Re: multiple FELV in one house?

[Nina]

Tracy makes a good point and one that crossed my mind when I read Katye's post.  The fact that your son might have to deal with death and dying...  It is something to consider.  How old is your son?  If he's old enough, you might be able to delicately discuss with him the possibility of the new kitties not living very long.  I think if he's able to handle the discussion, he might benefit from knowing before hand that these guys might not be with you for very long, how much extra care they sometimes need and that you have to enjoy their company every day for the special gift it is.   Some of you might remember Cherie.  She had a young son that went through the losses with her.  I wonder what they would have to say about the lessons and consequences.  I'm going to try and write her off-list and see if she has anything to contribute to the discussion. Nina Tracy Weese wrote: I have (currently) 4 FeLV+ cats and 6 negatives.  I think it would be a great thing to do for many reasons: 1) it gives Crackers some playmates; and 2) it would save some poor FeLV+ kitten/cat since most folks/resuces don't allow them to live.  I have never noticed that having more than one + hastened any of their deaths....but you do know, some cats live very well for some time and others don't make it very long with FeLV.  I would suggest looking around for rescue that have FeLV+ cats/kittens--usually they will try to get them a home, but if not, they are PTS even if healthy.  And poss. your vet knows of some.   Kittens are very iffy--it's getting them into adulthood that's tough, but I have two right now that I got as kittens who were positive and they are 5 or so and fat and happy!  If you can get two, maybe a kitten and an adult cat.  With a child, you will have to be sensitive to the fact that you will be dealing with animal death at poss. a higher rate (although all pets die, it's tough to tell a child about a baby kitten dying).       Tracy