Re: Cricket and heart murmur

[Dudes]

Hi Wendy:
Good to hear from you.  I also thought that perhaps there should be blood 
drawn to get a baseline cbc to be able to watch for a trend, and I'm glad 
you suggested it.  Will keep everyone posted.

Sandy
- Original Message - 
From: "wendy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2006 2:07 PM
Subject: Cricket and heart murmur



Sandy,

My Cricket had a heart murmur when he was ill with
anemia as well.  Other than the anemia, I don't think
that there were any other health problems going on
when the heart murmur was diagnosed (other than
dehydration/lack of food).  Is your Cricket anemic?  I
don't think that doctors freak out on heart murmurs.
Apparently, a lot of kitties have them in conjunction
with other health problems, and can live a long time
with them.  My Julie has hyperthyroidism and also has
a heart murmur, which I am told will most likely go
away when we get her thyroid meds regulated.  You
might check for that, but it sounds like your Cricket
might be too young to have that, although it has
happened in younger cats.  Hope this helps and keep us
posted.

:)
Wendy

__
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com 

Re: mixing

[Dudes]

Thank you so much, Rachel.  Any and all 
suggestions are welcome, as I have a goal: envision a home where fights are a 
thing of the past.  Will definitely let you know how it works.  

Sandy 

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Rachel 
  Martineau 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 10:09 
PM
  Subject: Re: mixing
  
  I've had good luck with keeping them my semi-ferals dosed up with Rescue 
  Remedy for a week or so when introducing them into my foster communities under 
  stress.  It's cheaper than Feliway in the quantities I use it in.  
  
   
  Good luck to you sweetie! 
  On 5/2/06, Dudes 
  <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
  wrote: 
  Thank 
you so much for all of your advice, Nina.  I am so appreciative, 
andwill definitely give it all a try.  RR and more Feliway, 
coming up! But I have to say, Cotton is not at all stressed 
.  He's a happy, cheerfullittle guy. He protests loudly when 
he doesn't get his way, but he's quicklydiverted.  In fact, he 
is practically humming when he is being naughty, most of the 
time!  Many times when he bites, he's purring!  He will 
put his lipson me (leg, arm, chin), and I can feel the vibrations of him 
purring as wellas hear him, and then just as a smile emerges on my face, 
he bites.  Usually it's not hard.  But it's 
annoying, and I tell him he's rude.  And we are alittle wiser 
to that move now!  We tap him on the nose and say 
NO.  He'slearning.It is Cricket who is afraid, a bit 
neurotic and stressed. Unfortunately, Cricket spends all of her time out 
sniffing where Cotton'sbeen and looking for him.  When she 
finds him, she gets agitated, she hissesand growls and tries to get at 
at him under the door.I try not to nurture her insecurities, but to 
give her as much alone timeand extra love and treats when she is 
calm.We have a plan.  We are going to try to reintroduce 
Cotton and Cricket incarriers from far away, so they can look at each 
other.  I think the Feliway will be a great addition to this 
little exercize.  When they seemcomfortable, we will try to 
give treats, love, and then move them each alittle closer and closer 
each time, to try to create positive associations while in each other's 
presence.We will keep trying.  If you remember, I was 
telling the list that a fewyears ago, I worked with my oldest girl, Miss 
for 6 months, carrying her andrewarding her for being brave before she 
decided it was safe to come out of the bedroom because she was fighting- 
WITH CRICKET.  I'm afraid Cricket ismy problem 
cat.  But she worked it out with Miss, so I think if we 
arepatient, this will work out too.I just hope me sharing some 
of my experiences will be of help to someone else somewhere having 
similar problems.Wish me luck!  Sandy, Cotton, Cricket, Miss 
and Myca- Original Message -From: "Nina" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] >To: 
<felvtalk@felineleukemia.org>Sent: 
Tuesday, May 02, 2006 1:35 AMSubject: Re: mixing> Just 
another thought...  I've been adding RR, just a few drops to all 
the > water bowls, it might be my imagination, but it seems to 
help.  It sounds> like Cotton is pretty high strung, 
(biting his humans, I'm assuming when> he's had enough attention, but 
not giving you adequate warning that it's > coming, fighting 
etc.).-- We give dogs 
  time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, 
  dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made.   
  ~ M. Facklam 

Re: mixing

[Dudes]

Thank you so much for all of your advice, Nina.  I am so appreciative, and 
will definitely give it all a try.  RR and more Feliway, coming up!


