[Felvtalk] Sad news - Jack, the cat, dies
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/jack-cat-disappeared-jfk-airport-miracul ously-reappearing-dies-5-article-1.973107 ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Sad news - Jack, the cat, dies
The airlines just keep shooting themselves in the foot animals suffer! If only they would realize that there is this HUGE market out there for travelers who want to travel with their pet. Why not take a couple of flights a week on major routes have a couple of planes where animals of all sizes can be kept in cabin in crates. I do, however, have to put a plug in for Continental-while I'm sure they're not perfect, I've worked with a couple of shelters and we used them many times to transport animals to their adopters many miles away. We've never had a problem. From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Natalie Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 7:06 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] Sad news - Jack, the cat, dies http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/jack-cat-disappeared-jfk-airport-miracul ously-reappearing-dies-5-article-1.973107 ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Sad news - Jack, the cat, dies
I have also used Continental several times to transport cats and I have never had a problem. My heart goes out to Jack and his Meowmy :( RIP little man :( From: ti...@mindspring.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 12:12:32 -0500 Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Sad news - Jack, the cat, dies The airlines just keep shooting themselves in the foot animals suffer! If only they would realize that there is this HUGE market out there for travelers who want to travel with their pet. Why not take a couple of flights a week on major routes have a couple of planes where animals of all sizes can be kept in cabin in crates. I do, however, have to put a plug in for Continental—while I’m sure they’re not perfect, I’ve worked with a couple of shelters and we used them many times to transport animals to their adopters many miles away. We’ve never had a problem… From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Natalie Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 7:06 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] Sad news - Jack, the cat, dies http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/jack-cat-disappeared-jfk-airport-miraculously-reappearing-dies-5-article-1.973107 ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing flowchart
I have a kitten that tested positive on her in-house ELISA test. I think I'm going to do the ELISA test that is sent out to the lab next. Does anyone know if antibiotics like Clavamox would affect the outcome of the test? I wouldn't think so but you never know. “I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn’t….the pain which it inflicts upon unconsenting animals is the basis of my enmity toward it, and it is to me sufficient justification of the enmity without looking further.” – Mark Twain From: gebr...@hotmail.com To: gbl...@aristotle.net; felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:52:27 -0700 Subject: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing flowchart Dear Gloria and all, Here is a link that was sent to me a couple of years ago that I found very helpful. It shows a flowchart with the testing protocols. It doesn't specify much in the way of time frames though. If the kittens tests a weak positive on the SNAP Elisa, there is a very good chance that a later retest will be negaive. I was told to wait about a month for a retest, but have had one older kitten test negative on retest in 10 days! I had him retested sooner since he had been in foster care for over a month and his brother tested negative even through they had been very close - mutual grooming, play biting, sharing food dishes/litterboxes, etc. The SNAP tests are VERY sensitive and can sometimes produce light or weak positives if the kitten has been lightly exposed to URI but appears healthy. http://www.felineleukemia.org/felvhlth.html Here is the link to the info. I have quite a bit of other info I have accumulated in case anyone is interested. G ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Sad news - Jack, the cat, dies
Reading this with tears in my eyes! That is sooo sad :-( RIP Jack! All kind of things went through my head when my 6 kitties traveled from the Netherlands to the US. Luckely everyone arrived safely! On Nov 7, 2011 6:07 AM, Natalie at...@optonline.net wrote: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/jack-cat-disappeared-jfk-airport-miraculously-reappearing-dies-5-article-1.973107 ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Sad news - Jack, the cat, dies
