Lora, I can only speak for myself, but no apologies due as far as I'm concerned. If it is a debate, then it's a healthy one, and merely a reflection of the sad fact that not nearly enough is known about or can be done for FeLV cats. I feel I've learned more, nonetheless, from this wonderful web group in the past few days that in all the previous 6 months. I'm grateful you're all there! Kerry
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lora Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 1:39 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: what age is most resistant Dear Group: It never occurred to me, while I was typing my response to Robin last night, that I may have came across more pessimistic than need be. My only concern was to provide new FeLV positive owners with as much adequate, up-to-date, factual information as possible, without giving ANY false hope. Unfortunately, I feel as if I have unconsciously started a controversial and debatable issue; which was NEVER my intention! True, my response ARE personal as well as factual, but most responses from this group are. After all, that is the purpose if this wonderful group, to provide a place where FeLV owners can turn to for, advice, guidance, support and information. My responses and comments are not without resources. I NEVER make false statements and ALL of my resources/knowledge has been thoroughly researched and/or review by a second party. There ARE success stories of FeLV positive kitties who indeed live a health, normal life with this disease. They are known as dormant carriers. The cat IS positive, but for some reason the virus has become inactive, thus not hindering the cat's health. These particular cats are NOT the one's who were born naturally immune to the disease, nor the one's who test "false" positive. Dormant carries are cats/kittens who test positive and will continue to test positive, BUT since the virus is inactive it poses no threat the the cat's life. Also, dormant carries do NOT shade the virus; therefore, do NOT pass it to other feline. HOWEVER, when the virus DOES become active (usually brought on by stress) the FeLV virus may and sometimes DOES, become active. Once active, the FeLV positive cat/kitten is highly contagious to other household feline members. Unfortunately, there is no one set way to diagnose a FeLV positive dormant carrier. Usually, (with this particular group) cats/kittens who are asymptomatic are considered dormant carries, other groups and individuals may disagree. Be forewarned though, that most veterinarians will NOT agree with this information. Once positive, some vets feel that euthanasia is the ONLY solution for controlling the spread of FeLV. PERIOD. This is truly a sad reality, because since they are doctors among the animal world, all the help they are willing to administer is death, when in fact there ARE some other alternatives. Unfortunately, some refuse to listen. I apologize, if I have offend anyone by the grim statistics of FeLV. However, you do not have to take MY word for it, please by all means, cross-reference my information. I am confident that all of my provided information is non-bias, non-hypocritical and well-grounded. My apologies, Lora ------------------------------------------------------ Robin, I am a proud mother of twelve (12) FeLV negative kitties, but at one time did have thirteen (13). I lost my beloved little boy Peeper to FeLV on July 3, 2003. He was just thirteen (13) months and fifteen (15) days old. I did NOT mix my negatives with my positive. Peeper had been quarantined to his own room, away from the other cats, and remain separated to the day he died. He had own water/food bowl, litter box, litter scoop, and medical syringes. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING was shared between my FeLV+ and my negatives. Even though ALL of my kids have been vaccinated (every third year) against this deadly disease, I still refused to mix them. Unfortunately, at this time, there is NO specific age that resists FeLV. As others have mentioned there are a few exceptions to Feline Leukemia, but most end in death. First, the kitten could test "false" positive. This only means that (a) the test performed inadequately or (b) the kitten indeed HAD FeLV, but its own immune system fought off the virus. Second, as stated above, very rarely (although it DOES occur) a FeLV positive can convert to a FeLV negative. No one knows for sure why some FeLV positive cats convert, while others do not. Several experts have speculated that it has something to due with the cat's genetic makeup and immune system. The stronger the immune system, the greater possibility that the body will fight off the virus. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for every FeLV positive. Finally, there have been reported cases where a cat was born naturally immune to Feline Leukemia. However, please understand that this possibility is even more rare than a positive cat converting to a negative. I believe the last statistics I read where 1 cat in every 1000 was born immune. Therefore, obviously the odds are not very promising. Although all cats (except for those fortunate enough to be born naturally immune to the virus or converts to a negative) are susceptible to contracting FeLV, older/mature cats and young kittens are most prone to the virus. This occurs for two (2) reasons. First, as a cat matures its immune system decrease and becomes weaker. This causes the body to not be able to fight off the virus as effectively. Second, young kittens are always at their weakest. Some kittens have poor immune systems from the start (stray, feral, etc.) and never get a fighting chance, while others have a normal healthy immune system, but (for some reason or another) do NOT obtain enough antibodies to protect them for FeLV. Thus, how kittens contract FeLV. In conclusion, no cat is 100% guaranteed protection from FeLV, for there is no known cure. Only those lucky enough to fight off or be born immune are spared. Those with compressed or weakened immune systems are mostly likely to contract FeLV. My best personal opinion, Robin, is IF you truly wish to adopted another. Adopt a second FeLV positive. I say this for two (2) main reasons. One, I do not believe in mixing and therefore, would want a companion for my FeLV. My Peeper passed away before I could adopt another. However, this is strictly my choice method. You should do what is best for YOU and YOUR situation. No matter you course of action I feel that every FeLV positive should have at least one (1) FeLV companion. Second, (and most importantly) adopt another FeLV positive for no one else will. Typically, families adopt healthy cats and kittens and all too often the FeLV are left at the shelters to be euthanized. Although, there are SOME organizations who specialize in working with strictly FeLV positives, many of us would agree that there are not enough of these special groups. Many lost souls remain lost. I apologize for not being able to provide you with better, uplifting answers, but unfortunately this is all that we truly know about FeLV. There is still so much to learn from this deadly disease and one day WE WILL FIND A CURE! Take care and good luck with your adoption. Please keep all of us posted on your decision/progress. Hugs and Blessing, Lora --- Robin Sarafinchan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: One of our 4 cats have tested positive for FELV but the others have tested negative. He is 4 years old and had never gone out. We didn't routinely test our new cats as they came in so we have no idea how long he has been positive. He is healthy so far. My husband and I have vaccinated the others and not separated them. We would love to rescue other cats although our vet doesn't recommend it. Our local pound does euthanize cats, though, so sometimes we think, well, at least it would be loved by us for who knows how long. Has anyone had experience mixing negatives and positives? If we were to adopt, and we're very torn about this, what age of cat is most resistant to the virus? I know kittens are very susceptible. Thanks for any assistance and information. It seems there is so much conflicting information out there on FELV. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Friends. Fun. Try the all-new Yahoo! Messenger. http://messenger.yahoo.com/