But I have to say, Cotton is not at all stressed .  He's a happy, cheerful 
little guy. He protests loudly when he doesn't get his way, but he's quickly 
diverted.  In fact, he is practically humming when he is being naughty, most 
of the time!  Many times when he bites, he's purring!  He will put his lips 
on me (leg, arm, chin), and I can feel the vibrations of him purring as well 
as hear him, and then just as a smile emerges on my face, he bites.  Usually 
it's not hard.  But it's annoying, and I tell him he's rude.  And we are a 
little wiser to that move now!  We tap him on the nose and say NO.  He's 
learning.


It is Cricket who is afraid, a bit neurotic and stressed.
Unfortunately, Cricket spends all of her time out sniffing where Cotton's 
been and looking for him.  When she finds him, she gets agitated, she hisses 
and growls and tries to get at at him under the door.


I try not to nurture her insecurities, but to give her as much alone time 
and extra love and treats when she is calm.


We have a plan.  We are going to try to reintroduce Cotton and Cricket in 
carriers from far away, so they can look at each other.  I think the Feliway 
will be a great addition to this little exercize.  When they seem 
comfortable, we will try to give treats, love, and then move them each a 
little closer and closer each time, to try to create positive associations 
while in each other's presence.


We will keep trying.  If you remember, I was telling the list that a few 
years ago, I worked with my oldest girl, Miss for 6 months, carrying her and 
rewarding her for being brave before she decided it was safe to come out of 
the bedroom because she was fighting- WITH CRICKET.  I'm afraid Cricket is 
my problem cat.  But she worked it out with Miss, so I think if we are 
patient, this will work out too.


I just hope me sharing some of my experiences will be of help to someone 
else somewhere having similar problems.

Wish me luck!  Sandy, Cotton, Cricket, Miss and Myca
- Original Message - 
From: "Nina" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

To: 
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 1:35 AM
Subject: Re: mixing


Just another thought...  I've been adding RR, just a few drops to all the 
water bowls, it might be my imagination, but it seems to help.  It sounds 
like Cotton is pretty high strung, (biting his humans, I'm assuming when 
he's had enough attention, but not giving you adequate warning that it's 
coming, fighting etc.). 

Re: mixing

[Dudes]

Hi Nina:
When Cotton first turned up positive, I pulled out everyone's records and 
verified them at the vet's office.  All of my established cats had been 
vaccinated at one time or another.  Cricket actually had 2 vaccines.  I have 
a couple of theories about her exposure turning into contracting the 
disease.  Any comments welcome:


#1.  Cricket's vaccine did not produce enough antibodies to make her immune 
into adulthood to Cotton's particular genotype of FeLV.  Or perhaps it was 
not given correctly one of the times, causing it to be less effective.  Or 
perhaps there was human error, and it was mistakenly omitted once.


#2.  Cotton's FeLV is particularly contagious.  If you remember, he passed 
it to another seemingly healthy adult, who became viremic and lost his life. 
Cotton's former housemate, Kuma was about 5 years old, and I personally 
witnessed him grooming Cotton.  Kuma became very ill soon after he came to 
live with us, and I am suspecting it was the stress of the move that caused 
him to become so ill.   So sad.  He was a very nice boy.


and #3. and the least likely, perhaps Cricket's ELISA test was incorrect 
when she was tested as a baby, or she had a latent form of the disease.


