FIV Awareness
Hello my name is Pharaoh and I am FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) Positive Stage Three, you will learn more about what that means later. I am also one of the pilots here at International Cat House. I'm here to raise awareness and help shed some light on a very sensitive topic. So let's get started.
What is FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)?
FIV is a lentivirus, a slow-progressing virus that can compromise a cat's immune system, reducing it's ability to fight off illnesses. The virus has a long latent period then progresses so slowly that it may never affect a cat. That's why long-term studies show what guardians and rescuers have known for decades, that FIV cats can live just as long and as healthy, and ultimately die of the same causes as Non-FIV cats. And, FIV cats can live with Non-FIV cats without spreading the virus.
FIV Quick Facts
• FIV causes feline AIDS, a silent, deadly disease that attacks a cat’s immune system but is not the same as the human AIDS virus.
• According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, up to one in 12 cats tests positive for FIV.
• With a compromised immune system, the cat is no longer able to fight subsequent infections or disease.
• Any cat with exposure to the outdoors is at risk for FIV.
• FIV is mainly transmitted during cat fights via bite wounds.
• Initial, or first-stage, symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes and low white blood cell count. Cats infected with FIV start to become listless, do not groom themselves properly and are prone to secondary infections.
• Second-stage cats may recover and show no symptoms yet become
lifelong carriers.
• Third-stage cats experience weight loss, sores in and around the mouth, poor coat and secondary infections, which become more frequent and resistant to treatment.
(Pharaoh is currently in his third-stage of FIV)
How is FIV transmitted?
FIV is difficult to spread. The virus is fragile and does not survive long in the environment. It is killed by air, light, heat and regular household disinfectants.
FIV is primarily transmitted through a deep, penetrating bite (FIV cat to Non-FIV cat) where the virus (in the saliva) is injected directly into the bloodstream of the Non-FIV cat. Bites of this kind are extremely rare, except in free-roaming, un-neutered tomcats.
It can also be spread through the blood transfusions (very rare since a Veterinarian would not use and FIV cat to give blood to a Non-FIV cat).
Kittens rarely get it from their mothers. Some inherit their Mom's antibodies (the good guys fight the virus) so kittens testing positive should be retested between 6 and 8 months of age, at which time most will test negative. Which means they never had the virus, just the antibodies from Mom.
FIV is not passed through open wounds. And, FIV is not passed casually such as in sharing of food or water dishes or toys, mutual grooming, snuggling, mock fighting, shared litter boxes, scratches, not even sneezes. You can cuddle FIV and Non-FIV cats at the same time and not spread the virus.
Can FIV cats live with other cats?
Yes, FIV cats can live with both FIV and Non-FIV cats without spreading the virus as long as all are non-aggressive. This is usually a matter of introducing cats SLOWLY. Any time a new cat is added to a household, there should be a slow introductory period whether cats are FIV or Non-FIV.
Can my kids or other animals catch FIV?
NO. FIV is a feline disease. There is no evidence FIV can be transmitted to humans or other mammals.
How is a cat tested for FIV?
A simple blood test called ELISA looks for antibodies to FIV. However, due to many false results, if a cat tests positive, it should be retested using an IDEXX PCR test. (The PCR looks for the actual virus itself.)
Is there a cure or treatment for FIV?
No. There are actually no cures for any of the thousands of viruses in cats or humans, and no specific treatments for FIV except good care (see below: Do FIV cats need special care?)
Is there a vaccine?
A vaccine was created. However, it is no longer available in the US because it did not work for all strains of the virus. Also, the screening tests cannot tell the difference between a vaccinated cat and one that has the virus. So if a vaccinated cat was lost and ended up at a shelter, the cat could lose its life because some shelters routinely "euthanize" FIV cats as unadoptable. (Thankfully, more people running shelters now know that FIV cats are just cats ant they are finding homes for them.)
Is FIV the same as Feline AIDS?
Some people, including veterinarians, still use the misleading terminology that FIV=Feline AIDS. The facts are that FIV is NOT "Feline AIDS." (Just as we have learned that HIV is NOT "AIDS" in people.) FIV is a slow-progressing virus that could (though rarely does) allow a disease to progress unchecked.
How long can FIV cat live?
Several long-term studies show what guardians and rescuers have known for decades, that cats can live as long, and as healthy as non-FIV cats and ultimately die of the same causes.
Do FIV cats need special care?
FIV cats have the same needs as Non-FIV cats. ALL cats should be neutered, live only with other non aggressive cats, kept as healthy as possible, live in a safe environment (either indoor and/or outdoor cat-proofed area), stress levels kept down (all cats are hypersensitive), a quality diet (the best you can afford), regular vet exams, treat any health problems as they arise. And LOVE.