This is how we handled sending our 2 dogs and 2 cats coming back from Belgium: I went first, with the 2 cats in the hold; the next day, my husband shipped the 2 dogs, and I went to pick them up. The next day, my husband flew out...and I picked him up. It was tensions all the way.and I wasn't even aware of all the horrible things that can and do happen! From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Peggy Riley Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 2:38 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Sad news - Jack, the cat, dies Reading this with tears in my eyes! That is sooo sad :-( RIP Jack! All kind of things went through my head when my 6 kitties traveled from the Netherlands to the US. Luckely everyone arrived safely! On Nov 7, 2011 6:07 AM, Natalie at...@optonline.net wrote: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/jack-cat-disappeared-jfk-airport-miracul ously-reappearing-dies-5-article-1.973107 ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me
I came across this site, having just been informed by the vet that the abandoned kitten I took in three weeks ago. Before I took it to the vet, I have been keeping it in a separate room but admit that since it seemed so healthy I let it out for little walks. I have 4 cats over 12 years old. Other than walking on the same floors, they have not had contact with this kitten. In our short phone call, the vet basically said that she would understand if I euthanized the cat and that she wasn't sure about false positive and whether retesting would be worthwhile. The cat also has hookworms. When I took the cat in, she suggested that I give it its vaccinations before waiting for test results. I asked if the cat turned out postitive, wouldn't this harm its immune system. she said no. Now when she called she said she was surprised that the cat tested positive since, other than the sore gums, which she attirbuted to teething and bad breath, she said it seemed healthy. It does seem healthy , eats well and plays. and is the sweetest cat, loving and intelligent. I am heartbroken about this. I'm sorry I haven't had time to read all archives but I work from home and also take care of my bedridden elderly mother. Is there anyone out there would be kind enough to give me some advice? Thank you. PS the test done was elisa and it just says positive the vet estimates the cat is from 5-6 months old.___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me
If the kitten is healthy, do not put it down. FeLV cats can live good lives. My Tigger is almost 5 now. Had been healthy for the whole time, until last month when he developed stomach cancer. He is still here, doing fine now. Also, have 5 other cats. had them vaccinated, and to this day, none are FeLV+ From: dppl dppl dppl1...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 7, 2011 6:52 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me I came across this site, having just been informed by the vet that the abandoned kitten I took in three weeks ago. Before I took it to the vet, I have been keeping it in a separate room but admit that since it seemed so healthy I let it out for little walks. I have 4 cats over 12 years old. Other than walking on the same floors, they have not had contact with this kitten. In our short phone call, the vet basically said that she would understand if I euthanized the cat and that she wasn't sure about false positive and whether retesting would be worthwhile. The cat also has hookworms. When I took the cat in, she suggested that I give it its vaccinations before waiting for test results. I asked if the cat turned out postitive, wouldn't this harm its immune system. she said no. Now when she called she said she was surprised that the cat tested positive since, other than the sore gums, which she attirbuted to teething and bad breath, she said it seemed healthy. It does seem healthy , eats well and plays. and is the sweetest cat, loving and intelligent. I am heartbroken about this. I'm sorry I haven't had time to read all archives but I work from home and also take care of my bedridden elderly mother. Is there anyone out there would be kind enough to give me some advice? Thank you. PS the test done was elisa and it just says positive the vet estimates the cat is from 5-6 months old. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me
My Husband I are in a similar position. We just adopted a kitten from the pound who had been feral before that and she ended up being FeLV+. We have two other cats and they hadn't had any other contact before the positive test and since the test we have continued to keep them separated. Euthanizing was never even an option in our minds. She is such a healthy happy kitten it just didn't make sense. We are currently in the process of vaccinating our other two cats. But despite the vaccination out vet advised not letting them have any contact with the kitten ever. We planned on keeping them in separate rooms forever. Now seeing what John just wrote we wondering how often it is that people interact their FeLV+ cats with non infected cats and never see their other cats get infected. Good luck with your kitten. She will be a wonderful addition to your family. :) On Nov 7, 2011, at 4:02 PM, john pollack wrote: If the kitten is healthy, do not put it down. FeLV cats can live good lives. My Tigger is almost 5 now. Had been healthy for the whole time, until last month when he developed stomach cancer. He is still here, doing fine now. Also, have 5 other cats. had them vaccinated, and to this day, none are FeLV+ From: dppl dppl dppl1...