Anxiety medication for FIV+ cat?

Hi everyone,

My cat (approx 4 years old) is FIV+. He's very healthy though (if a bit portly lately- we've been living at 'grandma's' house for a few months and she's a little too generous with the treats, lol).

However, he has serious anxiety. He was a pet that was dumped, then abused while outside, then I took him in. He hid pretty much all the time for the first 6 months, then started to come out sometimes. He'll sit on my lap and is affectionate if we're alone, but if I make any significant movement (or, god forbid, sneeze), he runs. He can't stand seeing people move much at all. He's not all that afraid of my mom's dogs or other cat, just people. Understandable, since he's been abused. But he's in a constant state of stress that can't be pleasant for him.

I've tried Feliway and the calming collar- they did nothing. I'm thinking of taking him to the vet and asking for anxiety medication. Is this counter indicated at all for FIV+ cats? I'd like to improve his quality of life if possible. He likes people, he's just scared.

Tommy's become comfortable at my mom's house in the 6 months we've been here, and seems happier here than he was at my apartment. I think there's more to do for him. I'm moving in with my friend and her son, who is rowdy. I'm concerned that Tommy will spend his whole life hiding. My mom is encouraging me to consider leaving Tommy with her, and taking the cat she just rescued from the park a few days ago, who's still understandably nervous (and pretty medically fragile at the moment), but definitely has less anxiety and will adapt better than Tommy. What would you do in this situation? At any rate, I'd see him very often because I'll still come here all the time. It's hard for me to think of not having him with me, but I don't want him to be miserable.

Thank you,

Brea

Oh you're such a sweetheart for trying to figure out what's best for Tommy!

Are you in the U.S.? Is there a holistic vet in your area? http://www.ahvma.org I think that would be something to consider when seeking how to help his anxiety - there may be a more natural remedy that won't be as taxing on his system than a conventional anti-anxiety med. :dk:

As to what to do about living arrangements... I hate to say it, but from what you've described, as your mom is happy to have him there, that's probably the best option for him. A rowdy young boy does not seem like an environment in which Tommy would ever thrive. At least being able to see him frequently should make the decision a little easier. :heart2:

Vibes for you and Tommy as you navigate this decision...

I'm sorry it took me so long to reply but thank you for the advice! I did decide to leave Tommy at my mom's house. I went back and forth, and it was difficult, but I know it's what's best for him. My mom is really happy with the arrangement too, because she's become really attached to him. I took the cat she rescued (Ru), and he's only been there for a day now but has not only adapted better than Tommy would have to the move, but better than I think most cats in general would, so I'm confident it's the right decision. My mom's dogs were afraid of Ru (who is about 4 pounds soaking wet) because he gave them a few smacks when they tried to eat his food, so they're probably relieved too. They're so brave, lol.

So so glad to see this happy solution! You're an Angel to have rescued Tommy in the first place, put his needs before your own (leaving him in the home he is already relatively comfortable in), and for adopting the other stray instead. :heart3:

I hope your new living arrangements are working out!