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11-year-old cat with FIV, stomatitis, nasal discharge: Life expectancy?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered

Hi,what is my cat life expectations if he was recently diagnosed with FIV and got severe stomatitis and nasal discharge. He is 11 years old

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on November 19th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Mi! When kittens are diagnosed with FIV we tell the owners that they can live well in to their geriatric years. FIV is like HIV in people. The pet will do fine until the immune system is compromised then the pet gets sick with secondary infections or cancer. If Mi is otherwise healthy I would recommend full mouth extractions for the stomatitis. He could have nasal discharge due to dental disease. While he is under anesthesia the vet can get skull X-rays to look at his nasal cavity. But the nasal discharge can also be due to lymphoma (cancer), bacteria, viral or fungal infections. If the stomatitis can not be managed and he is too painful to eat then I wouldn't expect him to live comfortably very long. If your Vet can control the pain and inflammation then I don't see why he couldn't have more time. I don't think I can give you an exact time frame with out examining him or knowing more about how he is feeling currently. I hope this helps and I wish Mi the best!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Stomatitis is a complicating favor of FIV since the immune system cannot be strong due to the virus. LIfe expectancy are variant with FIV. It lowers your immune system so he will get infections easier and have a harder time fighting them off. Stomatitis is difficult to control also. some give steroids or other immune suppressing drugs to control it or remove all their teeth to help. At 11 I do not know if I would put him through the extractions. the nasal discharge may be from a respiratory infection or part of the stomatitis. All of these are hard to overcome on their own much less compounded. The most important part is to make sure he is eating and drinking and not dropping weight. As long as he is not painful and feels good then he you can enjoy the time you have

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