Hi Noelle! We had to make a similar decision when we found out our kittens tested positive! We just didn't have the heart to separate their adoptive dad (he was negative) who had grown very attached to the babies! So we got him the FeLV booster and continue to do so every year (although I don't know how necessary this is...he'd probably be fine with a booster every 2 or 3 years). It's been almost 4 years, now, and Boots still tests negative. We've even added another negative to the bunch without any problems! And they share everything (food, water, litter...even groom each other).
Flaco is about at that age where his immune system ought to be fully developed...but irregardless, you may want to retest both babies in a few months just to be sure! I don't think Flaco and Loca could've found a more loving, wonderful home!! Jen **************************************************** "But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..." --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." --Chief Dan George "The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long..." --Blade Runner ----- Original Message ----- From: Noelle Ehrenkaufer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2006 2:33 pm Subject: For those who mix positive/negative To: [email protected] > As I mentioned before I have two kittens who were abandoned that I > took in. Both are about 5 months now. I found Loca when she was > only about 2 weeks, Flaco was probably 2.5-3 months when we found > him. They have always been together and are buddies. The vet > recently recommended testing for leukemia, Loca tested positive, > Flaco negative. > > After researching the archives here and elsewhere and giving it a > lot of thought, I have decided not to separate them. Logistically > it would not be easy and I just can't bear to see Loca separated > from the others like that. We also have an adult cat who is like a > dad to them and 3 dogs that get along fine with the cats. > > I am wondering what others do in this situation to minimize the > risk of transmission to Flaco. When they eat I always keep an eye > on them to keep them out of each others' plates, but there's really > nothing I can do about the water dishes. I try to discourage her > from grooming him if I see it. I usually pick her up and cuddle her > instead, which she loves. My vet also recommended giving the FeLV > vaccine to Flaco. Does anyone else have thoughts on this? > > I just wanted to also share a comment from my Chilean boyfriend. We > live in Chile where there is even less information available about > this disease. He said that we are very lucky that I speak English > and was able to find this site. I have been sharing some of what I > have learned from this site and he was really impressed with the > wealth of knowledge here and the willingness of members to help others.
