Ways to Keep FIV Cat Healthy

In 2008 I rescued a deathly ill cat that was diagnosed with FeLV feline leukemia and FIV feline immunodeficiency virus. The veterinarian told me he was seriously ill and recommended euthanize.

There was something about this cat and instead of putting the cat out its misery I said no to euthanasia, and I took the cat home. I read everything I could find on Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia I learned how to keep my cat healthy and to keep my cat healthy. I also learned that it was imperative to get my cat retested.

Sixty days after the first test I had my cat retested and he did not have Feline Leukemia however he did have FIV.

When it comes to taking care of your FIV cat there are basics such as

1. Keep your cat indoors at all times
2. Provide your cat with a stress-free environment
3. Keep the room temperature at an average of 74 degrees, not too cold and not too hot
4. Feed your cat high-quality foods that are low in carbohydrates.
5. Keep all veterinarian appointments
6. Keep your cat pest free by applying monthly flea control twice a year to worm your cat.
7. Keep your house dust free and clean.
8. Keep your litter boxes clean.

If you are in contact with outdoor cats then you should know these cats could be sick, even if the cat has no outward indication they may be suffering from a cold. I recommend that if you have contact with an outdoor cat you must remove your clothes and your shoes and put them in the laundry room or mudroom or another room where your cat does not enter. Put on other clothes before you enter the area where your cat is.

** By removing your outdoor clothing you will be getting rid of any germs, fleas or ticks that are on your clothing.

It is a good idea to leave your street shoes at the door and put on house slippers. Street shoes carry germs and you do not want to expose your FIV cat to anything that might make them sick.

FIV Cat Gets Sick from Exposure to Germs

We rescued our FIV cat in 2008 and he has been healthy for all of these years. His appearance has been normal and unremarkable when he went for his wellness checkups at the veterinarian until now.

Last week my husband and I saw a white cat being chased in the woods and I responded by running toward the predator, The fox was frightened and stopped pursuing the cat. My husband was able to pick up the terrified cat and we brought the cat to our heated shed.  The cat was cared for in our shed for three days. On the fourth day, we returned the cat to the pet owners.

Whenever a cat leaves our shelter we will sterilize the entire area to remove any germs. What I did not realize is that my husband and I were exposed to the white cat which had a draining eye. We thought it was due to a scratch but later learned the cat had a cold.

I suppose we carried the stray cat's germs, bacteria, and virus in on our clothes and our shoes because 5 days later my normal FIV cat was sick with a cat cold.

Normally a cold will run its course just like a human and it is common for rescued or stray cats to get colds. Their immune system will fight off the virus and other than adding a humidifier to our shelter and feeding the cats food with lysine additive we do not take them to the veterinarian unless they stop eating. But with an FIV cat, any sign of a cold means a trip to the veterinarian.

Cats that are infected with FIV may be normal-acting cats for many years, then one day they may feel stressed, or they may be exposed to everyday normal germs, fungi, viruses or bacteria and they will get sick.

Sam was given a vaccine and we were told to put him in the bathroom when we took a shower as this would help to unclog his nose so he could eat again. We are to watch him to make sure that he eats and drinks and to watch his activity. For anything that is off from his normal routine, we are to call his veterinarian because an FIV cat can get seriously ill due to their immune deficiency.

Cat Diabetes Symptoms / Prevention

Diabetes is a common cat disease and is due to the cat’s inability to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar or glucose. Many times the cat's symptoms go unnoticed by the pet owners because cats tend to hide their sickness from their owners. If the diabetes condition goes untreated by a veterinarian this cat disease can lead to weight loss, vomiting dehydration, behavior concerns, the cat's inability to do everyday activities, coma, and even death.

My rescued cat Nikki was healthy even though she ate like she had a hollow paw. (In my experience rescue cats do eat more and I think this is because they were on the streets and did not know where to go for their next meal) So this cat always had a problem with her weight but was healthy otherwise. However, that changed when she was she grew older and at age 14 she showed outward symptoms that were an indication that something was wrong.

Nikki developed an enormous appetite, she would eat all of her food and then try to eat the dog's food. She was constantly meowing at the food container or trying to catch a fish at our aquarium.

Along with extreme hunger, she urinated more plus constantly drank from the water bowl. These were all symptoms that something was wrong, So I made an appointment with a veterinarian checkup, and my cat Nikki was diagnosed with Diabetes.

I was told that Insulin is a hormone that stems from the pancreas. Insulin regulates the cat’s flow of glucose from the bloodstream to the body cells. When there is not enough insulin the cat’s body will start to break down the fat and the cat will lose weight. If the cat develops high levels of sugar in the bloodstream the cat will show signs of increased thirst and the cat’s urine flow will increase.

