Dear Kathy: I know it seems drastic when the vet uses the vein in the neck. I will never forget when I took my first FeLV+ kitten (didn't know yet she was positive) to the vet when she suddenly presented symptoms. They had to stick Purrsia three times in the neck before they could get a blood sample...she was so brave and sat there like a little statue and never tried to bite or scratch or get away...just whimpered softly each time. I had tears rolling down my cheeks, watching while I held her still. But with kittens and young cats the leg vein is so small it is hard to get a large enough sample using one of the very fine needles and a small syringe so sometimes they opt for the jugular vein which is a larger and an easier target. The advantage to the leg vein is that it is farther away from the business end of an uncooperative cat.
I don't think you need to worry about catching any kind of bacterial or viral infection from Killian. Most viruses are species-specific and without a wound or some other lesion for bacteria to get a foothold, I don't think there is any risk for you or your baby. Killian will have a chance to bond with the baby before it is even born; they may even be having private, non-verbal conversations. By the way, congratulations on your furless kid-to-be. Do you know if it will be a boy or girl yet? They are both a blessing and a major headache at times, especially when they get to be teenagers. I think I am a much better parent to the furkids than I was to my daughter. The furless kids grow up to become their own person and may even dedicate their lives to being everything you are not. The furkids, on the other hand, never grow up and stop needing you...their love is nonjudgmental and unconditional. The downside, of course, is that we don't get to have them in our lives as long. But at least while they are with us, they love and need us totally. You have a great new adventure to look forward to. Sally in San Jose
