Can kittens be FIV-positive?
Infected mother cats transfer FIV antibodies to nursing kittens, so kittens born to infected mothers may receive positive test results for several months after birth. However, few of these kittens actually are or will become infected.
How do you treat a cat with FIV positive?
General and supportive treatment should include:
- Neutering all FIV-infected cats to reduce the risk of fighting and spreading infection.
- Confining FIV-positive cats indoors where possible, and keeping them away from non-infected cats.
Is it safe to adopt a FIV positive cat?
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. This research has also debunked the myth that FIV- positive cats cannot safely live with non- infected cats.
When to re-test a kitten for FIV?
Tests can result in a false negative or positive, which may occur for a variety of reasons. Due to the false results that occur it is important to re-test a kitten within six months after the first test, as it can take up to eight weeks or longer for a cat to develop FIV antibodies.
What does it mean when a cat has FIV?
Being FIV-positive means that the cat has antibodies that have been exposed to the virus, although it can take years, if ever, before the cat develops any FIV infection and clinical signs referred to as Feline AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome of Cats). If a cat has FIV, it does not necessarily have Feline AIDS. How is FIV transmitted?
Can A FIV positive cat share a food bowl?
One of the most damaging myths about FIV-positive cats is that saliva can transfer the virus and therefore sharing the same water bowls, food bowls, and licking each other can cause the virus to pass from cat to cat.
Should a FIV cat eat special food?
In general, cats with FIV do not need a special diet. However, because not all FIV cats are alike, there is no ‘one size fits all’ diet for FIV cats. Because your FIV cat may have specific dietary needs, talk with your vet before selecting a diet for your cat.
How do cats get FIV?
FIV is transmitted primarily through deep bite wounds, where the virus present in the infected cat’s saliva enters the body tissues of another cat. FIV+ cats can share water bowls, pellet bowls, eat from the same bowl of wet food, and use the same litter box with low danger of transmitting the disease.
When should cats be tested for FeLV and FIV?
Early detection of retroviral infection is key to successful management. All cats should be tested at the time of acquisition, prior to FeLV or FIV vaccination, or after a high-risk event such as a bite wound. All kittens should be tested at 4 to 8 weeks of age, and if positive, again at 6 months of age.
How do you care for a FIV cat?
- Method 1 of 5: Feeding a FIV-Positive Cat. Feed your FIV positive cat a nutritious diet.
- Method 2 of 5: Getting Preventative Healthcare. Get your cat vaccinated regularly.
- Method 3 of 5: Controlling a FIV-Positive Cat’s Stress.
- Method 4 of 5: Controlling Interaction with Other Cats.
- Method 5 of 5: Understanding the Progression of FIV.