The vet I go to now still thinks that it is rather hard for healthy adult 
cats who do not groom each other to become infected.  I think Cricket and 
Cotton fighting made her the exception.  But if he did bite her and she 
licked her wounds shortly after the bite, transmission could still occur. 
That is the most likely scenario.  Unfortunately, there were fights both 
before we learned of Cotton's status.

Sandy
- Original Message - 
From: "Nina" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

To: 
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2006 11:50 PM
Subject: Re: mixing



Sandy,
From what I understood about vaccines, if Cricket was vaccinated even just 
once with a booster, than she should have been protected.  Sorry to be a 
pest, but are you absolutely sure that her kitten vaccines included felv? 
Most of the vets I've used don't vaccinate for felv unless expressly asked 
to.  Your news about Cricket kind of shoots my theory to hell, if she was 
indeed vaccinated, (esp more than once), for felv and she had tested neg 
as a kitten, and she was an adult when she was exposed to felv...  She 
could be the exception to the rule, but it isn't good news for mixing in 
general, or of course, for poor Cricket.

Re: mixing

[Dudes]

ted to know what the 
specifics are.


Of course I too hope that all your babies stay healthy and strong.  While 
we're hoping, let's put in a plea that Cricket and Cotton figure out a way 
to get along and stop stressing each other and everyone else out!

Nina

Dudes wrote:

What does every(any)one think about the new appearance of a heart murmur 
in my Cricket?  Is this an uncommon symptom to appear in FeLV+ cats?  I 
can't find much in research on the web.


And I am not sure that I feel the same way about mixing positives and 
negatives since Cricket is now positive.  My vet says FeLV is the 
"friendly cat" disease, because cats that groom each other are most at 
risk of passing it along.  Cricket and Cotton are anything but friendly 
to each other.   But she did test positive for it before she and Cotton 
fought enough to draw blood and cause wounds.  I just hope they both stay 
well, and my other two cats stay negative.

Sandy C.
Cricket, Cotton, Miss and Myca

Re: mixing

[Dudes]

What does every(any)one think about the new appearance of a heart murmur in 
my Cricket?  Is this an uncommon symptom to appear in FeLV+ cats?  I can't 
find much in research on the web.


And I am not sure that I feel the same way about mixing positives and 
negatives since Cricket is now positive.  My vet says FeLV is the "friendly 
cat" disease, because cats that groom each other are most at risk of passing 
it along.  Cricket and Cotton are anything but friendly to each other.   But 
she did test positive for it before she and Cotton fought enough to draw 
blood and cause wounds.  I just hope they both stay well, and my other two 
cats stay negative.

Sandy C.
Cricket, Cotton, Miss and Myca

Original Message - 
From: "TenHouseCats" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

To: 
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2006 9:57 AM
Subject: Re: mixing


for what it's worth, because it's not really definite, i just read on
one of the health lists that the FeLV vaccination protocol is
currently being revised, as was done for the other main
vaccinations. don't know how long a process this is/will be, but
will share anything i learn when i do!

On 4/30/06, Dudes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hi Everyone,
I know it's been a long time, but I started a new job at the beginning of
the year, and things were kind of stressful for all of us here at home for 
a

while, but in the meantime, I have been reading when I can in lurk.

I do have an update on my cats that relates to this thread, even if a 
little

late.

If anyone may remember, we took in Cotton, the little orange cat who did 
not

have a stable home, but who is now a little over a year old.  After his
former housemate died, we discovered to our great upset, that he is FeLV+.

But I guess a good diet and stable routine at home among other things have
agreed with him, because he's been really well.  My other three older
established cats, Myca, Miss and Cricket were all tested shortly after we
found out about Cotton,and Myca and Miss both tested negative. But Cricket
tested positive in the office the last time she went.

