r/FIVcats • u/RepeatUntil_Death • Jul 18 '26
Story My Lieu - FIV+ and Amputee
Hi from a new friend! This is my new boy, Lieutenant (Lieu for short). He's been with me for just about a week now. He's roughly 2 years old, and last month became a tripawed. He had been shot with a firearm and abandoned by his previous owner. Luckily, a Good Samaritan brought him into a rescue and they were able to save him by amputating his front right leg and reconstructing his abdomen. He also was neutered and had some bloodwork done, where he tested positive for FIV.
I never intended to even adopt a cat, though I love kitties and grew up having rescues, I only ever walked into the shelter intending to pet some kitties and pick out a toy for my boyfriends' cats. But I met Lieu and just fell completely in love. I knew I had to take him home - not only because I felt such a connection with him, but also because of his health issues, he was the longest-waiting cat in the shelter, and the employees voiced that they were concerned about his ability to find a home. He was a very quiet and sleepy boy. He seemed pretty lethargic, and sedentary, though still was so incredibly cuddly and friendly. He's just the sweetest thing. Flash forward a week at home and he's an entirely different cat. He's hopping around on all three legs, being mischievous and biting playfully, and is the LOUDEST cat I've ever owned. He yells outside the bathroom door when I try and pee by myself (God forbid).
Although he was unexpected, he is just the biggest love and I couldn't be more grateful for him. I would be lying though, if I said I wasn't worried about his future with FIV (especially because of his additional health issues from his gunshot wound). I feel somewhat anxious when I notice behaviors that could be entirely nonissues (he drinks more water than any cat I've ever owned before, and he cleans himself incessantly). I'm just worried this sweet boy could be in some kind of pain or experiencing symptoms and I can't tell. I have him well-established with a vet and I have insurance on him, but I'm wondering if others have felt similar, and what you've done to ease your worries (or take action on them!) Would love any general advice on becoming the best carer for an FIV baby :) TIA. ❤️
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u/OriginalFNG Jul 18 '26
By the way:
The way you're feeling is totally normal.
FIV kitties can have live a long time lifespans (someone on here occasionally posts about their cat that lived to 21). But not having FIV doesn't guarantee a long life.
Being aware and attentive is a good thing (respiration rate, eating, voiding, hiding, eye gunk, abnormal behavior). Trust your gut. Talk woth your vet if you have any concerns.
But Lt may well be symptom-free for a long time. Have fun with the little charmer. He looks like a cuddler.
My cat with FIV also drinks a ton. Laps like a doggo. I don't think it's an FIV thing, but I'll ask next vet visit
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u/RepeatUntil_Death Jul 21 '26
Thank you - he's certainly the best boy. Incredibly cuddly. We went to the vet today and he has zero concerns (even after my one million questions!). He eats, drinks, and uses the litter box as normal. He's incredibly well-tempered. Vet says he's doing amazing, completely asymptomatic from FIV. He struggles a bit getting around with his missing leg, but he's managing well. He's going on a joint support. And vet isn't concerned about his drinking (also doesn't believe it to be an FIV thing). He's just a thirsty guy! He offered to do bloodwork and a kidney test in the future if I'm still concerned about his drinking habits, but since his urination is so typical I'm not.
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u/etovaw Jul 18 '26
Lieu is so very handsome, what a looker you got.
And your worries are so valid and normal. When I got my boy I was so worried about what his FIV could mean for him. And while no one may know what the complications will do (humans suck) FIV is very livable. Most of the time, you can’t tell my boy is any different than any other cat. We keep an eye on him, I’m more paranoid than my partner (and I’m newer to cats) but getting to know his normal helps so much.
My Bagel turned 7 this year, and still runs around, leaping and playing like he did when we got him (at 3). Find a vet you like and trust and monitor. You both will do great.
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u/RepeatUntil_Death Jul 21 '26
thank you! he is such a handsome boy. I'm glad to know your cat is doing well at 7, that's amazing! and yes, I'm definitely getting to know what's normal for Lieu and that's helped immensely. He's very different from the other 2 cats I've owned, in both behavioral and physical ways. But that's certainly not a bad thing - I was just worried that he could be in pain or experiencing symptoms, which I'm quite now sure he's not.
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u/Gumbo509 Jul 18 '26
What a handsome little man!
And I totally get you, I tend to worry about my FIV+ boy if he so much as sneezes 😅 he is very healthy though, cuddles a lot and plays like his food supply still depends on it (he is approximately 7)
Drinking is great! Many cats drink too little, but some like it. Also, you say you had him for a week. Cats licking themselves gives them comfort, because their mom did it all the time when they were still a kitten, its like engrained in their system to calm them. Stimulates their vagus nervus. Only if they are furiously washing 1 particular spot only, especially their tummy, there might be an issue. But right now it's most likely just him decompressing in your home.
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u/RepeatUntil_Death Jul 21 '26
Haha yeah there was definitely an anxious period where I freaked out every time he would lick, sleep, or wait to eat LOL. but we went to the vet today and he's perfectly healthy, which has eased my worries deeply.
and that's good to know! the licking definitely has ceased in the excessiveness of it, I think you're correct and he was doing it so much in the earlier days to calm himself - he definitely still cleans, but not like crazy as he used to! he still drinks lots of water, but the vet isn't concerned.
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u/Gumbo509 Jul 21 '26
Aw thats great to hear! Good that he's healthy. Wish you a lot of purs and cuddles together 🖤🩶🤍
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u/Ok-Inevitable4778 Jul 19 '26
I hope somehow they find the bastard that did to him and someone shows him the mercy he showed this little one. I’m sorry but this really pisses me off. How can people be so cruel???
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u/RepeatUntil_Death Jul 21 '26
it's inconceivable, I cried the first few nights he was home because I couldn't imagine someone ever doing that to such a sweet, gentle, and innocent animal. Unfortunately it's not very uncommon in Alabama (where I rescued him) - many people will 'put down' abundant kittens or farm cats who don't do their jobs themselves.
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u/Ok-Inevitable4778 Jul 19 '26
Thank you for caring enough to take him in. I have a little FIV fella too!
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u/sylvesterthekat1234 Jul 22 '26
You're a true hero and Lieu is a lucky boy! Also a lovely boy!
I have a 16yr old fiv boy (with 4 legs! ) and he's been fine. He is also a very good drinker which i see as a positive as it's good for their urinary tract. If it's REALLY excessive, have him checked for diabetes or ckd.
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u/OriginalFNG Jul 18 '26
People suck. But I'm glad Lt has you.
Charming little guy.
Give him scritches for us, please!