Date of details/update: October 2016; March 2020
Country: United States
Owner: Heather
Cat name: Eliana
Gender: Female
Neutered?: neutered
Colour: Tabby
Character: Eliana had a rough beginning as she was born to a feral momma. She loves to be petted but only wants held when she wants. She loves to watch and chatter at the birds. She loves to play and has fun with my seven other cats who are negative.
How does the cat live?: Indoor only
Single or multicat household: Multi
if multi cat, how many others: Eliana is positive and she lives with seven who are negative.
What do you feed your cat?: I feed raw that has been treated by HPP, and grain and carageenen free canned. I occasionally give grain free, raw coated kibble as a treat.
Do you give any regular supplements?: No.
When was the cat acquired?: October 2015
Cat's age when acquired: 6 months
What was the cat's condition when acquired?: She was living in my backyard, so she had worms and fleas. I had been feeding her for most of her life.
What is known of the cat before you acquired him/her?: She had a wound on the side of her neck. I was able to trap her and take her to the vet. The vet removed a large warble from her. At the time, she tested negative for FIV. When I had her retested about two months later, she tested positive.
Was the cat known to be FIV positive when acquired?: yes
When was the cat diagnosed FIV positive?: Approximately 6 months
Why was the cat tested?: Routine
Is the cat living (or passed away)?: living
if passed away, how long did you have the cat?:
when did he/she die, and do you know the cause of death?:
How would you describe the cat's general health over the time with you?:
She's been mainly healthy so far but did have some urinary issues which corresponded to a time of stress in the home.
Update March 2020 Eliana, thankfully, is doing great! Since she was enrolled in this project, she has gotten three more cat siblings. They all love each other and share food and litterboxes. I have had several of my cats tested for FIV, and they continue to be negative. My vet said there is no point in retesting any more of them.
When Eliana first came to me, she was feral. Through the years she has adjusted to home life, and seeks out affection now. She also loves soft blankets and has claimed one as her own!
I now feed DIY raw that I make with raw meat, liver, and Alnutrin with eggshell calcium. One of my seniors has CKD now, and this helps to keep the phosphorus low. I also feed some low phosphorus canned food. Eliana hasn't had any health issues since the urinary issue she had. I eliminated all of the kibble treats and feed freeze dried treats instead now.
I love her so much and wouldn't trade my silly little girl for anything!
The following are details of the ailments the cat suffered
Health details:
One of the senior cats in our home needed a surgical procedure. Within a week of him going in and coming home, I noticed Eliana going in and out of the litter box quite often and not voiding a large volume. I took all of the dry treats away and gave her a homeopathic for urinary irritations, urinary tract chews, and immune boosters. This occurred over the weekend so I couldn't take her to the vet, or else she would have gone first thing. I have since learned that cats with FIV are more prone to UTI's and cystitis. I am working on completely eliminating the kibble treats, as they have such a low moisture content.
General
Is there anything more you can tell us about your cat that might help us understand the overall picture?:
My little girl is just like my other cats except I know if she gets sick, she has to go to the vet right away. She has her own personality, and it so sweet! I wouldn't trade her for anything!
and finally - does your experience of FIV match what you were led
to believe when you first heard about the virus ?: No. When my vet first told me she was positive I was told I needed to go home and wash the room she was in down with bleach. I could t even visit her at the vet. I did a lot of research and found out that what I was being told just wasn't true. My vet is learning now and even encouraged me to participate in this study!
Is there anything more you can tell us about your cat that might help us understand the overall picture?:
My little girl is just like my other cats except I know if she gets sick, she has to go to the vet right away. She has her own personality, and it so sweet! I wouldn't trade her for anything!
and finally - does your experience of FIV match what you were led
to believe when you first heard about the virus ?: No. When my vet first told me she was positive I was told I needed to go home and wash the room she was in down with bleach. I could t even visit her at the vet. I did a lot of research and found out that what I was being told just wasn't true. My vet is learning now and even encouraged me to participate in this study!