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 7, 2011 6:52 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me I came across this site, having just been informed by the vet that the abandoned kitten I took in three weeks ago. Before I took it to the vet, I have been keeping it in a separate room but admit that since it seemed so healthy I let it out for little walks. I have 4 cats over 12 years old. Other than walking on the same floors, they have not had contact with this kitten. In our short phone call, the vet basically said that she would understand if I euthanized the cat and that she wasn't sure about false positive and whether retesting would be worthwhile. The cat also has hookworms. When I took the cat in, she suggested that I give it its vaccinations before waiting for test results. I asked if the cat turned out postitive, wouldn't this harm its immune system. she said no. Now when she called she said she was surprised that the cat tested positive since, other than the sore gums, which she attirbuted to teething and bad breath, she said it seemed healthy. It does seem healthy , eats well and plays. and is the sweetest cat, loving and intelligent. I am heartbroken about this. I'm sorry I haven't had time to read all archives but I work from home and also take care of my bedridden elderly mother. Is there anyone out there would be kind enough to give me some advice? Thank you. PS the test done was elisa and it just says positive the vet estimates the cat is from 5-6 months old. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me
You've come to the right place! Many of us do mix pos w. neg-my own pos is 13+ years old I got her as a kitten. She tested neg as a very young kitten but then tested pos years later. By that point, she'd been around my other cats so I just decided to vaccinate them for felv and mix. Nobody has ever tested pos. I also took in an older stray who (to my surprise) also tested pos. He lived a number of years w. all the other cats died last year from lymphoma-something the pos cats are more susceptible to. But mixing is a personal decision. Personally, I wouldn't think twice about it. Now as far as kitty, I would wait a few weeks get it retested with the IFA (blood drawn sent to lab. There is always the risk that the Elissa (snap test done in office) could be a false pos or that kitty could throw off the virus. Remember that the virus does not actually kill the kitty-but it weakens their immune system they can be more susceptible to uri, lymphoma, anemia, gum problems. But my Tucson is a fat 16 lbs and doing fine! From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of dppl dppl Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 6:53 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me I came across this site, having just been informed by the vet that the abandoned kitten I took in three weeks ago. Before I took it to the vet, I have been keeping it in a separate room but admit that since it seemed so healthy I let it out for little walks. I have 4 cats over 12 years old. Other than walking on the same floors, they have not had contact with this kitten. In our short phone call, the vet basically said that she would understand if I euthanized the cat and that she wasn't sure about false positive and whether retesting would be worthwhile. The cat also has hookworms. When I took the cat in, she suggested that I give it its vaccinations before waiting for test results. I asked if the cat turned out postitive, wouldn't this harm its immune system. she said no. Now when she called she said she was surprised that the cat tested positive since, other than the sore gums, which she attirbuted to teething and bad breath, she said it seemed healthy. It does seem healthy , eats well and plays. and is the sweetest cat, loving and intelligent. I am heartbroken about this. I'm sorry I haven't had time to read all archives but I work from home and also take care of my bedridden elderly mother. Is there anyone out there would be kind enough to give me some advice? Thank you. PS the test done was elisa and it just says positive the vet estimates the cat is from 5-6 months old. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me
thank you all for responding so quickly. when i have more time I will review all archives. I hope i am posting correctly by sending these emails. I see my post is all chopped up (at least in my display ). Thanks for your advice. I guess i will take things day by day. thanks also for the advice to get the other test as a follow up.i can only hope it turns out negative. I am worried about the redness of his gums which he is on an antibiotic for. Vet attributed it to gingivitis and teething but this was pre finding out the positive test results. From: dppl dppl dppl1...