Unfortunately FIV cats are prone to secondary conditions due to a low immune system. This is another reason a good diet is recommended and regular exams and care are needed.
FIV and HIV Similar but Different
When compared to the feline leukemia virus at left, the structural similarities between the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are obvious in these electromicrograph images of mature virus. The telltale characteristic of the AIDS viruses is the “ice cream cone” core. Clinically the viruses cause similar AIDS symptoms in cats and humans.
Angel Pharaoh
Created by CreatrixDigitAll
(Copyright © 2022 CreatrixDigitAll. All Rights Reserved)
Pharaoh's Trip To Rainbow Bridge
On December 23, 2022 Pharaoh said Goodbye and made his journey to Rainbow Bridge.
His health started to decline on December 5, 2022. He had a long battle with stomatitis for the past 4 years and it escalated into him contracting calicivirus. The calicivirus he contracted was extremely deadly causing mouth ulcers and it escalated from his mouth to his eyes and nose in the form of a respiratory infection and eventually caused some kidney failure. With being FIV positive he had a very small chance of fighting this infection. He tried so hard and we tried with him till eventually his body could not take anymore. Stewardess Incanto was with him as he made his journey to Rainbow Bridge. We miss him so very much and will continue his legacy of FIV Awareness.
Pharaoh's Timeline
April 2016: Incanto meets Pharaoh, she sees him around the apartment complex grounds. He likes to chase the birds and marks the bushes around the building.
November 2016: Incanto starts to leave food out and a bed for Pharaoh to try and attract him more. She notices he trusts a elderly neighbor of hers.
Pharaoh will on occasion bring other cats with him to the space she has created for him.
January 2017: Incanto notices Pharaoh hasn't been around and randomly sees him with his ear clipped one day. She looks it up and realizes he is neutered now and someone with the TNR program must of captured him.
March 2017: Pharaoh finally sits in Incantos lap for the first time when she is sitting outside watching him eat.
May 31, 2017: Pharaoh has been missing for a few days. Incanto goes outside and opens a can. Usually the noise attracts Pharaoh if he is near by, all of a sudden she happens to look up and there is Pharaoh trapped on the roof. Along with some help from neighbors they are able to get him to jump into a laundry basket.
June 15, 2017: Pharaoh is caught in a fight with a local tomcat that is not neutered and taken to the local shelter by Incanto.
June 15, 2017: Incanto has Pharaoh checked out, vaccinated and chipped and made the decision to fully remove him from the streets. The shelter estimates his age is 6 years old.
November 21, 2018: Pharaoh begins to pull out his fur on both sides of his inside back legs. Incanto takes him to the vet where he is diagnosed with Stomatitis/Gingivitis and possible food allergy. FELV/FIV test is ordered on Pharaoh.
First round of Depo-Medrol, Buprenorphine and ClindaCure is given. Started new food, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Selected Protein PV Canned Cat Food (Venison)
November 27, 2018: Pharaoh's test comes back FIV Positive
(Please note from this point on the FIV will cause his immune system to go into overdrive with each secondary condition that happens to develop from a low immune system)
December 3, 2018: Pharaoh receives another dose of Depo Medrol a steroid
January 14, 2019: Pharaoh is given treatment again for Stomatitis/Gingivitis.
Second round of Depo-Medrol, Buprenorphine and ClindaCure is given.
February 7, 2019: Pharaoh is sedated for a full dental cleanse and check up for any bad teeth. No bad teeth are found.
March 11,2019: Pharaoh is given treatment again for Stomatitis/Gingivitis.
Third round of Depo-Medrol, Buprenorphine and Convenia is given.
March 12, 2019: Cat Dental Specialist is contacted about the possibility of removing all of Pharaoh's teeth. Specialist informs Incanto that there is only a 30% chance that the surgery would help him with his ongoing issue of Stomatitis/Gingivitis. The surgery is estimated to be six thousand dollars. After a long discussion with Pharaohs Veterinarian, Incanto decides against the surgery. The 30% chance of it actually helping is determined to be extremely low to put him though the surgery and living his life with no teeth.
April 8, 2019: Pharaoh has excessive drool that is severely smelly. Pharaoh is given treatment again for Stomatitis/Gingivitis.
Fourth round of Depo-Medrol and Convenia is given. Pharaoh can not continue these treatments in excessiveness without the risk of kidney and liver failure. Pharaoh is permanently put on wet food only. It is also recommended to not receive anymore vaccinations.
April 25, 2019: Incanto does extensive research on Stomatitis with FIV and starts Pharaoh on NotaSAN Drops and QuentaSAN Drops. Over the counter herbal approach for his ongoing issue for his Stomatitis and low immune system from FIV. These would be given orally once a day in the evening.
You can find these drops at Ask Ariel.
