I'm so sorry Susan. What a shock for you. I had this very discussion yesterday with a rescuer. We were commenting on how quickly and devastatingly our FeLV cats can succumb. One day they can seem ok, the next they're gone. In my experience I've had a few days' notice. But by that time the nonregenerative anemia was taking its toll, or the lungs were full of fluid, or there were masses of tumors. Cats as we know are very good at hiding pain. You said that looking back he may have seemed a bit lethargic. One thing that will happen now--I'm sure we all agree on this--you will become ultra-observant and notice every little change in behavior in any of your cats in future (it pretty well always means something is amiss, and is all we often have to go on). It was only after my very first FeLV cat passed that I realized his habit in the last few weeks of sitting with his back to everyone had with hindsight meant he wasn't feeling good (probably understatement). I consider it his legacy to the rest of us---I'm ever-vigilant now for any hint of behavior change. I would just make sure your remaining sweetie gets oodles of cuddles and attention now which I'm sure you're already doing. This is a tough time for him to be sure. Maybe consider a new FeLV companion for him in due course... Devastating though it is, your little sweetie at least had a peaceful passing. That's what I would wish for mine. Fast, and no vet visit involved. Give your little sweetie a cuddle from me, Kerry
________________________________ From: Susan Finkelstein <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2009 8:23:08 AM Subject: [Felvtalk] Sudden passing? My FeLV+ 5-year-old (or so) kitty died suddenly over the weekend and I was wondering if anyone has had any similar experiences or heard of any with otherwise (seemingly) healthy leuk-positive cats. He seemed fine, thriving in fact: plump, nice coat, good appetite, good stool, active, affectionate. I found him curled up as if he were sleeping comfortably but he was gone. Thinking back, he may have seemed slightly lethargic for a day or two beforehand, but not enough to warrant any concern at the time on my part. Does anyone know if this happens -- a heart thing? Stroke? Needless to say, the only other FeLV+ cat in the household (they were sequestered together) seems kinda lost, and I am a bit worried that he will be affected physically. Thanks! Susan _______________________________________________ Felvtalk mailing list [email protected] http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org _______________________________________________ Felvtalk mailing list [email protected] http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