When I last talked to the list, Cotton had a bout of  illness which landed
him in the vet ER, and subsequently it was recommended that he have an
ultrasound of his liver and kidneys, as they were enlarged.  But I felt
compelled to have him examined again, as the xray which prompted this
recommendation was taken when he was quite ill and rather dehydrated. 
When

I did take him back in, the vet said he didn't need it after all.  His
abdomen palpated within normal range, and his bloodwork is all normal.  He
said we can just treat him like a normal cat now, he just needs more
frequent checkups.  I had him neutered, he never missed a beat, and his
behavior (spraying, fighting with Cricket) has improved somewhat.  He also
got a rabies vaccine, which didn't seem to bother him at all.

My worries are now about my petite all-black female Cricket, who is now 
six.

She has been in a few bad fights with Cotton despite our efforts to keep
them separate, since she hates him.  Both of them have had some bite 
wounds

which drew blood.  I had her tested a few weeks ago by IFA, and she is
positive.  She was not showing any symptoms of viremia, but she did have a
heart murmur on her checkup, and although I hesitated, she got her rabies
vaccine, and it did seem to be hard on her. For a couple of days she 
seemed
tender at the injection site, and was quieter than usual.  Other than 
that,

she is well.

My theory about Cricket is that she was (and still is) the most highly
stressed by Cotton's arrival, and perhaps the affect on her immune system
contributed to her contracting FeLV.  The other two cats were boostered
once, and continue to be negative.

Anyone have any experience with heart murmurs?  I also wonder how this
relates to her FeLV+ status?  She has not ever had a murmur before. The 
vet
is going to recheck her, and if it is still present, he will order an 
echo,
which I agree should be done promptly.  She has an appointment in two 
weeks

to be re-evaluated.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Sandy Carter
Myca, Miss, Cricket and Cotton
[EMAIL PROTECTED]











--
MaryChristine

AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
ICQ: 289856892 

Re: mixing

[Dudes]

Hi Everyone,
I know it's been a long time, but I started a new job at the beginning of 
the year, and things were kind of stressful for all of us here at home for a 
while, but in the meantime, I have been reading when I can in lurk.


I do have an update on my cats that relates to this thread, even if a little 
late.


If anyone may remember, we took in Cotton, the little orange cat who did not 
have a stable home, but who is now a little over a year old.  After his 
former housemate died, we discovered to our great upset, that he is FeLV+.


But I guess a good diet and stable routine at home among other things have 
agreed with him, because he's been really well.  My other three older 
established cats, Myca, Miss and Cricket were all tested shortly after we 
found out about Cotton,and Myca and Miss both tested negative. But Cricket 
tested positive in the office the last time she went.


When I last talked to the list, Cotton had a bout of  illness which landed 
him in the vet ER, and subsequently it was recommended that he have an 
ultrasound of his liver and kidneys, as they were enlarged.  But I felt 
compelled to have him examined again, as the xray which prompted this 
recommendation was taken when he was quite ill and rather dehydrated.  When 
I did take him back in, the vet said he didn't need it after all.  His 
abdomen palpated within normal range, and his bloodwork is all normal.  He 
said we can just treat him like a normal cat now, he just needs more 
frequent checkups.  I had him neutered, he never missed a beat, and his 
behavior (spraying, fighting with Cricket) has improved somewhat.  He also 
got a rabies vaccine, which didn't seem to bother him at all.


My worries are now about my petite all-black female Cricket, who is now six. 
She has been in a few bad fights with Cotton despite our efforts to keep 
them separate, since she hates him.  Both of them have had some bite wounds 
which drew blood.  I had her tested a few weeks ago by IFA, and she is 
positive.  She was not showing any symptoms of viremia, but she did have a 
heart murmur on her checkup, and although I hesitated, she got her rabies 
vaccine, and it did seem to be hard on her. For a couple of days she seemed 
tender at the injection site, and was quieter than usual.  Other than that, 
she is well.


My theory about Cricket is that she was (and still is) the most highly 
stressed by Cotton's arrival, and perhaps the affect on her immune system 
contributed to her contracting FeLV.  The other two cats were boostered 
once, and continue to be negative.