(Note: NotaSAN and QuentaSAN are now known as NOT Anti Infection Drops and QUENT Anti Viral Anti Infection Drops)
June 2019: Pharaoh becomes picky about his everyday food and is taken off the Veterinary Diet he started on November 21, 2018. Incanto starts to feed him any brand of beef wet cat food that has no chicken or fish products as recommended by her vet because of a possible food sensitivity. Continues Herbal Medication mentioned from April 25, 2019.
October 2019: Pharaoh begins to self-harm and excessively bite and scratch at himself. Elizabethan collar is placed on him and a daily warm wet cloth along with skin conditioners are used. Continues on Herbal Medication mentioned from April 25, 2019.
December 2019: Incanto decides to move to a different apartment that has no carpet and more sunlight to help with the possible skin issue and happiness of Pharaoh. Continues on Herbal Medication mentioned from April 25, 2019.
Year 2020: The year of covid: Pharaoh would continue on his Herbal Medications mentioned from April 25,2019 and continue on his beef only diet, with changing brands a few times because of supply issues. His Stomatitis is still present and would cause him to drool excessively most days. But is still very playful and himself. (No vet visits this year)
March 2021: Incanto would move to a larger apartment for Pharaoh to move around more in, he has become very stable and in a normal routine. Excessive drool is still a issue and no longer tries to groom, daily grooming and using a wet rag is used by Incanto.
Continues on Herbal Medication mentioned from April 25, 2019.
July 2021: Incanto starts the use of bibs for Pharaoh to help with his drool and to make him more comfortable and keep his fur from sticking together. Continues on Herbal Medication mentioned from April 25, 2019.
(No vet visits in 2021)
February 2022: Supply issues interfere with Pharaoh receiving his Herbal Medication. Incanto tries to find another supplement but nothing matches so she starts NHV FELIMM, NHV Immune & Muli.
You can find these supplements at NHV Natural Pet.
August 2022: Pharaoh begins to become picky about food again and is drooling even more excessively. Still taking NHV supplements.
November 22,2022: Incanto gets sick and is noticing Pharaoh is also not feeling well and not acting like himself and is moving around to every water source inside the house and only wants to drink from a filled stainless steel sink.
December 4, 2022: Incanto wakes up to see blood pouring from Pharaoh's mouth. Pharaoh is rushed to the Emergency Room. The Emergency vet finds his mouth is in severe shape but can not determine where the excessive blood is coming from and determines it may be from his gums. He is treated with Simbadol, Convenia, Dexamethasone, Fluids-SQ, Buprenex. He is sent home to follow up with his normal vet the next day.
December 5, 2022: Pharaoh follows up with his normal vet. She is able to identify he has ulcers that have formed inside of his mouth and tongue. She starts him on Miratazapine and Prescription Pet Food CN for weight and nutrition gain. Also a full IV Fluid Set Up for Incanto to continue at home once a day.
The days following Pharaoh would begin to show improvement and eat and drink on his own.
December 13, 2022: Incanto is having a hard time administering the IV fluids so her vet is kind enough to do it for her each day provided she brings him in each day at 2:20pm.
Incanto also starts to have to feed and give water to Pharaoh through a syringe multiple times a day. Pharaoh begins to use potty pads instead of a litter box.
December 19, 2022: Pharaoh is seen everyday for his fluids but today is a check up day. Incanto noticed over the weekend his eye had discharge. Further examination determined he had a respiratory infection that was moving from his mouth to nose to eyes. His mouth was looking much better but the ulcers were still present. Pharoah is treated with Buprenorphine, Convenia, Dexamethasone, Tobramycin, He continues on his Prescription Pet Food CN and starts Hydra Care Feline Pro.
December 23, 2022: Pharaoh arrives for his daily IV Fluids. Unfortunately a few moments later Pharaoh's vet would come out and inform Incanto that he is not doing well and is having some kidney failure and that he is having a hard time breathing as well. With being FIV positive his body is having a hard time battling. Unfortunately Pharaoh will have to be euthanized. He is placed on Oxygen Therapy and fluids while Incanto makes preparations to say goodbye.
At 4pm PST Incanto would remove Pharaoh's collar and take his paw and tell him how much she loves him and he will be taking a little nap and she will see him later and that his brother Maahes loves him very much. Incanto never lets go of his paw and holds it every step of the way as he makes his way to Rainbow Bridge.
December 31,2022: Pharaoh's remains are available for pick up. Incanto and Maahes are able to ring in the new year with Pharaoh back by their side.
See Incanto's favorite moments with Pharaoh on our Pinned TikTok.
A special Thank You to East Charleston Animal Hospital of Las Vegas Nevada.
Dr. Julie Ylarde, DVM and her exceptional staff.
The care you showed to Pharaoh 2017-2022 and the ongoing care you continue to give all our cats.