FIV+ cat losing fur

[leisuresuitlissy]

Hi all, I have a 10 year old neutered male FIV+ cat who is losing fur on his back legs and abdomen.

His flea treatment is up to date and is healthy other than being slightly overweight and his FIV status.

He's mostly an indoor cat so may be overgrooming out of boredom,, but on the other hand, he has toys and gets plenty of attention when we're home. Just wondering if anyone knows if his FIV might be causing him to lose fur, or if there's any other likely cause.

Thanks.

[leisuresuitlissy]

Just reading these articles now and OMG I had no idea how bad dry food was. :( Thanks I will definitely change his diet.

[leisuresuitlissy]

PS I am interested in raw feeding. Is this the way of feeding that simulates the way they'd eat if they were hunting for themselves?

Thanks

[leisuresuitlissy]

thanks again. i thought i was doing the right thing feeding him this. :/ Anyway thanks, I will do anything I can to preserve/improve his health so will definitely read those diet sites too.

[opus88]

we seem to be crossing one anothers posts...so I just saw your comment on Hills Science Diet.....ugggg.
first of all stop feeding this...don't care what your Vet says its a terrible diet. also stop with the DRY food...they are loaded in unecessary carbs and thats what leads to the weight gain!!!! also many other health issues...probably why he's loosing some fur....loaded with additives...preservatives and alot of ugly stuff.
I will send you a site that deals with nutrition....by a very knowledgable Vet she promotes raw feeding...however for those of us who don't wish to do that..you can find on the right side of her article 'best commercial diets' click on that and she will name the best CANNED diets on the market. be sure its a GRAIN FREE one...you will have alot less chance of any allergies also less weight issues....!!!!

when you do change the diet( I sure hope you will) be sure to do the transition slowly...most cats don't like going from dry to cans...like us going to broccoli from french fries...lol.
Dr. Pierson also has many ideas on how to do the slow transition, again click on the appropriate title on the right side of her column. slow transitions avoid diarrhea and other GI issues..man I've given you tons of reading haven't I...you'll be amazed what you will learn at these sites...:))

http://www.catinfo.org/

http://www.catinfo.org/felineobesity.php

[opus88]

the lactoferrin brands are:

http://www.iherb.com/Life-Extension-Lactoferrin-Caps-60-Capsules/4030

or

http://www.iherb.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Lactoferrin-250-mg-60-Capsules/134

you can look at your local health food supply to see if they carry these two which are SAFE for use on cats...(mustn't contain soy,wheat, gluten, preservatives, +++) if they don't than  order fro iherb or another trusted site, I use iherb all the time and have never had any issues wth them. :))

give 20mg per pound....so if your kitty weights 10lbs you would give 200mg which is slightly less than the capsule contains...you will have to measure it out. add to his food if he will accept that, otherwise mix with a bit of water and give by dropper.

[leisuresuitlissy]

Thanks for your response, just saw it now. He's being fed Hills Prescription Diet food for weight loss, and has been for the last year or so. He needs to lose 800g to be the weight the vet said he should be.

[leisuresuitlissy]

Oh and for what it's worth, the his has seen him about this twice, and she said his skin isn't red or irritated at all. Just reading through those pages now. :)

[opus88]

yes allergies can develop at any time esp when the immune system is compromised as with FIV cats...
I would highly recommend lactoferin supplements to strengthen his immune system.
also Omega 3's in the form of Krill Oil which is very good for any skin/coat issues
what are you feeding?

[leisuresuitlissy]

Oh and yes please. Names of brands and dosages of lactoferrin would be great. Thanks again.

[leisuresuitlissy]

Hi, thanks very much for your responses. I'll have a look through those sites you listed.

I don't know if it's likely to be an allergy as we're not using anything different to before and he's never had problems previously, unless his immune system is now suddenly reacting in this way because of his FIV. Is that at all likely?

Thanks again.

[opus88]

just a late warning do not try to oopen that last site I gave you...fivtherapy it appears to now come up as spam.....will look for another one.

[opus88]

As you know FIV affects the immune system, therefor many conditions/allergies can arise. I ca find NO direct reasons for hair loss just b/c of an FIV dx. however FIV cats are prone to allergies as I've said also to Hyperthyroidism and one of the signs of this disease can be hair loss in the belly area...
found one site with some reasons cats have hair loss, worth a look. IMO its usually due to an allergy to food or enviornment this is called EGC (esinophilic granuloma complex) I can get you more info on that if you suspect this.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2141&aid=195

this site talks of the importance of using lactoferrin for FIV cats...I would highly recommend it...FIV is an immuno suppressant disease and lacto supports the immune system..., I can send you the names of brands to use and dosages...again if you like.

http://www.fivtherapy.com/lactoferrin.htm

[opus88]

loosing fur on back end and abdomen can indicate an allergy to litter or something that comes in contact with that area of the body..such as carpeting cleaners or harsh cleaning liquids on the floors...or those dusting pads that attract dust..nasty stuff.
I can do some research on FIV and loosing fur if you are patient..and still here. let me know k.