My cat had a fever and was vomiting so I brought him to the vet. He is FIV positive and the vet wants to put him down. I know nothing about the disease does the fever mean he is on his way to death? I really don't want to kill my cat. what would you do?
2006-06-26 12:54:23 · 12 answers · asked by Sandra 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
The cat is strictly a indoor cat so I don't understand why he got this, also the vet wants to put him down because he is contagious
2006-06-26 13:11:38 · update #1
One of my friends had a cat with FIV who lived for many years after it was diagnosed. And the cat seemed fine. Didn't act sick or anything. I know it was 5 years minimum and then I don't know how much longer.
2006-06-26 12:59:55 · answer #1 · answered by ouisy_01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I knew a girl who had an FIV+ cat, and the cat is still alive and "well" after quite a few years. If you can afford regular medical attention for your cat, I don't think that FIV and a fever are enough to justify euthanizing the cat. Talk to your vet and ask why he thinks there is just cause for that. If the fever is in fact a symptom of something more grave in combination with the FIV< perhaps he or she has a good point. Otherwise, get a second opinion for your cat's sake.
2006-06-26 19:59:36 · answer #2 · answered by Firstd1mension 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
About three years ago, one of my cats began losing massive amounts of weight. I took him to the vet, and he tested + for FIV. The vet said there was really nothing that could be done for him, and he would continue to get sicker and sicker, and finally have to be put to sleep. I brought him home and babied him...fed him baby food, lots of love, and he hasn't been sick a day since. I also have 3 other cats that live in the house with him, and they are all FIV-. Don't give up hope on your kitty until you feel like he is suffering.
2006-06-28 02:16:13 · answer #3 · answered by mandydawn1128 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fiv is a death sentence to the cat. As much as it hurts to put him down it hurts more when he gets worse and suffers. Even though your cat is a house cat some where in his life he has been scratched or bitten by an infected cat. Information says it could have been 2 years prior. I feel for you but you can't let him suffer. Sorry it could not have been good news.
2006-07-02 19:51:27 · answer #4 · answered by dotty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat will test FIV positive if he has been given the FIV vaccine at any point in his life. You should double check to see if at any point he has been given this vaccine just to double check.
I would definitely get a second opinion. If you keep your FIV cat indoors and away from other cats he can live a normal long life. And not to encourage anyone to bad behavior, but usually the cat to cat transmission has to be a really bad bite to transmit.
2006-06-27 04:16:22 · answer #5 · answered by Trish J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have other cats in the household, or if your cat comes into contact with other cats, then their safety needs to be considered. If there are no other cats around, then you should discuss your options further with your vet. Ask him any questions that you may have, and find out how far along your cat's disease has progressed. If your cat is suffering, then it should be put down. If it is not suffering and does not pose a threat to any other cats, then you need to talk to your vet (or possibly another vet for a second opinion) a little more to get the best thing done.
2006-06-26 20:37:07 · answer #6 · answered by autumnfaerie8 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I would find another vet! 2cnd, I would keep your kitty as long as he is eating, drinking, and otherwise seems happy. I had an FIV positive cat that the vet told me needed to be put down. I didn't listen to him, I took momma back home with me and she lived a very happy life for the next 4 1/2 years. I put her to sleep only when she stopped wanting to eat, and didn't act like she felt good anymore.
They will get sick from time to time, but all cats get sick from time to time. Just trust your instincts, you know your cat better than anyone else.
2006-06-26 20:01:45 · answer #7 · answered by Peace Lovin Hippy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please get another veterinarian's opinion before euthanizing your cat. I can't advise you what to do, except to make your cat as comfortable as possible and get another opinion.
In the meantime, it's very important to keep your cat isolated from all other cats, as this disease is contagious.
Under the right conditions it's quite possible for FIV positive cats to continue living great lives.
Don't act hastily, and I am sorry this happened!
2006-06-26 20:04:00 · answer #8 · answered by mike m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
FIV is highly contagious in cats. I bought a cat from a society at pet smart and the cat gave it to one of my 6 month old kittens. my other kitten and older cat didn't get it but i had to get them both tested. It is a horrible disease. be patient .There is a treatment but it is expensive but if you go get transfer factor from 4life it will help it didn't help Oscar because it came to late. There was a lady in California that told me about it and she had 3 cats that had it and it helped them. it's about 50 dollars us. I was told that it is transmitted by saliva or bites or feces.
2006-06-27 15:16:03 · answer #9 · answered by michelle m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
FIV in cats is similar to HIV in humans, maybe that will help you make a decision.
2006-06-26 19:58:02 · answer #10 · answered by Eloise 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