Cat Diabetes is a common health condition; age, stress, poor diet, and being overweight will put your cat at high risk. Also, an FIV cat can get diabetes because the virus is slow in developing but when it does take hold of the cat then it will weaken the cat's immune system which makes the cat susceptible to other health concerns, including diabetes.

Recommendations:

Watch your cat for diabetes symptoms; increased appetite, frequent urination, excessive intake of water, weight loss, or increased weight. If your cat has any of these symptoms then contact your veterinarian. The veterinarian will check for sugar levels in the bloodstream and urine.

Feed the cat canned food that has limited ingredients, one protein, no corn, soy wheat, rice, or other grain fillers. A high-protein food like Natural Balance's limited ingredients duck would be a good choice. Feed your cat the allowed amount and no more, no treats, to keep them at a healthy weight.

(Duck is a good protein for cats because it is less likely to cause them to be allergic to their food) Learn more about foods that cats are allergic to here

Tips

Cat diabetes can affect any cat breed as well as any age. Studies show that diabetes is more common in mature overweight to obese cats with little or no exercise.

Prevent cat diabetes by keeping your cat at a healthy weight. If your cat is obese then their risk of developing diabetes is greater.

Warnings:

If your cat has diabetes and is left untreated the disease will progress and shorten the cat’s lifespan.

Rushed FIV Cat to Veterinarians

Two days ago my FIV cat named Sam was playing with his toys and talking to the birds from the window.  he was fine happy and loving life then the following day he did not eat his food.  All that he did was drink water and this was a red flag that something was wrong.

My Siamese Cat named Sam, Playing one day, next day sick.

Because Sam has feline immunodeficiency virus we react differently to any changes in diet or mood because stress or illness could be a fatality for an FIV cat.

After 10 hours Sam did not attempt to eat his food, all he did was drink water so we took him to the veterinarian.  They gave him a physical exam, took blood for tests, and urine and said his urine was cloudy and not concentrated the way it should be.

The veterinarian told us to feed Sam k/d kidney care diet.  this canned food made by Hill's Prescription was formulated to support my cats kidney health.  We have no idea how Sam's kidneys were damaged, not sure if it is part of the FIV condition.  But we were told that this cat diet food will help in maintaining the balance of fluid and minerals and support my cat's kidney health. 

We bring Sam home tomorrow morning and I am to watch him over the weekend, if he does not eat his food I am to call the veterinarian office on Monday.
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Prayers Answered: Cat No Longer in Kidney Failure

In January I published a post letting all of my followers know that my cat Sam was diagnosed with kidney failure.  My veterinarian told me that he suspected it was the nature of the FIV virus and that it had progressed.  Sam had stopped eating,  had a fever, and was in the animal hospital for two weeks. During this time I went to see him daily to hold, pet, talk and kiss his furry head.  I loved my cat Sam and hoped and prayed that he would overcome this illness.  

Sam when he first got sick

After two weeks of medical care, Sam was released to come home and aftercare was to feed him food formulated for cats with kidney failure.  Well, Sam hated the food and continued to lose weight.  The veterinarian said "what does he like" I replied "Friskies special diet turkey and giblets.  The veterinarian said okay to feed him this canned cat food because Sam had to eat.

After several weeks of a poor diet, Sam got his way and got his food back.  He loved it, put on weight, regained his strength, and was back to his old self within 10 days. 

Know that in March Sam had his wellness checkup and his blood was drawn to check his white count and kidney. My prayers had been answered because his blood was fine, and the kidneys were working as they should.  No kidney failure was noted.  I am not sure if this FIV cat is exercising his nine lives, or if God said it is not your time.  All I know is Sam is back and he is his ole self.

FIV Cats Sleep More Than Normal Cats

When you own an FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) infected cat you tend to read books and search online for information regarding this feline disease.  Then you do everything that you can to keep your cat healthy and happy so that he does not get sick.

My cat Sam sleeping on the sofa.  He sleeps 90% of the day

All the information that I have read indicated that cats that are infected generally do not show signs of the disease for five to seven years. I rescued Sam in 2008 and he was diagnosed with Feline AIDS which was reduced to FIV since he had no symptoms. Sam has been healthy and happy for seven years and now he is sick; renal failure and possible cancer.

The veterinarian said that the renal failure is due to the FIV and he suspects that he may have cancer also. My cat is slipping away from me and there is nothing I can do to stop his illness from progressing. We had hoped that we could spend one more year with him but I do not know if that is possible.

Sam is still happy, talks to me daily plays with the dog but overall he sleeps more than before.For now, we are keeping all veterinarian appointments.  He has had a B12 shot and that has helped some.  His weakened immune system cannot fight off the diseases and for now, I have my Sam even though he sleeps 90% of the day, the 10% is still quality time spent with my cat Sam.

