Several weeks ago Cato wasn't right so I had him tested for everything....what I thought was wrong (thyroid) was not a problem, however he tested positive for antibodies to FIV. He is 7. Always been indoor/outdoor and not a fighter. Evidently there is someone new in the neighborhood. He had his Western Blot to confirm whether he is infected last week and I am finding out tomorrow, I hope, what his status is.
I am very depressed and frightened about the outcome. Elizabeth
Elizabeth...I'm so sorry that the tests show antibodies in Cato. And I understand completely why you'd be so frightened. I still haven't grasped the understanding of how FIV woeks on the animals system & how it's spread. It"s uncanny that in all my yrs. of TNRing,I've never come across the disease.
Maybe the test could be done again. Maybe it's a false positve.
Many Hugs to you & lots of Special loving for Cato. Prayers that tests show he is not infected.
You & Cato will be in my Thoughts & Prayers. {{{HUGS}}}
You must be so upset right now. Is there any possibility that it's a false positive? There some other things that might result in an FIV positive, including vaccinations from earlier in his life.
I hope you and your vet can figure out what's going on and solve it. If you're vet isn't super proactive, get more opinions.
My good wishes are with you - I'm sending the most positive vibes I can.
Posted 2 years ago by CheetahBoysmommy #
Do not be frightened. There is a world of help, go to:
felineleukemia.org
There are a bunch of people there that can help. Do not let the leukemia part worry you, there are many there dealing with FIV. You will get a wealth of information and support. I found them through Cornell University Veterinarian School. I have a friend that had a 23 year old with FIV. Prayer to you and Cato.
Don't panic. With good care, an FIV-positive cat can live a long happy life. My beloved Sam came to us when he was two years old and already FIV-positive. We had 14 wonderful years together. Of course, you have to watch an FIV+ kitty's health carefully. We had his teeth cleaned every year and regular checkups and off to the vet if he seemed to be ailing. But barring anything disasterous, you should have lots of time left with Cato. {{{Cato1730}}}
Posted 2 years ago by GizzysAuntie #
I hope the results of the test are good, Elizabeth. SM and GA are right. FIV can be managed. Please keep your hopes up.
Posted 2 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #
Sending heaps of healing energy to Cato and many hugs to you both. {{{Elizabeth and Cato}}}. I hope so much he doesn't have it (remember Sky's Stumpy?)
But please don't despair, if it turns out that he does have it. My Jasper, as well as being diabetic, only having one eye and hardly any teeth, is also FIV positive. (It's spread the same way in cats as it is in humans but probably mostly through male tomcats fighting.) He seems (touchwood) indestructible so far and would have had it as long as I've known him -- which is about eight years now. It doesn't seem to make any difference to him. I was worried Libs might catch it (vets said it was unlikely but there was some thought that if cats ate out of the same bowls for long enough, it could happen). I've never had her tested because she's never shown any signs. With your TLC, Cato will most probably live a long, happy and healthy life.
I still remember the sinking feeling in my heart when Stumpie tested positive for FIV. I went through a year of treating him like he had FIV before having the test confirmed, and it turned out he didnt have it. I learned a lot in that year, there is a whole community of people on the internet who can offer their knowledge & support & experience of FIV. Please dont panick. Even if he does have FIV, being 7 years old means he's out of the danger zone, and he can look forward to many more happy years with you. I know of a FIV cat who is 22 :)
When I first got Gabie, he was very sick and not eating. One of the tests that the vet gave him showed that, at some time, he had been exposed to FIV. I suppose that means he has the antibodies to it. He does not have it, though. The doctor told me that I should bring him back right away if he ever goes off his food again, but it's been nearly 2 years, and that hasn't happened. (An antibiotic cleared up whatever he had when I got him.)
I don't have any experience with FIV (although I don't know the exact cause of Jiggs' demise) but I'm sending lots of positive vibes your way, for you and for Cato.
Posted 2 years ago by JoanfromNewJersey #
((((Cato and Elizabeth)))
Lots of positive thoughts, prayers and hugs coming your way. I hope Cato is okay.
Posted 2 years ago by cricketsmama #
Sending lots of positive thoughts for you and Cato.
Posted 2 years ago by Crazycatman - CA #
Purrs and prayers for you and cato.
Posted 2 years ago by KYKAT 12 23 #
Hugs, prayers, healing vibes and much love to you and Cato.
Posted 2 years ago by HuddysMama #
{{{hugs for you and Cato}}}
Posted 2 years ago by AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew #
{{Cato}}{{Elizabeth}} Sending tons of white light to you and Cato.
Posted 2 years ago by SammyandOliversmama #
Thanks you guys :) :) I began to feel better when I found out several of you have long-lived cats with the disease. I haven't heard from my vet yet, but sometimes if he has to give me bad news, he waits a bit......I am still bursting into tears, but Cato seems just his usual self today :) I will let you know as soon as I know. Elizabeth
I cant remember who said it to me, but someone on tdk pointed out to me that the kitty doesnt know he has FIV. I can remember how confused Stump was when I suddenly started treating him differently because of the FIV. As far as the cats are concerned, its just life as usual for them :)
If he has antibodies that just means he has been exposed to the virus, which can be either by vaccine or another cat. If you test a cat for anything he has been vaccinated against he will test positive. Here's hoping for the best.
Posted 2 years ago by Sheba's Mom in Raleigh, NC #
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