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 7, 2011 6:52 PM Subject: stray kitten positive any advice for me I came across this site, having just been informed by the vet that the abandoned kitten I took in three weeks ago. Before I took it to the vet, I have been keeping it in a separate room but admit that since it seemed so healthy I let it out for little walks. I have 4 cats over 12 years old. Other than walking on the same floors, they have not had contact with this kitten. In our short phone call, the vet basically said that she would understand if I euthanized the cat and that she wasn't sure about false positive and whether retesting would be worthwhile. The cat also has hookworms. When I took the cat in, she suggested that I give it its vaccinations before waiting for test results. I asked if the cat turned out postitive, wouldn't this harm its immune system. she said no. Now when she called she said she was surprised that the cat tested positive since, other than the sore gums, which she attirbuted to teething and bad breath, she said it seemed healthy. It does seem healthy , eats well and plays. and is the sweetest cat, loving and intelligent. I am heartbroken about this. I'm sorry I haven't had time to read all archives but I work from home and also take care of my bedridden elderly mother. Is there anyone out there would be kind enough to give me some advice? Thank you. PS the test done was elisa and it just says positive the vet estimates the cat is from 5-6 months old.___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me
There are holistic remedies for the gum issues. That was the only sign Dixie showedask questions and seek information. A lot of emails get chopped because they are too long to post---someone else can explain this. On Nov 7, 2011, at 7:33 PM, dppl dppl wrote: thank you all for responding so quickly. when i have more time I will review all archives. I hope i am posting correctly by sending these emails. I see my post is all chopped up (at least in my display ). Thanks for your advice. I guess i will take things day by day. thanks also for the advice to get the other test as a follow up.i can only hope it turns out negative. I am worried about the redness of his gums which he is on an antibiotic for. Vet attributed it to gingivitis and teething but this was pre finding out the positive test results. From: dppl dppl dppl1...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 7, 2011 6:52 PM Subject: stray kitten positive any advice for me I came across this site, having just been informed by the vet that the abandoned kitten I took in three weeks ago. Before I took it to the vet, I have been keeping it in a separate room but admit that since it seemed so healthy I let it out for little walks. I have 4 cats over 12 years old. Other than walking on the same floors, they have not had contact with this kitten. In our short phone call, the vet basically said that she would understand if I euthanized the cat and that she wasn't sure about false positive and whether retesting would be worthwhile. The cat also has hookworms. When I took the cat in, she suggested that I give it its vaccinations before waiting for test results. I asked if the cat turned out postitive, wouldn't this harm its immune system. she said no. Now when she called she said she was surprised that the cat tested positive since, other than the sore gums, which she attirbuted to teething and bad breath, she said it seemed healthy. It does seem healthy , eats well and plays. and is the sweetest cat, loving and intelligent. I am heartbroken about this. I'm sorry I haven't had time to read all archives but I work from home and also take care of my bedridden elderly mother. Is there anyone out there would be kind enough to give me some advice? Thank you. PS the test done was elisa and it just says positive the vet estimates the cat is from 5-6 months old. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me
What are some of these holistic remedies for gum issues? Tweetys gums as pretty bad and they want to pull out 3 of his teeth. :( I'm terribly nervous about that surgery. He is 9. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile -Original Message- From: MaiMaiPG maima...@gmail.com Sender: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 19:45:00 To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me
This kitty still has a good chance of clearing the virus. I would retest again in 30 to 90 days. If it is positive again, then do an IFA test. I would not worry at all that it has casual contact with your other cats. In order for your other cats to contract FeLV, they would have to groom each other, share litter boxes, drink after one another or bite each other. Even then most cats do not contract it. I would just get your other cats the FeLV vaccination, must be 2 shots, 3 weeks apart. As far as hook worms, there is a chance of your other cats contracting it. Those worms from what I understand goes through the toes of the cats so where that cat walked, it could infect any of your cats that walked in the same place. Keep the faith and keep us posted. I hope this helps. Also, you probably need to change vets, FeLV is not a death sentence. Many cats live healthy lives with it. It deserves a chance. Lynda - Original Message - From: dppl dppl To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 