----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 3:32
PM
Subject: For those who mix
positive/negative
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.
