Caring for an FIV-Positive Cat

FIV, or feline immunodeficiency virus, is an extremely common viral infection that strikes millions of cats throughout the world. While there is no cure for FIV, an FIV-positive cat can still live a rewarding, healthy life for months or years following his contraction of the disease. These tips can help a cat owner to care for a cat with FIV so that the cat's life remains fulfilling despite his infection.

Limiting his Risks of Transmission

FIV is transmitted cat-to-cat through bodily fluids, most often through deep bite marks. This is why feral cats and those from poorly-managed animal shelters are especially likely to contract FIV. If your cat has FIV, you owe it to all cats to keep him away from those who might contract the illness from him. Ideally, it is best to keep an FIV-positive cat alone in a household, but if you have other cats, be sure to avoid allowing any of them to fight-- and, of course, always spay and neuter.

Your cat's ability to transmit FIV to other cats will also be mitigated by keeping him indoors. If he is allowed to roam freely outside, he is very likely to transmit FIV by fighting with or mating with other cats, and they, too, will contract the deadly illness. A local epidemic can be prevented by keeping your own cat isolated from others.

Lower his Risk of Injury and Infection

Another benefit of keeping your FIV-positive cat indoors is that it will limit his potential to contract opportunistic diseases and infections. He is at a very high risk of catching illnesses from other animals, and if he is injured while outdoors, the would is very likely to become infected. Additionally, an FIV-positive cat may likely contract parasites through eating wild animals-- a potential death sentence for a cat with a weakened immune system.

Your cat's diet also plays an important role in maintaining good health. Feed him a balanced diet of high-quality, natural foods. Avoid "cheap" cat food brands that contain fillers or poor nutritional profiles. Do not feed your FIV-positive cat table scraps, raw meat, or junk-filled cat "treats". A healthy diet will boost his immune system and keep infections at bay.

Visit your Vet Twice Yearly

A cat with FIV needs to be screened frequently for opportunistic infections that take advantage of his weak immune system. The cat should be screened for intestinal parasites, earmites, fungal infections, and respiratory problems at least twice a year to prevent the spread of these preventable illnesses. What would be a minor problem in an FIV-negative cat can kill a cat who is immunocomprimised.

By following your veterinarian's guidelines and taking good care of your FIV-positive cat, he may be able to live up to eight years beyond his initial diagnosis point. However, if you care for him improperly and allow injury, infection, and improper diet to harm his body, he may survive for only a few weeks or months beyond contracting FIV. You owe it to your cat to give him the best life possible, so follow all the recommended guidelines given by your veterinarian to ensure your cat a healthy, prosperous life.