Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), or feline AIDS, is not a diagnosis cat owners want to hear. It attacks the immune system and makes it difficult for the cat to fight off other infections. The virus is transferred mostly through bites (or saliva to blood transfer). It is also possible to spread the virus when cats groom each other or even eat out of the same food dish. There is no known cure for the virus, although a controversial vaccine has been developed.
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Symptoms
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Early symptoms of FIV may include swollen lymph nodes and an increase in infections of the skin or intestines. The cat may be lethargic, run a fever and lose weight. Cats may also show changes in eating or grooming habits. Cats with FIV are at greater risk of experiencing complications from secondary infections such as urinary tract infections, skin, oral and upper respiratory problems. Cats may suffer from fungal, parasitic or bacterial infections---sometimes from organisms that normally do not cause disease in felines. Some cats may experience anemia and neurological problems.
How Long Does My cat Have?
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There are several stages of the disease. In the final stages, life expectancy for a cat is less than one year. But if diagnosed early on, FIV-positive cats can be expected to live for several more years. All cats should be tested annually---especially cats who live or have access to the outdoors. And if you are considering bringing a new cat into your home that already has feline members, the new cat should be tested, too.
Holistic Treatments
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If your FIV cat is otherwise healthy, then general maintenance with a quality diet and perhaps supplements such as fatty acids or vitamins will help keep your cat happy and healthy. In addition, there are several herbal supplements with some evidence that they may suppress FIV, without the unpleasant side effects that modern drugs, such as the popular AZT (the only HIV drug approved for FIV therapy), sometimes have. However, cat owners trying herbal supplements at home should be aware that it is possible to give too much of one herb to your cat. Carefully measuring amounts and making sure your cat gets appropriate doses is vital to success. Herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so it is at the owner's own risk to try a regime of herbs to treat FIV in their cat.
Here are some possible herbs to consider for your FIV cat: olive leaf extract---research for HIV therapy has shown promise, although there is no research concerning olive leaf and FIV; chrysin (extracted from passion flower); green tea; bitter melon; grape seed; prunella vulgari---this is a Chinese herb, sometimes known as All Heal (it acts as a HIV fusion inhibitor); aloe vera; supplements and vitamins such as Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin E and L-Glutamine may help provide antioxidants.
Acupuncture and massage therapies may help boost your cat's immune system and provide him with a better quality of life. Cats with FIV should be treated immediately when they come down with any secondary infections.
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