my cat's FIV positive and I'm worried

[XanaDUer2]

he just puked up again. We're taking him to see the vet. We thought it was because he ate salmon-flavored catfood, but he hasn't had any in a day or so. I'm so worried he might be really sick. He's my buddy. Life is very stressful now, with my SO having back surgery next month. I really cannot take something happening to my cat. Thanks for listening

[Phoenix61]

1. I'm sorry. Glad he's going to the vet tomorrow but

maybe it’s just a hair ball. One of mine has a hard time with them every once in a while.

[XanaDUer2]

9. Probably

thanks for responding

[niyad]

2. Lady Bast, please take care of Your little one. His family is worried sick for him. Please send love

and healing.

Please keep us posted.

[irisblue]

3. May it be so.

[XanaDUer2]

11. thanks

nt

[XanaDUer2]

10. Thank you

very kind

[Karadeniz]

4. Details? Age...indoor...other cats...when was he diagnosed? Anyway, FIV isn't usually the end of

The world. ...type of food? Dry, canned? If he goes outside, that should stop. He doesn't need to be in a cat fight. If you have other cats, they should be okay... It pretty much takes a bloodbath to spread FIV, which makes one wonder how he got it. How long has he been vomiting? Give him a pate canned food, not too much, put a bit of water in it to make a gruel...half an egg yolk would be nice. If he's developed IBS, that can be helped with steroids.

[XanaDUer2]

12. 4 yes old, inside only

wet food mostly, some dry. Fancy Feast seems to trigger it. Thanks for the suggestions. Here's hoping it's just a hairball

[Karadeniz]

17. If you live near a Tractor Supply, I buy their large cans, 4Health. I called their office for the

Percentages on certain ingredients and everything checked out.

[DeminPennswoods]

18. My vet suggested trying

the small round kibble made from turkey as both are apparently easier for to cats digest. Works pretty well for my cat that eats mostly dry food.

[Doreen]

5. That can be unnerving.

Usually they can live a happy life. You need to be vigilant on watching for symptoms of various things that can come up because of FIV. Feed quality foods and do regular vet visits. I suggest starting to use probiotics from now on. It really helps as it regulates their system and helps with their immune system. The probiotics can help with the puking and some hairball medicine can help. Keep him as an indoor furry.

[XanaDUer2]

13. thank you

I appreciate your response

[procon]

6. Cats are so sensitive to our moods and attitudes.

My big furry guy knows when I'm distressed or feeling low. He comes to me, trilling softly, and cuddles up as close as he can so his head is resting on my heart.

My other cat isn't one for cuddles, she prefers pats and scratches. She reacts to my moods by screaming at me at the top of her lungs, as if to say, "Get over it!" immediately followed by a nice splat of barf. That sure takes my mind off my problems for a bit.

[XanaDUer2]

14. aren't they just?

I love the big guy

[marti]

7. Fiv

Fiv is not a death nell. Maybe upset tummy is not related. Good luck. if they give you pills ask if the med can compounded to transdermal.I get my kitty's meds done by 1 800 pet meds.She has to have thyroid meds.

[XanaDUer2]

15. Thank you

I will explore this

[wackadoo wabbit]

8. My late cat was diagnosed with FIV and went on to live for another full decade

He finally died at the age of 19 of congestive heart failure. (This was in the days before pet food companies put taurine, an essential nutrient for cats, in their cat food. According to the vets at Cornell who treated him, a taurine deficiency caused my cat's heart problem.)

The thought of FIV is scary, I know, but it definitely isn't a death sentence.

May you and your kitty live long, happy, healthy lives together.

[XanaDUer2]

16. thanks

everyone here is always so kind

[XanaDUer2]

19. Update

the vet said stop feeding him any fish-based catfood and see what happens. He hasn't vomited in a few days. Thank you everyone for your concern

[niyad]

20. Wow. I just came in to see how your precious boy is doing, and here is the news. I am happy to

hear this. Continued healing vibes for him and hugs for you both.

[XanaDUer2]

21. Thank you, niyad!