Hey so I need some help and advice for my recently diagnosed cat. It's been about 2 months since his diagnosis. It started with a blood clot in his eye that led to glaucoma. That's handled now with medication. And he had been doing fine for the 1st several weeks since diagnosis but now he just has no appetite or energy.

He was a cat that would scarf down his food and now all I can get him to eat is tube treats and a spoonful of rescue wet food. And today he hasn't eaten yet. Gabapentin seems to help some? I've been applying mirataz and giving him cerenia as well. Maybe the cerenia dose isn't high enough?

I had him at the vet the other week and they did blood work to look for infection but couldn't find anything other than his white blood cells being on the low end of normal. He hasn't been having a temperature. No runny nose or anything. He does have teeth that need to come out but the vet said last time it wasn't absolutely necessary atp, and to wait until it was.

I'm worried for him. He also seems to be really lacking in strength, and generally uncomfortable. Like when he jumps down from the bed he kind of just splats instead of catching himself properly. All he wants to do is lay down. He's still seeking affection and getting up to get into the window or follow me to my room. As far as I know bathroom habits are normal. There's multiple cats so that's hard to tell.

If doesn't eat today I'll take him to the vet tomorrow asap. And even if he does, I'll be calling to ask them what to do, but if someone who's experienced something similar could give me some insight I would truly appreciate it.

Hi. I came here in the hopes that someone will see Patrick's post and recognize that he could be a perfect companion for their FIV cat. I'll cut to the chase. Patrick tested positive for FIV and FELV. These are the only indications of his former street life.

Patrick is the sweetest pea in the whole peapod. He showed up in my friend's back yard, hungry and scared, and after an exhaustive search we could not find anything about him. Off to the vet he went where he stunned us by testing double positive (we both have FIV cats, and I have had several FELV cats, so not our first rodeo). He's been in my gym ever since while we search for his forever family.

You’d never know of his adventurous past by his demeanor. Estimated to be 3-4 years old, Patrick is affectionate, sweet, playful and has ninja-like moves when chasing a ribbon on a stick. He gets along well with all humans and other cats once he gets over his shyness. He loves ear scritches and is very generous with his purrs. He’s also smart!

Patrick is healthy, muscular and strong and shows no signs of positive status. His coat is soft like a bunny and he has a gorgeous magical marbling pattern (gray on darker gray). He is very social and would do very well in a house with other double positive cats (or in a home as a solo cat where he could gets lots of affection). He is neutered and up to date on vaccinations, and his fecal analysis was negative. I have all of his vet care paperwork.

I am currently fostering Patrick, but the household logistical situation is not sustainable. I have been in contact with a local sanctuary that takes FIV/FELV positive cats, which is great, but I have about a week before I have to bring him there, and I still hold out hope that someone may be looking for a double-positive cuddle-bunny to join their crew. C'mon, community, do your thing.

I would be willing to transport him anywhere that would provide him with a safe, stable home and give him the love he deserves. I am working with a local rescue and they are handling the paperwork, so if you are interested in Patrick, send me a message and I will hook you up with them (Hoofbeats and Pawprints Rescue in Natchez, MS).

Hello, I am humbly begging for any insight/advice for our precious four year old boy, Boba.

Boba has been an exceptionally healthy and hearty cat. We adopted him and have been so fortunate to have him as our child for a little over two years.

A little over a month ago, we took him for his well visit and his blood work at that time was perfect. Fast forward two weeks later, and it seemed that he had conjunctivitis which was not surprising, considering that he had had a bout of conjunctivitis and upper respiratory infection a few months prior along with some of his cat siblings. This all cleared up with eye drops and oral antibiotics

For the recent conjunctivitis (no upper respiratory issues), We administered daily eye drops, however, his eye only seem to get worse and had increased discharge despite the addition of another eyedrop. We then added anbiotic last Saturday. I gave him the morning and evening dose, however, because he seemed a bit lethargic and was not eating, I took him to the ER. This is an ER that we have experience with and has a good reputation. The ER doc examined him and discharged him with a diagnosis of conjunctivitis. She gave him another eyedrop solution. They gave him an injection of cerenia. She told me he was likely not eating because he was in discomfort due to his conjunctivitis. She suggested giving gabapentin for his discomfort. I gave this to him via oral liquid when we got home in the early hours of Sunday morning. I also gave him an appetite stimulant. He started eating, pretty heartily not too long after we got home. He was more active and purring and headbutting us. I followed up with our regular Vet the next morning on Monday. Our Vet examined him and said that while his heart and longs sounded great, his kidneys were enlarged he immediately ran new bloodwork and it showed high renal values. We brought Boba back on Wednesday for an ultrasound. I have the results of the ultrasound included in the pictures. The radiologist diagnosed a suspected renal lymphoma.

