How to Treat a Cat With Acute Immune Deficiency

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is the feline equivalent of AIDS. This virus infects cats of all species, including domestic cats, lions, tigers, leopards and cheetahs. It attacks a cat's immune system, which makes the cat incapable of fighting off infections. Symptoms include fever, anemia, malaise and swollen lymph glands. Cats with FIV need some specific treatment if they are to survive.

Things You'll Need

  • Meat (chicken, turkey, beef, or duck)
  • Fruits and vegetables (carrots, celery, lettuce, and apples)
  • Chicken liver
  • Cottage cheese
  • Dewormer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your cat to the vet for a blood test and definitive diagnosis, and ask the vet what stage of FIV your cat has. Stage 1 cats show symptoms, but during Stage 2, cats can live regular lifestyles and appear to be healthy. FIV becomes critical in Stage 3. It is important that you know your cat's status so you can monitor its health. Special care during Stage 2 can maintain a cat for years.

    • 2

      Feed your cat a raw food diet rather than dry or commercial cat food. Make your own cat food out of raw chicken, turkey, beef, venison and duck. Feed the cat three to four ounces of raw meat every day.

    • 3

      Feed your cat fresh fruits and vegetables like sliced carrots, apples, celery and lettuce. Also try cottage cheese to supplement your cat's vitamins and minerals and help it fight off infection and maintain healthy body function.

    • 4

      Feed your cat chicken liver twice a week for additional nutrition. Replace one meal with the chicken liver.

    • 5

      Keep the cat indoors to protect it from possible infections, and deworm it regularly to protect from parasites. Buy dewormer at a pet store and follow the directions to feed it to the cat.

    • 6

      Maintain regular contact with your vet through consistent checkups and phone calls. The vet should see the cat every couple of months to monitor its health.