Cats infected with FIV may live for months or years. On average, life expectancy is 5 years from the time of diagnosis depending on how active the infection is. There is a FIV vaccination given twice initially, then yearly thereafter for outside cats or cats exposed to outside cats due to the potential of cat bites.
What are the final stages of FIV in cats?
Final stage Cats are exposed to a host of infectious pathogens on a daily basis but are protected by their immune system. Once FIV destroys enough T lymphocytes, the immune system loses its ability to fight off opportunistic infections, turning otherwise harmless situations into emergencies.
Do cats with FIV suffer?
Although cats infected with FIV may appear normal for years, they eventually suffer from immune deficiency, which allows normally harmless bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi found in the everyday environment to potentially cause severe illnesses.
Should I euthanize my cat with FIV?
Cats infected with FIV should never be euthanized, unless they are actually experiencing a severe, debilitating illness that cannot be treated (as we would with any other cat).Jan 5, 2017
Do FIV cats die earlier?
A healthy FIV positive cat can live for many years, and indeed can often outlive non-infected cats, but please be aware that this is not always the case. Due to their impaired immune system, the cat may succumb to illness earlier, and not reach their normal life expectancy.
Do FIV cats have symptoms?
Like people with HIV, cats with FIV have a long period where they can appear healthy and show no clinical signs. This period may last for two to five years or perhaps even longer, during which your cat will have a normal, happy life.