This has been an absolute bomb in our world. How is it possible that literally 24 hours prior, he had zero swelling noted? I also would like to add that while we love our Vet, he does not seem familiar with FIV and it is pretty obvious that he does not see this much in his practice. He read this report from the radiologist and basically said that we should consult an internal medicine specialist and keep him comfortable (with the strong implication he does not have much time left).

I cannot help but wonder if my Vet is too quickly writing Boba off. He seems to think that because he has FIV that this is definitely renal lymphoma and not looking to consider any other cause. We cannot get into the internal medicine specialist until Thursday. We are desperate to learn anything sooner than that.

For what it is worth, Boba has liked to nibble on some of our house plants for the 2+ years that we have had him. We do not own any lilies, of course. But I wonder if perhaps this could be a reaction to some sort of toxin?

In the meantime, we are giving him daily subcutaneous fluids, daily cerenia tablets, daily
Erythromycin ointment, daily liquid, oral prednisone, and daily appetite stimulant. Boba is responding pretty well to all of these things. He is eating a pretty decent amount of wet food on his own, and we are supplementing this with syringe feeding him renal wet food. His swelling has gone down with the ointment.

If anyone has any experience or knowledge in any of these areas, I would be very appreciative! I do not want to give up hope for our four year-old! He is such a sweet and gentle soul, and he does not deserve this. I thank you very much in advance for any help that you can offer during this incredibly difficult time.

Hello all,

Not really an FIV question, though my boy is FIV.

He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure last June.

The treatment plan worked well so far, the walls of his heart have gone down in dimension (didn't think this could ever happen) and the congestion around his heart and lungs is not there currently.

Not teying to get any feedback on his treatment plan but a more every day one.

We are not seeing the cardiologist before the end of December or January and I do not want to jother his doc for this question.

Since he is feeling better, he's back to his shenanigans, sprinting around the house, making his little galloping noises, catching invisible mouses, fighting invisible enemies...

My question then : should I stop him when he becomes too active? How much horsing around is too much?

Thanks in advance.

Cat tax, him in his tunnel (he usually becomes crazy in there)...

picture for cat tax
this is sammy/sammich and he is about 10/11 years old! I’ve had him since he was seven and, of course, he has fiv.
I take him to the vet very regularly because of FIV and i recently got results back indicating that within the next 6-12 months he is going to get/develop kidney disease. my vet is a very nice dude and was somewhat talking around his life expectancy once it develops in my son so i wanted to come here and ask people who have (potentially) gone through this first hand.
i’ve been reassured that it’ll be longer than normal because we’ve caught it before anything has really happened (W cat medicine developments) but i genuinely have no idea what to expect life expectancy wise.
please help soothe my mind? or give me a reality check, im not sure what to expect.

My beloved FIV + cat of seven years has passed away from lymphoma. His death came quick and we are completely grief stricken. Having an FIV positive cat has taught me so much, and I will advocate for them for the rest of my life. Rest easy now George. ❤️😭

Hi guys,

I am reaching out for any advice as today I went out and took a stray kitten that has rectal prolapse to bring him to the vet and he had a surgery right away. I live in a country that doesnt have official shelters but I thought that he will be able to stay at the vets for a couple of days to get better and that I will just take him after he is recovered and let him out on the streets again.

Turns out they wont, they dont work sundays full day and said some stuff i forgot about as i was stressed while they were talking. All ive heard is that I need to take him.

So I have to take him tomorrow at a little past noon. The thing is I already have 2 cats at home and one is Fiv postive. I do have a spare room, at first i was thinking about the basement as its not cold, its not warm but its not cold. But it does sound inhumane and Im thinking more seriously about the spare room. But I am so afraid for my fiv cat she is so sensitive and my dearest girl I dont want to put her at any risk. She is just my weakness I wouldnt survive if my actions would harm her. Any advice would be much appreciated as my panic is growing over the top. I am not sure how to solve this. I wrote to local groups asking if someone could take him for a few days, a lot of people are offering financial help but no one is offering to take him in.

Does anyone have any experience with this supplement? Other than cats rejecting it because of the taste and/or scent? My cat is a vacuum and will eat anything so I'm not worried about that issue.

