Follow-Up on cat re: "Can anyone tell me the symptoms of FIV"?

Question

Yesterday I posted a question about symptoms for FIV. I was waiting to receive results of lab work, couldn't get in touch with my vet, and I was desperate. The results came in today, and thankfully, Basil does not have FIV. I can't tell you all how relieved I was to hear that good news! We still don't know what is wrong, but the vet thinks it's an upper-respiratory infection. There are no definitive symptoms, other than a little occasional wheeze/cough. His white cell count is low.

Basil is still not eating - I'm force feeding baby food mixed with liquid from canned chicken - but he is purring, grooming, and happy. Wants to cuddle. The vet did give me a special diet food, Science A/D, but Basil won't eat it for me.

Thanks to each of you who offered advice, support, and words of kindness and encouragement. I gave you all a "thumbs up." Thanks again, and while my cat is still not "out of the woods," at least I know it's not the serious illness I had thought it might be.

Answer 1

I missed your first posting, but was happy to read this follow-up! Yes, those silly kitties can be picky about their food. When a kitty is not feeling well, he can develop bad associations with food (especially new food) that he is offered. This may explain why he won't eat a/d. If you are not already giving him an appetite stimulant, you may want to ask your vet for one. Cyproheptadine, a common antihistamine, is often used as a very safe appetite stimulant in kitties. It is effective and inexpensive.

Good luck!

p.s. I do not advocate giving medication to animals without consulting a veterinarian first. :-)

Answer 2

I am so happy to hear that the prognosis is not so dire. Cats usually like the a/d when they will eat nothing else. Of course, there is no accounting for cat taste. He will need to get something with taurine in it soon. It's essential for cat nutrition and human canned chicken doesn't have it.

I am glad to hear he is eating something and perking up a bit. Thank you for letting us know.

Answer 3

Yea for Basil and for you too. At least you know what you're not dealing with. Now you can begin to narrow down to what you are dealing with. Prayers to you both!