Re: For Gary---Determing the stages of FeLV

[gary]

Kerry,   Thanks for your response, didn't see it before I sent my last message.  I still don't have any idea how you determine what stage a cat is in and exactly what that means.  I read something somewhere that suggest you should wait until a cat is stage 2 before starting Interferon therapy because there is a chance they could develop some resistance to it if started too early and that they would need it more in stage 2.   I am also a little concerned as I have 15 of my own who are not positive.  The FeLV kitties are in a separate room but I am still a bit worried about going back and forth.  Most of my 15 have had the FeLV shot but I have 2 kittens that are just getting over a long term URI and have not had their shots yet.  I have read in one place that says the virus lives for a few hours outside the body and in another place where it was said it only lives a few seconds.    So much to learn.   Gary ----- Original Message ----- From: Kerry MacKenzie To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2005 12:13 AM Subject: For Gary---Determing the stages of FeLV Hello Gary Bless you for fostering the kitties, and for wanting to do the best for them since they tested FeLV positive. FeLV isn't like cancer where the more advanced the stage, the less likelihood of recovery. Rather, FeLV depresses the immune system, so the most important goal is to do as much as possible to boost the immune system. Buying the highest quality of food you can afford--eg with no additives or preservatives--and using filtered water are an excellent start. Many members on the list use supplements. Many members have, or have had, FeLv cats that lived to a ripe old age. Others--including myself--have loved and cared for FeLV kitties that died way before their time, but nonetheless enjoyed life until succumbing. Here's an excerpt from The New Natural Cat--A Complete Guide for Finicky Owners, by Anitra Frazier-- if you come across the book, it's in the Feline Leukemia section on pages 326/327)--that you may find useful in regard to your question.