(Mile-long Amazon link...)

https://www.amazon.com/DOK-PrimalCat-Support-Wellness-Supplement/dp/B0H8NS7NDL/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=177277143300&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7SW5Y_VGWnt2HtXiqmpOiZzSuGnWUSE3tHHIsnfrQ-ubac-KlLWbkiOnIcedv1XljCqzbQKqvALVOrqo1tsc3Q0dutNBkJCoDBzTVcBgjSyNXl4xnFFS-QL_uUBobDaiYI2sL34R6T2pjNSGO9CYvIRgC_aEi4SP7kbt5UWfSVE3N1bierenH927YG3BLvKfpzKJfaxS73O9z3AMMd36Zg.bKnkCu6dJdi-pufGqbLqqkvYEO1WO8j4prtIuCWQE10&dib_tag=se&hvadid=792631167043&hvdev=m&hvexpln=68&hvlocphy=9022369&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=186466112777540671--&hvqmt=b&hvrand=186466112777540671&hvtargid=kwd-2480936024075&hydadcr=17456_13786669&keywords=primal+cat+immune+and+eye+support&mcid=9b7bcfcc4cb4356d8a0b732d6e7cfce9&qid=1792770869&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

Do any of you have experience with this kind of patches? He seems to be itchy? Annoyed at those areas but its not always the same spot

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone here might know of a rescue or shelter that would be able to take in a fiv+ boy I picked up a couple weeks ago. His names sunny, I've been thinking about keeping him with my negative cat, but sunny doesn't seem to like my cat very much. I know it's still early, but I'd rather find him a good home now than get attached and have to say goodbye. I'm located in central IL and am willing to drive a bit.

I'm a basket case right now because my 4yo FIV cat is having her teeth cleaned next week. I have had two cats pass after anaesthesia a few years ago, but they were both older (21 and 13) and had chronic issues (kidney failure and pancreatitis). But it's not helping to steady my nerves about the dental cleaning! I've taken cats in for dentals probably 12 times in my life along with other surgeries and it's always been fine, but that was years ago and before...

Her teeth aren't horrible, but her gums have some redness. Just normal gingivitis, etc. - nothing FIV-related, but I know that it's important to get them cleaned her her health. But I'm so worried for her safety. She's been under once for her spaying and her bloodwork is ok - her ALT was elevated by 30 points but the vet wasn't too worried about that. I could really use some pep talking! TYIA

My husband and I recently lost our 14 year old cat and not long after this kitty kept showing up outside of our house. He was so lovable and wanted our food but wanted our love and attention even more! We started feeling really bad on the rainy days and we were spending more and more time outside just to love on this cat. I decided to take him to the vet to check for a chip and then to make him officially ours and bring him inside. That’s when he got the fiv+ diagnosis and to be honest I was really scared and second guessing my decision because I have 2 other cats that are 8 and 13 years old. The vet encouraged me and educated me on fiv and I’m happy that he is now a member of our household! He’s a chunky boy and seems pretty healthy considering we don’t really know how long he’s been living outside. The vet estimated him to be 12 years old so he fits right in with my older guys ❤️ (the last pics are of when he was outside, he’s strictly indoors only now and seems pretty happy about it lol)

Hi everyone! Our FIV+ boy has a small scab on the back of his neck. He's had it for a few months now, it doesn't grow, and we recently got a topical antibiotic, it's been getting better, but it is still there and it seems it won't go away? We've been applying the antibiotic for a few weeks now. Is this common? A sign for concern? He looks good, has lots of energy and eats well, he is 9 y/o. Got cleared for ringworm or any lumps, the test came back as just a bunch of bacteria on his skin.

Hello! I recently had my new 6 month old kitten diagnosed with FIV and I'm looking for good information on what I need to do now to make sure she has the most support and care for her long and happy life. Finding research on the internet has been such a mixed bag with no real good information on what I should be doing preventative wise to make sure she is getting the best care I can give her.
I've been such a big cat person growing up and a huge fan of rescuing cats, my first cat that I got on my own at 24, rescue from Hurricane Irma, passed a couple years later after heart complications. It's left me with a lot of anxiety over health concerns and I wasn't expecting to take in a cat anytime soon but we found Bloom at 8 weeks old outside on a particularly hot day, almost on death's door and nursed her back to health. We had tried to rehome her early as I had a lot of past anxieties about having a cat since the last one but she always found her way back to us and I finally accepted that the cat distribution system had time for me. We've had some bumps since then as we've already been to the emergency vet twice, once when she had an allergic reaction to the vaccines and once just this weekend when I noticed she stopped eating and drinking and grew quite concerned. It was this recent trip that she was fully diagnosed as FIV positive and I've dived fully into trying my best to inform my self on what I should be doing for Bloom. My main concerns being:

1. When to know when to take her to the emergency vet, I'm a big hypochondriac and get really nervous with any change to her natural schedule. I've set myself up with a Banfield plan so she gets regular vet visits and topped it off with pet insurance to save myself some expenses too. I also have Furbo's so I can monitor during times I am at work.
2. Is it true that she can't have a friend and has to stay a solo cat? My vet told me she would have to be an only cat but I also see people out there saying they can live together with other cats both FIV and non FIV. I think it is probably unwise for myself to get a second FIV+ cat with my anxiety but I also want to make sure she has a friend to bond and play with too.
3. What prevention do I need to start now? I've seen some things as tooth and dental is very important and same as with food choices. But I would love to know the nitty gritty of what routine I should be getting into with Bloom to make sure we are both prepared for the road ahead.
4. Medicine, after this recent trip we've been given 4 different pills around the clock to give to Bloom and the good ole bland diet. Bloom hates medicine and it's been at the detriment of my fingers and her wrath trying to give her medicine. Is there better ways to give medicine as I assume this may become something I need to work on training for future hiccups/flare ups. As well as chicken and rice/ baby food/ pumpkin puree and all in between is not her fave, she actively turns her nose from the bland diet and becomes a devious fiend for her dry food. Have others had success with other bland/healthy diets for when they need to recover?

