Steve,
I agree with you, the comb sounds like the right solution for you
guys. I think you are absolutely right about not using toxins. If
there is an alternative that will work, it makes perfect sense to take
the gentlest route.
Isn't it strange how the "runts" sometimes turn out to be the strongest
in the litter? My Tim was so tiny, (partly how he got his name, and
also because he seemed to say, "God bless us every one!). We were so
worried that he wouldn't make it, and he's the one that has tested
negative.
You've given me such a nice image of you lovingly and painstakingly
combing the fleas from Loki's coat. Loki is one lucky kitty to have
such a wonderful human companion, bless you both.
Nina
Steve Williams wrote:
Hi Nina,
When Loki and crew were found about 10 days old,
he--the runt--especially was covered with fleas. My niece, Alisha,
almost threw-up after seeing him absolutely covered with horrid
monsters. They did use some toxic treatment to fix the problem. Loki
was almost completely despondent, for the fleas sucking the life from
him. After the fleas were eradicated, he suddenly sprang back to life
with a vengeance! It brings a tear just thinking about it. Now, Loki
at 9 months old has outlived all three of his siblings.
Here is my theory... and I maybe total off
here: It seems to me that the tiny baby kitties do not die in
babyhood. It is only after they have lived months of their lives that
FeLV symptoms occur. Therefore, I think they can handle certain
treatments (at lesser kitten dosages of course) that are much more
risky later on.
I feel that if I can avoid giving my older 9
month old kitty toxins, that may or may not trigger the virus, I
absolutely will.
The comb right now is God to me. It is working,
and I am happy again. I would recommend it to everyone who is able to
comb their kitties. I recognize there are many reasons this is not
possible. I now only have the one kitty and can lavish combing
attention on him, so I have no reason to entertain any other solutions.
I appreciate hearing of your experiences, and it
will help many to know this.
Thank you.
Steve
Steve,
I've been away from the computer for a while, so this may no longer be
timely. When I found my FeLV bottle babies (didn't know it at the
time), they were just over 2 weeks old. They were so infested with
fleas that they were bloody from them. At that very tender age I used
just a tiny amount of Advantage on them. I put some Advantage on a
Q-Tip and touched the back of their necks with it. That was all that
was needed to get rid of the fleas and the kittens showed no ill
effects. I know it's scary putting toxic stuff on our babies, but
sometimes the alternative is worse. I have since switched to
Revolution for controlling fleas because it's alcohol based (instead of
oil) and doesn't seem to upset my animals as much as the Advantage.
Revolution also claims to control ear mites and get rid of roundworms.
I never use a full tube, even on the adults. I find I can stretch a
tube between 3 or 4 cats and it seems just as effective with out having
to douse them in poison. Here's the link to Pet Shed were I order my
Revolution, I also get Drontal (worm med) from them w/o a
prescription. http://www.petshed.com/
Nina
Steve Williams wrote:
Cherie,
I'm kind of afraid to use Advantage or Frontline
with a kitten who has had FeLV+ from birth. Maybe I'm overreacting,
but my recent loss of Leeloo, with the stress of a leg sprain causing
onset, has got me trigger-shy. It is hard for me to impose the tiniest
bit of toxic substance or stress on Loki. I think I will try some
natural supplements, diligent combing and cleaning. But... I want
those fleas gone now! I'm going to try to find boric acid to sprinkle
on the carpets also.
Has anyone used Advantage or Frontline on
kittens with FeLV from birth?
Steve
Steve,
My cats deal really well with Advantage, and it is topical
that goes behind the neck.
Cherie
Kerry,
Yes, I know for sure it is fleas. All the signs
are there: I can see fleas sometimes on him, I've combed a few off of
him, and can find lots of flea poop in his normal sleeping spots.
Thanks,
Steve
Steve, sorry to ask this--it may be a dumb
Q--but do you know for sure that fleas are the source of Loki's
scratching?
After Levi began scratching frequently I put a
humidifier in the room on the advice of group members.
When the vet came, she examined him and said she
was "not concerned" about the scratching. The humidifier did seem to
reduce the incidence of scratching among the cats in general.
I hope hairballs were also the source of the
throwing up. Kerry
Recently, Loki has gotten fleas. He
scratches a lot, but it doesn't seem overwhelming. I don't see any in
the house, but will start a good cleaning/vacuuming regiment. I bought
a flee comb, but will of course do more. Does anyone have advice on
best course of action for a 9 month old FeLV+ kitty? I will also go to
the vet for any prescribed treatment, but don't want to cause him a
speck of stress with treatment. My vet is very good in this regard
since he is opposed to poisonous stuff.
For the past three days Loki has been
throwing up in the early evenings. He is eating normally otherwise and
this doesn't seem to faze him too much. Our feeding regiment for him
has not changed. His supplements are L-Lysine and Vitamin C, which he
has been give for many months. His throwing up seems to occur sometime
after he has his wet food with supplements in the early afternoon
(4pm-ish). Any advice or comments?
Even though he is fine otherwise, this is
causing me very much anxiety.
Thanks for any advice.
Steve
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the system manager. This message contains confidential information and
is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named
addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
|
