Hi Rebecca, welcome to the group. I'm sorry that your very first kitty
has tested positive for felv. It sounds like he's quite a guy, that's
so cute that he already feels comfortable enough around your dogs to beg
alongside them! I like how you describe him as "perfect", I'm sure he
is! I used to tell my felv kitty, Grace, that she was perfect all the
time. What's your baby's name? Tell us a little more about him. How
old do you think he is? If he's not a kitten, there's a better chance
that he may clear the virus from his system, or maybe he's a carrier
that won't ever develop symptoms. I sure do hope so. You sound like
such a conscientious animal guardian. What a lucky little fellow to
have found you. How bad is that infection between his toes? It might
clear up with the antibiotic ointment alone. See what your regular vet
has to say about it, it's always better to save the abx until you really
need them.
It's great that you've been doing research on felv. I remember when I
first started looking into it, there are so many different and outdated
opinions that it can really make your head spin. I was beside myself
with worry and grief. I don't know what I would have done, if I hadn't
found this group. Get him on a good quality diet, keep his stress low
and stock up on immune boosting supplements like L-Lysine, Vita C,
Transfer Factor (for when you might need it), and ask your vet about
Interferon. There's all kinds of info about these things in the
archives. If you get him on some sups, it may help clear up his
infection. The other thing that you should keep in mind about felv
kitties is that they don't die from the disease, they succumb to other
diseases because of their compromised immune systems. By catching
things early, you have a much better chance of helping him fight
whatever it might be off. Never take a wait and see attitude if your
baby seems ill, keep a close eye on him and enjoy every moment.
As far as being concerned about your kitty infecting your dogs with
something he hasn't been vaccinated for... I don't think there are many
illnesses that are contagious between cats and dogs, (thank goodness).
You might want to do a Google on it, or ask your vet. Let us know what
you find out. I think the other list members that have written about
the dangers of vaccines have a point, it's a tough call. Certainly
don't vaccinate him for felv! If there are problems in your area for
specific illness you may want to consider them, again, your vet should
be able to tell you more about that. The fact that your kitty is an
only cat, (and I assume you'll be keeping him indoors), will help him
stay healthy. Having more than one cat puts the pos at greater risk
than the neg, (imo), because things that most kitties can fight off can
become life threatening for a felv pos cat, (like upper respiratory
infections).
Let us know how your vet visit goes,
Nina
veggiepugs wrote:
Hello-
My name is Rebecca and I am totally new to the cat world. I have some, but not
extensive knowledge of cats, and just brought a cat into my home who tested
positive for FeLV.
I found him outside my office while on my lunchbreak last Thursday. He is
perfect (to me)...a sweet, loving, adorable cat. Orange tabby in color. I took
him immediately to the vet where a friend of mine works and they did an
FeLV/feline aids test on him. He tested pos. for FeLV. The test they did looked
somewhat like a home pregnancy test, they put his blood into a little
receptacle and waited for the results similar to the way a home pregancy test
works.
I have been reading and reading about FeLV because I would like to care for him
and keep him happy and healthy as long as I can. I know that this disease is
fatal, at some point, but don't know enough about it by far and would like to
be knowledgable about it if I'm to give him the best care possible that I can.
He seems otherwise healthy and is going this saturday to see a vet for vaccines
and to be neutered and a general exam of his health. Upon examnining him
quickly last thursday at our quick visit, he seemed ok, had a cut/infection in
between his toes which I have been treating and giving him Clavomox for any
infection. He had diarrhea when I brought him home, which worried me, but it
cleared up once he was eating normal food in which I added acidophiolous and
digestive enzymes to. He no longer has diarrhea.
Other than that, he has had no other visible issues. Has a VERY hearty appetite
and asks me to feed him often, begs for food alongside my dogs which just
cracks me up.
I joined this list to learn as much as possible about this disease, what to
expect and what steps to take to keep him healthy as possible. Any advice as to
what testing or steps I should take from here are so appreciated. Thank you so
much!
Regards,
Rebecca