5:52 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me I came across this site, having just been informed by the vet that the abandoned kitten I took in three weeks ago. Before I took it to the vet, I have been keeping it in a separate room but admit that since it seemed so healthy I let it out for little walks. I have 4 cats over 12 years old. Other than walking on the same floors, they have not had contact with this kitten. In our short phone call, the vet basically said that she would understand if I euthanized the cat and that she wasn't sure about false positive and whether retesting would be worthwhile. The cat also has hookworms. When I took the cat in, she suggested that I give it its vaccinations before waiting for test results. I asked if the cat turned out postitive, wouldn't this harm its immune system. she said no. Now when she called she said she was surprised that the cat tested positive since, other than the sore gums, which she attirbuted to teething and bad breath, she said it seemed healthy. It does seem healthy , eats well and plays. and is the sweetest cat, loving and intelligent. I am heartbroken about this. I'm sorry I haven't had time to read all archives but I work from home and also take care of my bedridden elderly mother. Is there anyone out there would be kind enough to give me some advice? Thank you. PS the test done was elisa and it just says positive the vet estimates the cat is from 5-6 months old. -- ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me
Like everyone else has said, ALWAYS ALWAYS re-test. Never rely on one positive ELISA test. It can show a false positive but even if it's not a false positive it is possible the cat can extinguish, meaning totally get rid of, the virus. I would do an IFA test like someone else mentioned. It looks to see if the virus has spread into the white blood cells. If the IFA is negative the cat can still kick the virus so you would need to wait and re-test. Also, the cat could put the virus into dormancy, which means it may not ever have problems with the virus and it can't spread it. Lots of people on the site have mixed positives and negatives. I have a friend with lots of rescued cats. She has 3 positive cats. She has all her negative cats vaccinated against FeLV and over the years none have ever caught FeLV. She even has FIV positive cats that get vaccinated and have never caught the FeLV virus. No vaccinations are 100% but it would seem that in most cases it works. Another vet I talked with said that most researchers now feel that even non-vaccinated healthy adult cats are resistant to the FeLV virus. So even if you don't vaccinate it's possible the other cats wouldn't catch the virus. That happened in my house. No cats in my house caught the virus from one who had it (her first test was negative so I didn't know I had a FeLV cat mixed in until she died and we did the necropsy and another ELISA). None of my cats were vaccinated against FeLV but somehow none of them caught it. In your case though, I wouldn't take the chance and would vaccinate the other cats but it's just interesting that it's not spread as easy as many people believe. “I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn’t….the pain which it inflicts upon unconsenting animals is the basis of my enmity toward it, and it is to me sufficient justification of the enmity without looking further.” – Mark Twain Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 17:33:50 -0800 From: dppl1...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me thank you all for responding so quickly. when i have more time I will review all archives. I hope i am posting correctly by sending these emails. I see my post is all chopped up (at least in my display ). Thanks for your advice. I guess i will take things day by day. thanks also for the advice to get the other test as a follow up.i can only hope it turns out negative. I am worried about the redness of his gums which he is on an antibiotic for. Vet attributed it to gingivitis and teething but this was pre finding out the positive test results. From: dppl dppl dppl1...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 7, 2011 6:52 PM Subject: stray kitten positive any advice for me I came across this site, having just been informed by the vet that the abandoned kitten I took in three weeks ago. Before I took it to the vet, I have been keeping it in a separate room but admit that since it seemed so healthy I let it out for little walks. I have 4 cats over 12 years old. Other than walking on the same floors, they have not had contact with this kitten. In our short phone call, the vet basically said that she would understand if I euthanized the cat and that she wasn't sure about false positive and whether retesting would be worthwhile. The cat also has hookworms. When I took the cat in, she suggested that I give it its vaccinations before waiting for test results. I asked if the cat turned out postitive, wouldn't this harm its immune system. she said no. Now when she called she said she was surprised that the cat tested positive since, other than the sore gums, which she attirbuted to teething and bad breath, she said it seemed healthy. It does seem healthy , eats well and plays. and is the sweetest cat, loving and intelligent. I am heartbroken about this. I'm sorry I haven't had time to read all archives but I work from home and also take care of my bedridden elderly mother. Is there anyone out there would be kind enough to give me some advice? Thank you. PS the test done was elisa and it just says positive the vet estimates the cat is from 5-6 months old. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me