FIV Cat is Indifferent to New Rescue Cat

When it was extremely cold last week my husband picked up a Russian blue mix house cat that was freezing. He brought the cat indoors and put in a cage in our heated mud room. 

 
Even though our veterinarian told us that if we love our cat Sam, who has FIV, that we cannot bring new cats into the home because it would be too much stress for him. However we could not watch this cat that was clearly a abandoned housecat get severe frost bite. This cat was sitting in a snowstorm when the temperature was 9 degrees. 

So against our veterinarian’s orders we rescued the lost cat and are keeping him in a room that is separated from the main house with a door. The room has heat and the rescued cat can see Sam through the glass but other than that has no contact or interaction with our FIV cat.






Sam could careless about NEW cat

I know that Sam can pick up the new cats scent on my clothes but he is indifferent. Sam could care less; about the cat scent, Sam’s behavior and his daily routine has not changed. Although Sam used to enjoy going to the mudroom to sun himself he now enjoy the sun porch on the woods side.

Note:
The rescue cat was taken to the veterinarian and he got a clean bill of health.






Rescue cat likes the self heated cat bed


We are actively seeking the pet owner and have no intention of adopting this cat. Both my husband and I agreed that if Sam’s behavior should happen to change that we will relocate the cat to our garage shelter even though the window heater is not as warm as the heater in the mudroom.

My FIV Cat Got a Pass on His Wellness Exam

This year when it was time to take my FIV cat named Sam in for his annual wellness exam he got a pass and did not need to go in for wellness checkup.

His veterinarian checked his last records and told us that we did not need to bring him in, but I should continue to watch him for any signs of illness.

Sam my FIV cat - Christmas 2013

Sam is as healthy as an FIV cat can be.  I am sure his nurturing environment; along with his healthy diet is a plus. Although he still longs to go outdoors to roll in the grass, so my husband intends on planting an indoor grass garden for him in the spring, something large enough to lie flat on the enclosed sun porch floor where Sam can lay in the grass and have some kitty fun.

Our veterinarian told us that Sam could very well live a long life and we are pleased with his diagnosis.

Living With Sam my FIV Cat

 Sam my FIV cat was rescued in 2008 and his living arrangement has been hectic until we moved him permanently to the main house.   Moving Sam into the main house was the best thing that we could do.  My cats entire disposition changed and he is now one happy cat.   

Prior to this move I was keeping Sam at my office and would spend 8 hours a day with him and then he would come home with me on weekends and spend time in my home office.   

We needed to keep our FIV cat away from our other cats because they were not socialized and even if they were the older cats were grumpy and it would not be a good mix of cats.   

Sam always looked sad when I would leave him at the end of the day, but my home office was a remodeled hall closet and too small for him for a permanent basis.  Nonetheless I wanted Sam to spend more time with the family so my husband and I decided to bring him home.

Now Sam lives with us full time, he has permanent residence in our master bedroom and his litter box is in the bathroom.  Cat toy box in the corner behind the door, cat scratching post by the  window and he no longer needs his cat bed because he sleeps on my husband’s head.   

 Sam gets plenty of human and dog companionship.  His life is balanced as he has time to rest, be loved and play time with the family dogs. 

Home alone cat plays with dogs on bed

When we are at work during the day Sam gets to share the bedroom with our dogs; Lilly and Benny.  When we are away the three of them have a real good time redecorating the room and playing on the bed.  

Sam has the good sense to go into his crate when he needs to nap.  When the cat sleeps the dogs will nap too. I think it is important that a FIV cat enjoy his life.  .   

An hour in the life of Sam

6:00 am - Bite the dogs tail as if to symbolize that it is time to get up and play.  Chase Benny around the room and under the bed until the master tells us it's not time to get up.

6:03 am - Lie on masters head and groom myself until he gets the message that it is time to wake up.

6:10 am - Jump for joy the master is up.  Run in between his or her feet to my food bowl.  

6:14 am - mm mm good....eating spa blue buffalo canned food, licking the plate, loving the succulent food.  Push the plate with my head across the counter top maybe she will feed me more?  Diet? No way I am not on a diet!

6:30 am - Protest for more food. Knock the bowl on the floor and push it around on the hardwood floors.  Get wet from a spray of water....wonder what that means.

6:40 am - Lie on window seat and sun myself, lick my paws for food leftovers. Ah...the warm sun on my back feels so good

6:42 am - Take a cat nap ..Zzzzz

An FIV cat is the same as any other cat, the only difference that I see is that Sam may sleep more and he has a problem with putting on weight but other than that he is normal in every way. 

Sam is a  wonderful companion as well as a comedian.