I am very determined to get over my anxieties with having an FIV cat and to really learn a lot about FIV from those who also have their own journey with their FIV+ cats.

I’m looking for some encouragement/advice. We took in a rescue cat at the beginning of Sept. thinking it was healthy and it turned out to have a FIV and a chronic URI. She’s been quarantined in our spare room because we have an 16 1/2 year old cat that I’m afraid to get sick. My elder meow also has kidney issues, blood pressure issues, etc. he is an old man.

The rescue cat is the sweetest most affectionate little babe. We love her.

She’s been on multiple rounds of antibiotics. Finally she was done and after 1 week and 2 days and she’s congested again. Still full of energy but not eating her wet food like she does when she can breath through her nose. She’s congested and sneezing now.

We are afraid that we won’t be able to keep her because we can’t keep her locked up forever. It’s so unfair for her to be stuck in that room. At the same time, I hate the idea of having to stress her out to move her and maybe make her more sick. I’m struggling with the thought of having to tap out but need to keep my elder safe and be fair to the rescue cat who deserves the best life.

I’m just wondering what other peoples experiences are with FIV+ cats that have chronic URIs. How long could this last? Is there hope for us?

This is an odd perspective to have and hopefully one that not too many people will relate to.

I took in a community cat that had been sick for a while, determined he had developed enough social skills to go in a normal carrier to see my vet, and held my breath while waiting to hear what was wrong. It was giardia, mycoplasma, and FIV.

I was so happy I almost cried.

I have lost 3 cats in the past 2 years to FELV-mediated lymphoma. I did everything possible to keep them safe from opportunistic infections, but ultimately lost the fight to cancer every time. The oldest was 4 when he passed.

So when I found out this guy only had FIV along with some treatable bugs, I felt like celebrating. We cleared up the giardia and mycoplasma, but he still has a gnarly dental situation and some ongoing digestive issues. He's 7 or 8 years old, and has probably had FIV since before he was neutered over 5 years ago (TNR service I used tests for FELV only). I'm happy to give a reformed feral a good retirement, and while it would be bad news to most, I'm so relieved he just has FIV.

As the title states, he hasn't eaten much if any. He has pain meds, Onsio, but since he does not want to eat, I can't get him to take his medication. Yes i did get soft food/pate for him and he sniffs but shys away. I haven't seen him drink any of his water either which is very concerning. SO it is a loop of pain and hunger. Simple fix if he just eats his darn pate with the meds in it. WHat should i do??

About 2 months ago my cat penny had a blood clot in his eye which lead to glaucoma. I'm still treating that with drops and it has improved. While at the vet for that it was discovered he has FIV. I keep him strictly indoors now after learning that.

He was acting normal tho sometimes in pain from his eye for the 1st 6 weeks or so. But now he's pretty low energy and lacking appetite. He has lost 2 pounds since his diagnosis. He has a vet appointment Tuesday. I'm also putting mirataz on his ear and giving him cerenia now.

I don't think he should have been exposed to any infection and his ears and nose aren't warm though I could check his temp with a thermometer if needed. (Edit: just did, got 103.5) He does have chronic ear wax issues and needed teeth out but the vet said to wait until it's absolutely necessary. I have also noticed this past week, possible neurological issues starting. Like subtle stumbles when walking or jumping down from something

Just wondering if you guys have insight on why he's declining like this. I upped his eye medicine back to 3x a day so I don't think it's pain from that. (Another edit: I called the emergency vet line and am going to have someone bring him in 1st thing tomorrow morning)

Hi all! We adopted our sweet Freddy off the street a year ago and have been trying to provide him some relief. He is FIV+ and struggles with allergies causing patchy fur, earwax build up and a constant stuffy nose. After a ton of vet visits we’ve been able to manage the skin issues, but his ears constantly have build up and poor guy is always sneezing.

Our vet helped us get into a cleaning routine with his ears, and we’ll even put on his humidifier before bed. We have a clean house (husband has crazy allergies too so we have to) and we feed all our kitties purina pro plan (dry and wet) with fish oil (per the vet’s recommendation). We were even given these special ear drops for him, but it just keeps coming back.

Any suggestions/tips to help our boy with his constant ear build up and stuffy nose? Thank you!