2007-02-25 15:30:32 · 13 answers · asked by mommyinneedofhelp 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
It's hard to say. Cats with FIV can live for many years.
It's not the FIV itself that kills them, but opportunistic diseases or infections they get because of their compromised immune system. Their life expectancy depends on a lot of factors, such as nutrition, overall health level, stress...
Your sister should discuss with her vet how she can best take care of her FIV cat. Here's a collection of articles she may find helpful:
http://cats.about.com/od/fiv/FIV_Feline_Immunodeficiency_Virus.htm
2007-02-25 15:38:51 · answer #1 · answered by Ms. S 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I just had an outside cat I feed diagnosed with feline aids and also feline lukemia. Of the two, the luke is the one that is much more easily transmitted among other cats. The good news is that there are vaccines for the luke so you can keep your cats updated on that and not have to worry. The bad news is that there is no vaccine for feline aids. It isn't as transferrable as the luke--usually only when the cat bites another cat. The cats can live a fairly normal life, but they need a stress free life and good nutrition as much as possible. The cat I have was on antibiotics for two weeks for a respitory condition and it did nothing. The cat is still strong, but he isn't able to shake the infection even with the antibiotics. Like the aids in humans, that is the sort of thing that will do in the cat sooner or later. I will let him have as long of a life as he can, but if he starts to go downhill to the point of no return I will have him euthanized so he doesn't suffer.
2007-02-25 16:55:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kitty AIDs or FIV is NOT A DEATH SENTENCE !! many cats will live normal lives and just be carriers of the disease, so they should be indoor cats.
this is different from FELV which is leukemia which is a more serious disease. Kitty AIDS is not as serious.
Her cat may live a normal life-- no one can say for sure. To ensure a good long normal life feed a HIGH QUALITY food and make sure plenty of fresh water and stress free life available.
Do not euthanize fopr kitty AIDS-- it is not neccessary.
****** many places should never euthanize for this disease because there is a vaccine out there now for it-- and whne cats gets this vaccine-- THEY WILL TEST positive!! so there is NO WAY to tell if a cat REALLY has aids... or did he just get the vaccine??? That is why this vaccine is NOT advised. when vets give this vaccine it is just a money maker $$ and confuses the problem.
she should just provide the best live possible and hope for teh best because a normal life is possible.
2007-02-25 16:03:23 · answer #3 · answered by urbanvet.com 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have had many clients use a product called Interferon I think that is the spelling. It is like a clear liquid you can put on the canned food or administer orally, It helps with immune problems and I have seen cats in very bad shape come back and live a normal life. The vet can prescribe. Not needed if cat is otherwise healthy but if he is having symptoms it helps. Also they need healthy diet and low stess if possible. He can live a long normal life.
2007-02-25 16:13:40 · answer #4 · answered by KittyCondos 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
FIV, or "kitty HIV" does not mean your cat will live an unnaturally short life. FIV kitties are subject to infections and need veterinary care whenever they have anything wrong, but they can live normal lives--it isn't like human AIDS. I have two rescued cats who are FIV positive, and they live with my other cats without a problem, because they all get along. The only way another cat is likely to get the disease from your kitty is by being bitten. But your FIV positive cat can get diseases from other cats, so you should keep kitty inside.
2007-02-25 15:45:59 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My Cat Has Aids
2016-12-15 13:49:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats with aids can live very long lives as long as they live indoors and are taken to the vet regularly and are kept healthy. They are not sick they have compromised immune systems so they shouldn't be exposed to other cats that are sick, or flea bites or cuts or scrapes, or bee stings etc. Make sure they have regular check ups and dental cleanings. they could live a normal regular lige for many years.
2007-02-27 06:45:17 · answer #7 · answered by katie d 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I take care of a feral with FIV. He is an outdoor cat because he fights with my cat if I let him in. He has been doing great for 2 years now. FIV kitties can live a long time with good care and love.
2007-02-25 16:13:10 · answer #8 · answered by eigna728 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well cats does live least 8 years but its how old youre cat is . cause my adult cat he isnt dead yet but we had him over 16 years now and still he looks healthy and has pretty dark brown furs . cause we feed him with healthy cat foods and take care of him very well . but by the way if youre cat has diease from young age then i think she might live longer til she does get old during it age . i would talk to youre veterinary doctor see if her or him says about how far youre cat with the aids diease . cause i know that humans people are different then animals . but i would ask youre doctor first.
2007-02-25 16:58:56 · answer #9 · answered by statecalifornia2009 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't let anyone give the vaccine. That will kill the cat. If you keep the cat in and safe from other diseases, it should live a long time.
2007-02-25 16:07:10 · answer #10 · answered by Susan M 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