Re: life spans of positives

[PEC2851]

Life spans can vary so much.......   But in regard to the shelter Felv+ cats, we have had some that have lived long & healthy lives. Which, in itself is amazing since studies show that "shelter" animals have shorter life spans than owned pets.   We had one who was diagnosed as a kitten. All her littermates succombed to the disease during their first year. However, JellyBean, who repeatedly tested positive, never became symptomatic. In fact, a previous volunteer at the shelter came back to visit a couple of years ago and was amazed that JellyBean was still there. She adopted her.....JellyBean was 8 at the time. She is still doing very well.   And then there's "George", the Felv mascot for the shelter. He has to be 14 now. Snappy lived to be 11. Another lifelong resident.(He was also FIV+) And JohnBoy just passed in November. He was 14...............   You just never know. I lost my Ethan when he was only 18 months....   I don't know why some can go on to live long lives. It's just a miracle. And it does give one hope.   Patti