Hi Minnie, I rescue too, and in 2008 we rescued a litter of 8 feral kittens which we think were from two moms. Four of the kittens tested FelV positive, and died during their first year of life. The other 4 kittens are now 2 years old and fine. I have had them tested twice and they are still negative.
Chances are your two kittens are still negative, as some kittens seem to be able to avoid getting the virus even tho they are exposed to it, however, you should get them tested again in 6 or 8 weeks as they could be in the window area where it hasn't shown up yet. My vet says there really is no such thing as slightly positive or very positive, they either are or aren't positive, but they could still throw off the virus. High quality food, L Lysine, and a stress free existence will help keep the mom and kittens well. Mom may be positive, but many FelV cats live long lives. You'll hear some very encouraging words on this group list about how well they do with good care. Caging the mom will be stressful for her, is there another alternative? You will probably get lots more feedback from this group. Keep us posted on them, and good luck......... Lorrie On 03-12, M C wrote: > Hello, > > I'm joining this list serv with a heavy heart. We rescued a young > Mom cat and her 4 babies. They appeared healthy for all intents and > circumstances. > > Mom just tested positive for FeLV, 2 babies also did (one slight > positive, the other one was definitely positive), and 2 tested > negative on the Elisa. > > I need some help in deciding what to do... > > I'd love some feedback, as the Internet only yields so much useful > information... > > 1. If the two kittens tested negative, are they likely negative? > > 2. Should the positive kitten be separated from the slightly > positive one as well? > > 3. If Momma is about 6 mos old, how likely is it that she has FeLV, > considering 2 of the babies also tested for it? Is there a chance > she too could fight off the infection? At what point should Mom be > retested with the PCR or IFA? > > 4. What supplements or foods should we feed these kitties, to help > them fight off the virus? > > 5. How long does Mom have to live, if she is confirmed to have > FeLV? What are the alternatives? We rescue a lot of kittens and > cats, so she will end up living in a cage alone unless we can find > her a new home, which I doubt is going to be very likely. We don't > have the funds to send her to a sanctuary, and we also have several > FIV positive cats we are sanctuarying. Space is also an issue, as > that is one less cat or litter we can rescue since she will be in > that cage for a long, long time... > > I'd appreciate your insights and thoughts. > > Thanks, > > Minnie > _______________________________________________ Felvtalk mailing list [email protected] http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
