Newly diagnosed FIV in an ex-stray cat

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TheTenderNight
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Newly diagnosed FIV in an ex-stray cat

Post by TheTenderNight »

Hi all,

This is Odysseus Felix.
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He turned up at our house during the first UK national lockdown, I turned around and was blown away by the most handsome cat I'd ever seen! Over the next few months, we lured him in with food, love and attention.
I named him 'Odysseus' after the Greek hero, as he spent 20 years trying to get home, and little Odysseus Felix spent a long time finding us on his own Odyssey, so it felt only right!

Throughout his 2 years with us, we took in another stray who he did NOT get on with, this cat was later diagnosed with FIV after we gave him up for adoption (he got snapped up quickly and is now in a loving home!)

Oddy had recently started swelling on his legs, eating little food and had a swollen eye. This went in cycles, and they would inflate and deflate, so we were worried. Today, he was diagnosed with FIV. I know this isn't a death sentence, and he's my entire world, I'm going to do everything I can to help him be comfortable, happy and live the best life he can!

I've already bought him some immunity support supplements and we're giving him KatKins (a food made from 100% meat) and I know I have to massage his legs when they swell. I've also bought him some cat grass to grow so he can eat that and have that connection to the outside.

Has anyone got any recommendations for helping a newly diagnosed FIV cat? He's my world and I want to help in any way I can! He loves going outside (which he obviously now can't do) so I was thinking about creating a faux outside environment for him to enjoy, has anyone else done this? What would you recommend?

Thank you in advance!
Ginnyt
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Re: Newly diagnosed FIV in an ex-stray cat

Post by Ginnyt »

He’s better off inside. FIV cats do have ups and downs. Maybe there is something missing nutritionally. Probiotics maybe. Frozen raw goats milk
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Mollycat
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Re: Newly diagnosed FIV in an ex-stray cat

Post by Mollycat »

Ginnyt wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 4:07 am He’s better off inside. FIV cats do have ups and downs. Maybe there is something missing nutritionally. Probiotics maybe. Frozen raw goats milk
Goats milk is still dairy and although it's better tolerated than cow's it isn't the superfood it's currently fashionably touted as. Personally I've never had a dairy intolerant cat that would eat it cow's milk dairy produce and then be ill, but there are a lot of them.
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fjm
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Re: Newly diagnosed FIV in an ex-stray cat

Post by fjm »

It sounds as if you have most things well in hand. If you search for "catio" here and on the internet you will find ideas for creating a safe, enclosed outside space that he might enjoy.
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