I too got a 'Positive kitty from the pound.have had her 3 yrsmy other cat has been with all everyday (got him vacinated)...BOTH are greatand healthy A failure is just a stopover on the way to SUCCESS. From: Maureen Olvey molvey...@hotmail.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 7, 2011 7:11 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me Like everyone else has said, ALWAYS ALWAYS re-test. Never rely on one positive ELISA test. It can show a false positive but even if it's not a false positive it is possible the cat can extinguish, meaning totally get rid of, the virus. I would do an IFA test like someone else mentioned. It looks to see if the virus has spread into the white blood cells. If the IFA is negative the cat can still kick the virus so you would need to wait and re-test. Also, the cat could put the virus into dormancy, which means it may not ever have problems with the virus and it can't spread it. Lots of people on the site have mixed positives and negatives. I have a friend with lots of rescued cats. She has 3 positive cats. She has all her negative cats vaccinated against FeLV and over the years none have ever caught FeLV. She even has FIV positive cats that get vaccinated and have never caught the FeLV virus. No vaccinations are 100% but it would seem that in most cases it works. Another vet I talked with said that most researchers now feel that even non-vaccinated healthy adult cats are resistant to the FeLV virus. So even if you don't vaccinate it's possible the other cats wouldn't catch the virus. That happened in my house. No cats in my house caught the virus from one who had it (her first test was negative so I didn't know I had a FeLV cat mixed in until she died and we did the necropsy and another ELISA). None of my cats were vaccinated against FeLV but somehow none of them caught it. In your case though, I wouldn't take the chance and would vaccinate the other cats but it's just interesting that it's not spread as easy as many people believe. “I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn’t….the pain which it inflicts upon unconsenting animals is the basis of my enmity toward it, and it is to me sufficient justification of the enmity without looking further.” – Mark Twain Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 17:33:50 -0800 From: dppl1...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] stray kitten positive any advice for me thank you all for responding so quickly. when i have more time I will review all archives. I hope i am posting correctly by sending these emails. I see my post is all chopped up (at least in my display ). Thanks for your advice. I guess i will take things day by day. thanks also for the advice to get the other test as a follow up.i can only hope it turns out negative. I am worried about the redness of his gums which he is on an antibiotic for. Vet attributed it to gingivitis and teething but this was pre finding out the positive test results. From: dppl dppl dppl1...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 7, 2011 6:52 PM Subject: stray kitten positive any advice for me I came across this site, having just been informed by the vet that the abandoned kitten I took in three weeks ago. Before I took it to the vet, I have been keeping it in a separate room but admit that since it seemed so healthy I let it out for little walks. I have 4 cats over 12 years old. Other than walking on the same floors, they have not had contact with this kitten. In our short phone call, the vet basically said that she would understand if I euthanized the cat and that she wasn't sure about false positive and whether retesting would be worthwhile. The cat also has hookworms. When I took the cat in, she suggested that I give it its vaccinations before waiting for test results. I asked if the cat turned out postitive, wouldn't this harm its immune system. she said no. Now when she called she said she was surprised that the cat tested positive since, other than the sore gums, which she attirbuted to teething and bad breath, she said it seemed healthy. It does seem healthy , eats well and plays. and is the sweetest cat, loving and intelligent. I am heartbroken about this. I'm sorry I haven't had time to read all archives but I work from home and also take care of my bedridden elderly mother. Is there anyone out there would be kind enough to give me some advice? Thank you. PS the test done was elisa and it just says positive the vet estimates the cat is from 5-6 months old. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
