Can FIV positive cats live a long life?

Can you adopt a FIV positive cat with other cats?

There is no need for FIV cats to be adopted only into homes with other FIV-positive cats; the disease is transmitted only by deep bite wounds, which happen only if the cats get into intense fights. Proper introductions and consideration of the individual cats’ personalities should go a long way to prevent such fights.

What happens if you mix FIV and FeLV in cats?

FIV has been infecting cats for a long time and the virus reduces the white blood cells making the cat more prone to infections. Most people mix both FeLV with FIV.

Should I euthanize my FIV positive cat?

Yes, FIV positive felines can lead a normal, healthy, and long lives with virtually no signs at all. However, there is plenty of misinformation doing rounds about this disease. This is one of the main reason why some vets suggest euthanizing felines who test positive. The FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus affects a cat’s immune system.

Can FIV positive cats live with uninfected cats?

Today in News of the Obvious: FIV-positive cats can live with other uninfected cats and not transmit the virus. A veterinary study concludes this. Finally.

Are FIV-positive cats adopted?

Historically, FIV- positive cats have often been considered un-adoptable, and are euthanized in many shelters. However, new research has shown that FIV-positive cats are in fact very adoptable, and can live the same lifespan as an FIV-negative cat.

How can I help manage an FIV-positive cat?

The best way to manage an FIV cat is to use preventative care so that the cat can be as strong as possible before any of these symptoms manifest, and if they do arise, symptomatic treatment is usually the course of action. How else can I help protect an FIV-positive cat?

Can a human get FIV from a cat bite?

Although FIV belongs to the same family as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), humans cannot be infected by FIV if one gets bitten or kissed by an FIV positive cat and vice versa. FeLV is less common in cats compared to FIV. However, compared to FIV, it is more commonly and easily spread among cats who live together.

What are the odds of a cat being positive for FIV?

The American Association of Feline Practitioners reports that in a study of 18,000 cats, “2.3% were positive for FeLV and 2.5% were positive for FIV!” Are FeLV and FIV newly recognized diseases?

What happens if a cat has FIV and has no symptoms?

FIV positive cats are five times more likely to get cancer than uninfected cats. As it can take many years for the virus to become active again, many cats infected with FIV can live long and healthy lives. When first exposed to FeLV, a cat may not show any signs of illness.

Can A FIV positive Cat Live a normal life?

Many FIV-positive cats lead normal, healthy lives. A large proportion of these cats ultimately die of unrelated causes. FIV, like human AIDS, is not highly contagious. It is spread by fighting. And, like human AIDS, FIV does not cause illness or death on its own. FIV weakens the immune system.

Can A FIV positive Cat live with other cats?

As FIV can’t be transmitted to humans or other non-feline animals, an FIV positive cat is able to share his or her environment with a dog or other pet, as long as there are no other cats. What should you feed a FIV cat? FIV cats should receive a good quality, balanced diet.

When to re-test a kitten for FIV?

Have your kitten re-tested for FIV in six months. Standard tests for FIV can yield false positives, especially in young kittens. Ask your vet about re-testing with a method known as western blot. This method yields very few false positives.

Can erythropoietin be used to treat FIV in cats?

Veterinarians have also used interferon on cats exhibiting symptoms associated with FIV, but the benefits of this drug are questionable. Erythropoietin can be prescribed to raise the red blood cell count of an FIV positive cat suffering from anemia. Secondary bacterial and fungal infections are a common problem in cats with FIV.

How can I Help my Cat with FIV?

Medications: Anti-viral drugs (e.g., AZT) can help some cats with FIV, but treatment is usually limited to supportive care and dealing with secondary health concerns as they arise. Diet: Good nutrition is essential to maintaining optimal immune function in FIV positive cats.

Can you get sick from a cat with FIV?

Today, cats with FIV can live relatively normal life spans before becoming seriously ill. Other Diseases You Can Catch from Your Cat. While it’s impossible to contract FIV from your cat, other zoonotic diseases (those that can pass between people and animal species) may be passed onto you by your cat.

Can an FIV Cat live with a non-FIV cat?

FIV cats can live communally with non-FIV cats with very little risk of the virus being transmitted between them – unless the cat is a fighter and gives another cat a serious bite, which is rare with properly introduced household cats.

What is the difference between FIV and FeLV?

There is often confusion between FIV and FeLV, this is particularly the case regarding the transmission of the virus. The FIV virus is present in the blood and saliva, and for transmission to another cat to take place, the live virus has to enter the bloodstream of the recipient cat.

What is a false positive FIV test?

False-positives are when the test show a cat as positive for FIV but they are not. Many shelters, unaware of these test errors, use these tests results and label a cat as ‘FIV’ which in some shelter means a death sentence. Estimates of the magnitude of this travesty range from 20% to 32%. * But the problem is bigger yet.

Can a cat test negative for FIV and not have it?

If no DNA viral particles are present, then the test will be negative. This test, again, is very specific for FIV. If the PCR FIV test comes back negative, then your kitty most likely does not have FIV and the ELISA test mentioned prior would be termed as a “false positive” and the cat does not have FIV.

What percentage of cats with FIV are normal?

In North America, a 2006 study of more than 18,000 cats found that 2.5% were positive for FIV [1]. FIV positive cats may appear normal for years, but their compromised immune system makes them more vulnerable to other infections.

What is the PCR test for FIV in cats?

This test is a specialized test called a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test. This test is more specific and will truly identify those cats under most conditions who are truly positive for FIV. This test searches out and identifies the specific DNA viral particles of FIV.

How long do FIV-infected cats live?

For most cats, this stage lasts for years which is why FIV-infected cats live normal, healthy lives. The Chronic Stage of FIV normally known as the Feline Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome stage is highly prone to secondary infections. during this stage, the feline can get different types of infections and finds it difficult to recover.

What does a negative FIV test mean for a kitten?

A positive FIV test suggests the mother is infected; the kitten may or may not be, and will need to be tested again at 6 months of age. A negative FIV test should be confirmed, but for all intents and purposes, a negative FIV test in a kitten strongly suggests that the cat is not infected with the virus.

What should I do if my Kitten tests FeLV positive?

If a queen or any one of her litter of kittens tests FeLV-positive, all should be considered potentially infected and isolated, with follow up testing to resolve status. Susceptibility to FeLV infection is age-related, with the highest infection rates in very young kittens.

When should I test my kitten for FIV?

Due to potential test interference, it is tempting to delay testing kittens for FIV until over 6 months of age. However, most kittens test negative and can be reliably considered clear of infection.

How long does it take for FIV to develop in cats?

Screening test kits detect FIV antibodies which develop four to six weeks after infection. For adult cats which test positive for FIV on a screening test, the guidance is to then send the blood (EDTA sample) to the University of Bristol’s Langford Veterinary Diagnostics for confirmation by PCR.