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Yes, I remember this now, Gary! Re how you tell what
stage they're at, I personally don't know anything other that what Sally has
told us (Sally's been off-list for a while because of computer problems) and I
have not yet studied Dr Pitcairn's book (tho I keep meaning to). He
may or may not explain how you determine the stage. Others more knowledgeable
than me may also weigh in. I know that a number of members have
ELISA-tested individual cats several times and in some cases a cat has
reverted to negative. (I tested mine twice--they were positive each
time.)
(If a cat tests positive with the IFA test, then
it's very unlikely he or she will revert to negative.)
I am not an expert on this topic so I will stop there but
there is a wealth of information in the archives. (Sally, for one, has
researched and written extensively on the topic.)
>>>>>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 do what you do Gary--keep my FELV cats separate. I used to
be paranoid about cross-infection as i went back and forth (changing clothes
etc.) Since joining the list I've learned a lot and I don't wory about that any
more. I still keep my guys separate, as i don't give my negs shots, but
many--most, I would say--more experienced members than me give their negs
shots and have successfully mixed their negs and positives for years. I'm one of
the few holdouts. In your present set-up, I don't think you are endangering
any of your negative cats, including the non-vaccinated kittens with URIs. And,
as kittens, especially sick ones, are one of the most vulnerable categories
for contracting FeLV from a positive cat, you're doing exactly the right
thing in keeping separate groups.
Oh and yes, Terri is right--I should have added that--keeping
the environment as stress-free as possible is so very important for
positives.
Kerry
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