Introduction
There is no cure for feline immunodeficiency virus in cats, but there are treatments and management plans that can help a cat with FIV to live a longer and more comfortable life.
First Steps
Once a cat has been diagnosed with FIV, a complete physical is conducted to check for any infections that may be occurring. As FIV attacks a cat’s immune system, finding these infections in a timely manner, and beginning treatments at once, is the best management and treatment plan. A full blood panel will check for any underlying infections, cancers, and organ function, a urinalysis will examine the urine for any developing infections, a fecal will check for parasites and intestinal bacteria, and an x-ray may show any developing respiratory diseases and tumors.
Yearly Steps
Routine yearly tests are performed once a cat has been diagnosed with FIV, and in some cases these tests are carried out every 6 months. The cat’s weight is carefully monitored, and if the cat begins to lose weight nutritional and caloric supplements are prescribed.
Living and Managing
Pet owners can help their cat with FIV to live longer by feeding their cat a good diet, keeping the cat’s living area clean, and regularly examining their cat for any developing problem. Cats infected with FIV should never be fed dairy products, raw eggs, or raw meat as they can easily pick up an intestinal or bacterial infection from these foods. FIV cats should be kept indoors at all times to reduce exposure to infectious agents.
Reducing a cat’s stress levels may also help a cat to ward off infection. Cats that have not yet been neutered or spayed should be fixed immediately to reduce stress associated with fluctuating hormone levels and the urge to mate. The cat should have a quiet resting place to go where it will not be disturbed, and plenty of toys and activities should be available for the cat as well.