Kitty question...

[nscrbug]

The problem with pilling our cat, is that he simply will not open his mouth...no matter how much we try and pry it open. It actually feels like we are hurting him, when we try and pry his mouth open. But anyways...he is feeling much better now...so that is the good news. The bad news is...he tested positive for FIV. He had to have had this passed on through his mother, because he has never been in a brawl with another cat, never been bitten by another cat. We have no idea how he could have contracted this, other than through his own mother. He was tested (negative) before we brought him home from the shelter, but our vet thinks that the virus may have been in the "incubation period" when he was tested, which would account for the negative result at the time. Since there is no treatment for FIV, which compromises the immune system...we will just have to monitor him and keep him as healthy as possible. Our vet doesn't see any reason why he won't live a relatively normal life, if we can ward off infections early and promptly. Any others out there with FIV-positive kitties? Would love to hear your experiences.

Linda

Linda

[Melalvai]

You've probably tried this already but I didn't see it suggested yet...we had amazing success coating the pill with butter.

[Koronin]

The stray who adopted us and now lives with my parents is FIV positive. We have no idea how old he is, but we've had him (either us or my parents) for around 4-5 years and he was several years old when he showed up at our door. We couldn't keep him with us when we moved due to our 3 cats truly hating him. As in if he moved they were ready to attack. My mom's cat (who is negative) gets along with him great. We haven't had to do anything special with him. He's fairly submissive so that helps in him living with a cat that is negative. My mom has another cat who is negative and they get along wonderfully.

[zoom-zoom]

You've probably tried this already but I didn't see it suggested yet...we had amazing success coating the pill with butter.

That, or Pill Pockets always worked with our cats.

FIV...oh, I am sorry. But I have known some pretty geriatric cats with FIV. I think if they are kept indoors that they can fare pretty well, actually.