Is FIC in cats curable?

Should I Keep my healthy cats separate from my FIV-positive cats?

Studies have shown that it is not absolutely necessary to keep your healthy cats separate from your FIV-positive cats if they get along well. If your cats have a tendency to fight, however, it is a good idea to keep them separate.

Do cats with FIC improve with age?

Recent evidence suggests that if sufficient emphasis is placed on increasing water intake and enriching the environment for cats to relieve boredom and stress, then most cats with FIC will improve significantly. In general, cats will also spontaneously improve as they get older. Some very severe cases may be more difficult to manage though.

How is FIC diagnosed in cats?

Only when recognised causes of FLUTD are excluded (see FLUTD – signs, causes and investigation) can a diagnosis of FIC be reached. In cats with FIC, analysis of a urine sample may show the presence of blood and inflammatory cells, but there is no recognisable underlying cause (eg, bladder stones or infection) to explain these changes.

What is the best approach to managing cats with FIC?

It has been shown that the best approach to managing cats with FIC is to use multimodal treatment – this simply means making a number of different changes to help reduce the likelihood of recurrent episodes of FIC. Although drug therapy might be used and might be helpful in some situations, this is not really a drug-responsive disease.

Should I euthanize my cat with FIV?

Cats infected with FIV should never be euthanized, unless they are actually experiencing a severe, debilitating illness that cannot be treated (as we would with any other cat).

Can gags be used to treat FIC in cats?

GAG replacers – in theory, if the GAG layer that lines the bladder is deficient in cats with FIC, then repairing this should be of benefit. There are various oral or injectable forms of GAGs that are available.

How often should A FIV+ cat have a check-up?

While a non-geriatric FIV- cat should have an annual examination, the FIV+ cat should have a check-up twice a year. Annually, a full blood panel and urinalysis is prudent. Also, it is important to be vigilant of any changes in the FIV+ cat.

What happens if a mother cat gets FIV during pregnancy?

However, if the mother becomes infected with FIV during her pregnancy, the transmission risk to the kittens is increased. Sexual contact is not a significant means of spreading FIV among cats. FIV-infected cats exist worldwide, but the prevalence of infection varies greatly.

What is the treatment for FIC in cats?

As FIC is often asymptomatic, your cat may not appear to need any treatment. In humans, HIV/AIDS is treated with antiviral drugs. Similar antiviral drugs such as Ribavirin or Zidovudine may be used.

What is the best cat food for cats with FIC?

Wet food (for cats that will eat it) is therefore recommended, because it contains more water than dry food. Cats with FIC should also be supplied with multiple sources of fresh water at all times.

What kind of vitamins can I give my FIV cat?

Supplements of vitamin C and vitamin E can help keep your FIV cat healthy. In particular, a vitamin E supplement can help strengthen your cat’s immune system. [10] Ask your vet for recommendations on high-quality vitamin supplements for your cat. Follow the product label instructions when feeding the supplements to your cat.

What are the symptoms of FIV in cats with antiviral drugs?

Cats on antiviral drugs should have a complete blood cell count (CBC) checked frequently. Symptoms of a worsening FIV infection vary but often include oral inflammation, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurologic disorders.

Are gags safe for dogs with FIC?

There are various oral or injectable forms of GAGs that are available. These are generally safe to use (under guidance from your vet), but there is little evidence yet that this therapy is of real benefit in FIC, possibly because oral or injectable products may have little direct effect on the bladder lining.

How can breeders prevent FIV in the colony?

To minimise the risk of introducing FIV into the colony, breeders should prevent their cats having free access outdoors, or having contact with cats allowed outdoors. Annual testing of breeding cats is ideal, but testing any new cats before being introduced to an FIV-free colony is vital.

Should I keep my cat indoors if she has FIV?

Also, keeping your cats indoors will minimize their risk of encountering FIV-positive cats, who tend to live outdoors and are often strays. Also, any new cats in your household should be tested for FIV so that you can determine the risk of disease transmission to other cats in the home.

Can a cat with FIV show symptoms years later?

“Cats infected with FIV may not show symptoms until years after the initial infection occurred. Although the virus is slow-acting, a cat’s immune system is severely weakened once the disease takes hold. This makes the cat susceptible to various secondary infections.

Can a pregnant cat pass FIV to her offspring?

If the virus is present in the infected cat’s saliva, it may enter the body tissues of a healthy cat and rapidly replicate cells. Pregnant females can also pass FIV on to their offspring in uterus, but these cases are comparatively rare.

Can I give my FIV cat uncooked food?

If you decide to make a homemade diet, do not add uncooked foods to that diet. FIV cats have weakened immune systems, making them very vulnerable to food-borne infections from parasites or bacteria. Uncooked foods like raw meat or eggs could make your cat very sick. To make a homemade diet for your cat,…

How can I Help my FIV+ cat with digestive problems?

Feed a species appropriate, minimally processed diet grain-free canned or homecooked diet. Raw diets are not recommended for FIV+ cats. Add quality supplements to boost the immune system, such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, and anti-oxidants.

What can I give my FIV+ cat for fleas and ticks?

Feed a species appropriate, minimally processed diet grain-free canned or homecooked diet. Raw diets are not recommended for FIV+ cats. Add quality supplements to boost the immune system, such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, and anti-oxidants. Minimize vaccinations. Don’t use chemical flea and tick prevention products.

What is the most affordable cat food?

Affordable cat food tends to contain grains, but you should look for the more digestible options like brown rice and oatmeal rather than things like wheat and corn.

What is the best diet for an FIV cat?

Your vet will recommend a diet based on your cat’s overall health. Consider your cat’s nutritional needs. An FIV cat needs a nutritionally complete (contains all required nutrients) and balanced diet. Protein is one of the most important nutrients in a cat’s diet.

How is fungal infection of the skin in cats treated?

Treatment of Fungal Infection Of The Skin in Cats. How your cat is treated for his fungal infection of the skin will depend on the type of fungi present. Some skin infections can be treated with special antifungal creams or ointments or oral antifungal medications. Infections that are caused by yeast may be treated with special shampoos or dips.

How do you treat candidiasis in cats?

An ointment or topical application may be useful in the treatment of oral or skin candidiasis. Your veterinarian may also recommend different drugs given by mouth or by injection for treatment of infected cats. Coccidioidomycosis is a dustborne, noncontagious infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis.