Understanding Wasting: FIV Cat Begins to Decline

 

 

A compassionate, in‑depth look at the progression of FIV in senior cats, with a focus on early wasting, supportive care, nutrition, and end‑of‑life planning. Written through the lived experience of rescuing and caring for FIV‑positive cats for nearly two decades.

 

Buddy's life was well lived, happy in a secure outdoor space 

A Life Rescued and a Life Well Lived

For ten years, Buddy lived the kind of life every rescued cat deserves  safe, warm, and deeply loved. When he first arrived, he had been abandoned by his previous owners, left outdoors unneutered, and injured from fighting for survival. Once treated and brought inside, he settled into a peaceful life where his FIV status never once interfered with his health or happiness. Many FIV‑positive cats follow this same pattern: long stretches of normalcy, often lasting a decade or more, before any signs of decline appear. Now, as Buddy begins to lose weight despite eating well and staying active, he is showing one of the earliest and most important indicators of progression — wasting.

How FIV Progresses Over Time

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus progresses slowly, moving through three broad stages. The first is the acute phase, which occurs shortly after infection and often goes unnoticed because symptoms are mild or fleeting. The second is the asymptomatic phase, which can last for years and is the stage where most FIV cats spend the majority of their lives. Buddy lived in this phase for a decade, showing no outward signs of illness. The final stage, the progressive or clinical phase, is when the immune system becomes compromised and the cat becomes vulnerable to secondary infections, chronic inflammation, and cancers. It is during this stage that wasting often appears.

What Wasting Really Means in an FIV Cat

Still active, still playing and eating but declining

Wasting, or feline cachexia, is more complex than simple weight loss. It occurs when the body begins breaking down muscle even though the cat continues to eat normally. Chronic immune activation plays a major role; the body remains in a constant state of inflammation, which alters metabolism and causes muscle to be burned for energy. At the same time, subtle changes in the intestinal lining can reduce nutrient absorption, meaning the cat may not be able to fully use the calories it consumes. This combination creates a situation where a cat can appear hungry, active, and engaged, yet still lose weight and muscle mass. Coat changes often accompany this shift, as the body diverts protein away from skin and fur maintenance to support vital organs.

Secondary Infections and Complications to Expect

As the immune system weakens, FIV‑positive cats become more susceptible to infections that healthy cats easily resist. Oral disease is especially common, with gingivitis and stomatitis causing chronic inflammation and discomfort. Respiratory infections may appear more frequently or linger longer than expected. Skin infections, eye inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, and urinary tract infections can also emerge as the immune system struggles to keep everyday pathogens in check. Some cats develop anemia or low white blood cell counts, and in advanced cases, cancers such as lymphoma may occur. These secondary conditions, rather than the virus itself, are often what signal that the disease has entered a more serious stage.

Caregiving During the Decline Phase

Caregiving during this period becomes both practical and deeply emotional. Regular veterinary monitoring helps identify treatable conditions that may be contributing to weight loss, such as hyperthyroidism, early kidney disease, parasites, or chronic infections. At home, comfort becomes a central focus. Many declining cats appreciate warm, soft bedding, predictable routines, and a calm environment. Gentle grooming can help maintain coat health, though some cats may prefer less handling as they become more sensitive. Observing subtle signs of discomfort such as withdrawing, hunching, or reduced grooming  can help caregivers recognize when a cat may need additional support.

Nutritional Support for a Cat in Decline

This is what we feed our FIV cats. dry kibble and wet food

Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting an FIV cat experiencing wasting. Cats in this stage often benefit from calorie‑dense, high‑protein foods that are easier for the body to use. Many caregivers find that kitten formulas or recovery diets help maintain weight more effectively. Warming food can enhance aroma and encourage eating, while offering small, frequent meals may help cats who tire easily or have mild nausea. Hydration also becomes increasingly important, and some cats benefit from added moisture in their meals. Many veterinarians recommend B12 supplementation to support gut health and nutrient absorption, especially in older or chronically ill cats.

Planning for Comfort and Dignity at the End of Life

As the disease progresses, end‑of‑life planning becomes an act of love rather than loss. Thinking ahead allows caregivers to focus on comfort rather than crisis. Quality‑of‑life scales can help track changes in mobility, appetite, engagement, and overall comfort. Pain management, palliative care, and environmental adjustments can make a profound difference in a cat’s final months. Creating a peaceful, familiar space and honoring the routines your cat loves can help maintain a sense of security. For caregivers, this stage often brings a mix of grief, gratitude, and uncertainty. It is important to remember that decline is part of the disease’s natural course, not a reflection of inadequate care. The love, safety, and gentleness you provide are the most meaningful gifts you can offer.

