Member

Posts: 139
From:UK
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 04-09-2003 06:53 PM         

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My Vet has just tested my kitten for FIV suspecting that his bleeding gums are caused by it...
I know many would chose to have an FIV cat put down but he is a housecat and the likelihood is if he has it so do my other two.
Does anyone has an FIV cat that they have decided to nurse instead of putting the kitty to sleep? I need to know the pros and cons before I make a decision.

Many Thanks
Kate

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Member

Posts: 30
From:seymour, IN, USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 04-10-2003 05:44 PM         

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Dear Kate,
One of our cats recently had FIV- so the information is fresh in my mind. Although Shaman probably had FIV when we brought her home from the shelter- she lived with us for 6 years- and that was without all of the preventative help (primarily a raw food diet) that we could have given her had we known earlier that she was FIV positive. If you can treat his gums and get him on a close to natural diet (most ferral cats have FIV yet are rarely affected by it because of their fresh, raw food diet- none of the commercial brands provide adequate nutrition and are one of the main causes of slow deterioration) I believe he would have a good chance of living a near normal life span. If you decide against euthanazia, be careful about antibiotics and vaccinations (vaccinations should altogether be avoided)- both temporarily weaken the immune system and could cause the disease to rapidly run its course. Again, when dealing with FIV, it is best to work on the prevention of any illness- especially diet (there are many good books on this), stress, and overall maintaining a healthy immune system. My thoughts are with you as you make your decision. If you have any questions- please ask!
-Carrie

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Member

Posts: 139
From:UK
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 04-14-2003 06:34 AM         

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Thanks Carrie
though it seems my vet was wrong my kitten has feline calicivirus (type of cat flu) i am soooooo relieved.

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posted 04-15-2003 02:48 PM           

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A wise cat breeder once told me...more cats have been killed by the FIV test then the actually disease...

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Member

Posts: 139
From:UK
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 04-15-2003 02:51 PM         

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would seem to be very true, though I would never have considered having him put to sleep seriously as he is such a happy cat.

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