[KittyMommy]

I have a 13-year old male cat, named Smokey, who all of sudden on Feb. 1 stopped eating. He has been diagnosed with FIV and the vet thinks he is in the later stages Please help! I've tried syringe feeding him cat food, baby food. I just wonder if anyone else has experienced this and what was the outcome? The vet is suggesting euthanasia, but we don't want to put him down because he is showing "normal" signs as well. Thanks!

 

[akpe]

Hello KittyMommy

I do not know a lot about FIV, only that it is similar to our HIV virus. Loss of appetite is a common symptom. Are there any other symptoms like weakness and fever? Is he living indoors?

If he is living indoors, and he actually is in the later stages, he still could act normal, as the virus does not have any serious effect on him: The virus just weakens his immune system, leaving him defenceless,so even the simplest cold may prove fatal: staying indoors, the chances of catching a cold or any other disease are minimum.

My girlfriend's kitty, a 9year old female, was diagnosed with FIV. She kept her indoors most of her life, and with the proper antibiotics and medicine, the kitty lived to 11,5 years.

However I am not a vet and I cannot give you information which could jeopardise the life of your kitty. You can find more information on FIV here: http://www.catconnection.net/care/fiv.htm

 

[binkyhoo]

there is no telling how long he will be with you. But when the time comes, its time.

 

[pets4me]

I feel that if the quality of life is still there then you shouldn't put the cat down...but too often the owner doesn't want to see if their pet suffering and often think of themslves because they can't bare to be without there cat/dog . I generally would listen to the vet. He/she has no emotional attatchment to your cat so there for is giving a suggestion based on facts and reality and not personal feelings for the animal.