Buddy’s Legacy and the Heart of Rescue

Buddy’s story reflects the resilience of FIV‑positive cats and the profound impact of compassionate caregiving. His long, joyful life is a testament to what rescue, stability, and devotion can do. As he enters this new stage, the most important thing he has is exactly what he has always had with you  a home where he is seen, cherished, and protected. That is the heart of rescue, and it is the legacy he carries with him. 

Disclaimer

I have been rescuing and caring for FIV‑positive cats for nearly two decades. This post is intended for education and general information only. I always recommend contacting your veterinarian for any medical questions or concerns regarding your FIV‑positive cat.

Adult Cat Diagnosed with Kidney Disease

My tabby cat is five years old and he was diagnosed with kidney disease.  The veterinarian said that he would need to eat a prescription diet food for the rest of his life.  

The Hills Urinary Care prescription diet would not cure him but I was assured that he would not get sicker.

 

The diagnosis was due to my cat's elevated blood phosphorus reading.  It was over the normal 6 mg/dl (USA) and indicated kidney disease.  There were no crystals in his urine or any other indicator.

 

There are many reasons why a cat would develop kidney disease.  Many older cats develop this condition due to kidney changes as they age, they drink less water or their diet is primarily dry kibble.

 

Another reason would be due to an infection, or a cat ate something toxic (lily flowers or antifreeze) and it damaged their kidneys. Also, cats with FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) may develop kidney disease.  My FIV cat named Sam has chronic kidney disease.  Read the article here. 

 

For my tabby cat, the reason was clear, he was not a big water drinker, and he preferred dry kibble over wet canned food.  When cats eat only dry food  which is half the moisture of canned food, and not being a water drinker, those two factors will cause kidney/bladder disease.  I was told that dry cat kibble was the leading cause of urinary and bladder infections in cats.

 

Know that we always topped our cats Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food with wet canned food but this cat would only eat a little canned food, as he preferred dry.  This food has a 12 percent moisture, it's higher than many kibbles on the market, and many have less.

 

Due to his kidney disease diagnosis, we must feed him the prescription canned food.  I mix a little water in the food for extra fluid which is good for his kidneys. He is not a fan of the canned food so I will ask the veterinarian if there is a prescription kibble that he can eat that I could mix with the canned food.

 

Learn more about cat kidney disease by reading this article 

FIV Cat with Urinary Tract Infections

Recently the rescue FIV cat that I call Buddy showed signs of urinary problems; straining to pee, peeing outside of his litter box; And he had irritable behavior. Buddy has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and whenever cats with this condition are sick it is very important to seek veterinarian care. We took him to the veterinarian clinic and Buddy was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and the treatment was to feed him a prescription diet food.

I was told that the special diet food had the right balance of nutrients for cats bladder to be healthy and that this food would put a stop to the urinary crystals.  

Buddy has been eating the prescription food for the last two months and we have seen minimal improvements. He has more energy and is not sleeping all day.  He is still hit or miss at the litterbox and still has a pink cast in his urine. 

We took him back to the veterinarian and they said his bladder was very tender and they could not examine him, he was given a round of antibiotics and we were told to continue with the prescription food.  The veterinarian also suggested the Feliway diffuser to eliminate any stress in the home. 

 Stray cats that are rescued then have to live in a home or in a cage at a shelter usually suffer from anxiety and this is one of the reasons for Urinary Tract / bladder infections.  

The prescription food that we buy for Buddy is very expensive 24 five-ounce cans for $56. The Feliway diffuser is $28 for one plug-in unit.  I am not sure if the prescription pet food is the best treatment for Buddy, as I have treated cats with the Hills Prescription Diet since 2009 and have my doubts about its effectiveness.  I follow Dr. Karen Becker and plan to search for her recommendations.

Day Care for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Cat

 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.  I would provide day care for her feline immunodeficiency virus cat Missy.  Cats with this health condition have special needs. They cannot go 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. 

My cat Sam has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and he lives a stress free life with no interaction with other cats because he is aggressive.  I was not sure how Sam would react but soon found out that he was a welcoming host.

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 immunodeficiency virus 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 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.  

Sam 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. 

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.