarian will then check the cat’s entire body; he will look for pressure points, joints and will check for pain or stiffness.

Cats that have feline AIDS or Leukemia may need to have a wellness exam twice a year. If your veterinarian suggests that your cat needs two checkup’s per year then do not miss your appointment. My cat Sam has feline AIDS so along with the general examination Sam’s blood, urine and feces are checked.  These tests will inform the veterinarian of any changes to his disease.  Sam recently had his booster shots and they drew blood, checked urine and feces for his wellness exam.  There was no change from the previous year except he has put on weight.  Cat’s with feline AIDS sleep or rest 90% of the day and are not mobile like healthy cats.  So going forward I will feed Sam a fresh diet and along with Sam playing with the family dog he will also play with his Da Bird feather teaser.

The best way to prevent illness is watch your cat daily and to take them to veterinarian for annual wellness exam.  Get a journal and document any changes in your cats diet, drinking habits, weight gain or loss, excess thirst, behavior changes, cough, changes in litter box habits; constipation, soft stools, blood in feces, excessive marking or refusal to use litter box, and bad breath.  Groom your cat weekly and run your hands over their entire body to check for lumps or bumps.  Contact your veterinarian concerning any changes.  Your veterinarian will advise you what to do and will schedule an appointment if need be. Take your cat journal with you so you can discuss your cat’s health and behavior changes.

AIDS Cat Spends Day With Sam

A female cat that is infected with Feline AIDS came to spend the day with Sam. A friend of mine’s is without a home right now so I told her I would watch her cat so she did not have to worry.  AIDS cats have special needs and cannot be left outdoors and they need to live a life that is peaceful with no exposure to healthy cats unless they get along and do not fight.  A stressful situation could make the cat ill.  I agreed to watch Missy my friends AIDS cat for one day.  I was not sure how Sam would react but soon found out that he was a welcoming host.

AIDS Cat Spends Day with Sam

The cat is a female, not spayed and is just under a year old.  Sam has never had a cat guest as he has not been in the same room with another cat since April 2009.  I figure that they both have feline AIDS so they will not make each other ill, however I supervised their time together so that neither of them felt stress. 

I put the visiting cat in a crate and set the crate  on top of a table.  Sam had no access to the cats crate and could not play paws with the visiting cat.  Sam was allowed to run around his room and play with his toys; however his favorite toys were of no interest to him.  Sam was smitten with the female kitten.  In fact Sam was in a trance, a love trance. Sam was neutered but I guess he was having fond memories of his tomcat days because the way he was acting reminding me of a cat that was courting.  Sam stared at the kitten in the crate for several hours, he wanted her to give him a sign any sign but instead she put her back to him and slept all afternoon. 

Sam is is a blissful state of mind

Sam did not care that the kitten was napping he was determined to get her attention so he sang to her for a few hours and then he brought her his toys.   He searched his room until he found his favorite ball, the pen he took from my desk and his feather toys.  He brought them one at a time and laid them at the base of the table that held the female kittens crate. 

When Sam refused to eat, drink or take his afternoon nap I realized that he was putting his heart and love for this kitten before his health so I removed the kitten in the crate from his room.  Sam stared out the glass door to view his beloved.  He was satisfied that that she was okay so he then ate and went into his crate for a nap. 


My friend picked her cat up later in the day and I let Sam out of his room to stretch his legs and to play with the family dog.  He ran around the room; looking behind the drapes, under the sofa, and he scratched at the closet door.  I am certain Sam was looking for her, the kitten that came into his life and tugged on his heart strings. When Sam realized that she was not in the room he seemed depressed.  

Sam rests on cat tree

He did not want to play with the the family dog, nor did he want to play with his favorite toys.  Sam left the living room and went back into his room and sat in his cat tree. 

Sam playing with Benny the family dog

I went into Sam's room and picked him up, he cuddled in my arms and began to purr.  I told him it was better to love than to not love and that the kitten was not meant for him.  He fell asleep in my arms and when he awoke he seemed to regain his energy and sense of hope.  He played with the dog happily and it was the perfect ending to the day.

Annual Wellness Check-up - AIDS Cat

It is time for Sam’s annual wellness check-up and I am not sure if it is wise to subject him to the stress and anxiety of going to the veterinarian.  Last year when he had his annual wellness exam he was overly anxious.  When I brought him home he went in his room to hide and that night he suffered a mild feline stroke .  So I am hesitant in making the appointment for his annual check-up.

Sam after his Feline Stroke

I think if it were a matter of Sam being weighed, getting his blood tested while I was in the room that he would be okay.  Last year Sam was dropped off at the veterinarians and I think that was part of the problem.  Or it could have been a reaction to the rabies shot.  I am not certain if his stroke was due to the shots or if it was due to the trip to the veterinarians office.  Sam is older than we thought and he does not like change. 

Sam: Siamese Cat playing with paper

Sam has gotten very comfortable since we rescued  and adopted him in 2009.  He had been abandoned.  His master left him in the woods by my home and he needed to fend and forage for himself.  His master did not neuter him so I suspect that he got into many fights with the tomcats and that is how he was infected with feline leukemia and AIDS virus. 

Siamese Cat: Sam Plays with Pit Bull

Currently Sam is healthy except for the fact that he is overweight.  He is happy and plays with his toys and with family dog.  He takes many cat naps during the day but when he awakes he plays hard.  Sam will leap from the desk to get to the window seat, or climbs to the top of his cat tree to play with the bird that is attached to the upper cube. He will chase the dog or lie on the floor in front of the dog and instruct the dog to sit and stay.  Sam has fun each and every day.

I really do not want to upset Sam’s daily routine but at the same time I understand that he needs to get his annual wellness exam.  My husband suggested that I make the appointment for the blood test and the wellness exam and then refuse the shots.  I am not sure if that is an option.  But if it is then that would be agreeable. 

I think I will pick up some feliway products; the room diffuser and the behavior modification spray.  I always spray Sam’s carrier with feliway because it help ease his stress and anxiety.  I want Sam to be comfortable and happy; the last thing that I want for him is to be afraid.  When Sam is anxious I worry because he has AIDS. 

Sam Helping me Fold Towels Image by Sgolis

Right now his feline AIDS is not active and he is not ill, nor is he on medication.  We take care of him; from taking off our shoes when we enter his room to providing him with a sterile living space.  Sam’s immune system cannot fight off infection and we have been very fortunate that he was sick only once. 

On Monday I will make Sam’ appointment for his annual wellness checkup and I will pray that he will be okay.

Note:  Sam is a Feline Leukemia Survivor as his immune system was able to fight off the disease