Before you can identify what is the life expectancy of a cat with FIV, it is a must to be aware of the disease first. FIV, or a Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is considered an infectious and life-threatening disease in cats that is considered not curable.
FIV is a lentivirus related to a disease called Feline Leukemia Virus. Concerning this, 5% of cats who are positive for FIV are also diagnosed with Feline Leukemia.
Given these things, it is normal to experience pain and sadness when your cat unexpectedly catches FIV. Read the article below to know more about this virus.
Testing Your Cat For FIV
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus works by killing the cells in a cat’s immune system and affects the cat’s white blood cells. When this happens, expect cats to be more vulnerable and exposed to other infections. Other illnesses that might occur are gastrointestinal upsets and upper respiratory infections.
If cat owners have already noticed some FIV cat symptoms in their pets, then they should bring the cats to a veterinarian for checkups and examinations. To identify this kind of diagnosis, a cat must undergo a blood test. This may help in guaranteeing if the symptoms really represent FIV.
The test that should be done is called the ELISA test, which is suitable for identifying FIV antibodies. If the cat becomes positive for this test, the veterinarian will recommend the cat to undergo a Western Blot test.
Symptoms
Infected cats have lots of symptoms, which helps cat owners to distinguish them easily. This is also a way to know what is the life expectancy of a cat with FIV. Provided below is the list of signs and symptoms which can help owners to be aware of the cat’s condition:
- Losing weight for at least 30%
- Enlargement of lymph nodes
- Fever
- Inflammations of gums and mouth
- Long term infections in the skin, bladder, eyes, and upper respiratory tract
- Diarrhea
- Behavior changes
- Serious eye conditions are seen
- Ear infections
- Kidney disease
- Cancer (Lymphoma)
How Long Can A Cat Live With FIV?
Some research shows that FIV in cats life expectancy will just go around five years, starting from the time that the cat was diagnosed. However, it still varies depending on the status of the infection.
This might be hard to accept, but a sheltered cat is more likely to live longer than the cats who live outside because they are exposed to lots of viruses and bacteria. Due to the immune system’s dysfunction, infected cats may catch other diseases when they have contact with other cats.
The life expectancy of a cat diagnosed with FIV is hard to predict, but do not lose hope because cats can still live for years. Cats can live a normal life as long as they are managed and treated with the use of appropriate medicines.
Treatments
Cat owners who wonder what is the life expectancy of a cat with FIV should also be aware of FIV in cats treatment to try because this will help in saving your felines. Listed below are the recommended treatments for a cat diagnosed with FIV:
- One treatment to consider is giving immune stimulating medications or simply medications that can help treat secondary infections.
- It is also suggested to have a replacement therapy for fluid and electrolytes.
- Be familiar with the concept of parasite control because it can help in reducing risks.
- Consider taking medicines that can help boost the cat’s immune system.
- Consider taking medicine that can help and contribute to the inflammation of the cat.
- Always think about the cat’s nutritional diet. Be careful with the food that your cats will take. Make sure to consider the ingredients and nutrients because this will help the cat’s recovery.
Conclusion
Above all, there are many factors to consider before a cat owner identifies FIV in cats life expectancy. It is a serious disease that should be taken seriously, so better to address this with the help of veterinarians and their recommended treatments.
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