RIP Sammy. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

[BarnyardChaos]

So sorry for your loss loosing a pet is just so dang hard.

Hopefully your remaining kitties will be negative.

I did take Elvira (one of the kittens) in for testing and spay. She tested negative. So it's very likely that her mother, Karma, is negative, too. And our other cats should be okay too, since they never had blood contact with Sammy nor with any other neighborhood cats. Thank you for the comments.

 

[MROO]

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I'm debating which of our cats to have tested, or all four. They're all indoor cats, and if one's got it, then they all likely have it, too.

I am so, SO sorry you're going through this! I volunteer with a cat rescue and have seen many cats suffer with end-stage FIV. It's painful and it's not pretty. Take comfort in knowing that you did the right thing for your boy.

Moving forward, it's definitely a good idea to test all of your kitties, just in case, but just because one cat had it isn't a guarantee that anyone else does. FIV is transferred through bodily fluids. Puncture bites being the most common, which is why it's so prevalent in feral colonies and cats that are allowed to roam. Unfortunately, breeding can spread it too, so definitely notify your nephew and anyone else who has one of the kittens. Exposed cats and kittens should have two tests done, six months apart, and then annually along with their annual well-check and boosters. Most vets include it automatically, but remember to request it if they don't. You may want to check with your vet before giving your cats the vaccination, too. Many do not recommend it if the cat has already been exposed.

Since all of your cats have been in contact with the sick one, and the virus can take a very long time to incubate, you'll need to be proactive to protect your other kitties. All of the "precautions" are either general practice and common sense!

• Females should be spayed, as gestation can trigger the virus and it's not fair to any kitten or potential owner to start out with that shadow over their heads. Males should be neutered to cut down on fights, biting and spats.
• Keep your litter box clean.
• Keep everyone - dogs and cats - on flea and tick killer.
• Treat any wounds or illnesses - especially respiratory issues - quickly and completely.
• Most importantly, keep them indoors. If they "Need" to be outside, give them access to a windowsill. Ours have an oversized parrot cage we got (cheap!) off FaceBook Marketplace. It sits on the porch where they can come and go at will when we open the window. They LOVE it, especially when we put a bird feeder out front. The cats "chitter" as much as the sparrows!

You CAN protect your babies. Even if they carry FIV, they can live long, healthy lives alongside healthy cats. I'm not saying that from the perspective of a Crazy Rescue Cat Lady - it comes from a place of love and personal experience. I had an older FIV rescue in my home years ago. None of my other three cats have been infected, and one's almost eleven, now. So please remember:
With early detection, FIV is NOT the death sentence many believe it to be!

 

[Ext 918]

I'm so sorry for your loss.