Anyone have any experience with heart murmurs?  I also wonder how this 
relates to her FeLV+ status?  She has not ever had a murmur before. The vet 
is going to recheck her, and if it is still present, he will order an echo, 
which I agree should be done promptly.  She has an appointment in two weeks 
to be re-evaluated.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Sandy Carter
Myca, Miss, Cricket and Cotton
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re: FeLV transmission by bite

[Dudes]

Thank you, I will.  I may also 
try put catnip out more often also, as it seems to at least distract 
them from each other.  
Sandy 

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Marylyn 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 8:38 
  PM
  Subject: Re: FeLV transmission by 
  bite
  
  Try the spray too.  It works so much 
  better for me.  Just spray it all over regularly.  A number of 
  people I know have not had good experiences with the plug in while I 
  understand others have.  Everyone I know loves the 
  spray.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  If you have men who will exclude any of God's 
  creatures 
  from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who 
   
  will deal likewise with their fellow 
  man.  
  St. Francis
  
- Original Message - 
From: 
Dudes 

To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 

Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 8:11 
PM
Subject: Re: FeLV transmission by 
bite

Hi Deb, very good to know you.  I 
haven't been on the list long either, and I'm mostly lurking these 
days. Thanks for the head's up on neutering.  I do keep a spray 
bottle handy for Cotton when he stalks Cricket.  Now when he 
sees the spray bottle come out, he narrows his eyes 
and recoils, so he is learning and doesn't want to be sprayed.  
But I feel like it's not enough, judging from the missing fur and scabs on 
Cricket.  I feel like I have failed to keep her safe.  

 
Cricket was already rather unsure 
of herself, as she has been bullied in the past by the my big male 
tuxedo cat, Myca.  Once he cornered her when she was much younger, and 
she was so afraid, she lost control of her bladder right on the spot, 
poor little girl.  And she has had to assert herself 
with my other female Miss. When she was tiny, Miss was a wonderful 
surrogate mom to her, and they were very cozy.  But when Cricket 
reached social maturity, they fought. As some might remember, I shared 
about how my Miss was so angry after a bad fight in which she got a 
nasty bite from Cricket, Miss refused to come out of the bedroom for 
almost 6 months!  
 
Before Cotton came, everyone was at 
last at peace.  Had I any 
choice about Cotton's presence, I would not have added a 4th 
cat.  But after we learned how poorly he was being cared for, and found 
out he was FeLV+, finding him another home was out of the 
question.
 
 I am using the Feliway spray, and 
it has helped, but I can't help feeling anxious when Cricket and 
Cotton are in the same room together.  And I have to look around 
first before I give any love to Cotton, because I don't want Cricket to see 
me.  I feel guilty.  And Cotton really needs all the handling 
we can give him, because he was neglected and was not used to 
being touched, talked to, or even fed regularly.  He's so much better, 
but he's still not that comfortable with being handled.  He does seek 
affection now, but we have to keep it short and follow with treats or 
he bites.  
 
I will keep trying different things, the 
plug-in diffuser, and hopefully we can work all of this out, and 
perhaps everyone will get what they need.  Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Sandy
 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  Deborah Myers 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 
  11:22 AM
  Subject: Re: FeLV transmission by 
  bite
  
  Hi there,I am new here, my name is Deb.  I have 10 
  inside cats and I also have a sweet cat that is at the bottom of the 
  pecking order.  My 2yr old male is the aggressor and neutering him 
  has not changed him.  I have special shelves that I made for 
  her.  She eats and uses a litter pan on her shelf.  She is too 
  timid to fight back with him so, she runs.  He loves it when she 
  runs.   I will spray him with water when he goes after 
  her.  I must make sure she does not get wet.  I spray water 
  immediately so that he knows what behavior I want him to stop.  Now, 
  when he sees the water sprayer he knows that he will get wet if, he 
  misbehaves.  This seems to be helping. Good 
  Luck!Marylyn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 
  



Try Rescue Remedy.  Are they all spayed/neutered?  If 
not, that might help.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If 

Re: FeLV transmission by bite

[Dudes]

Hi Deb, very good to know you.  I haven't 
been on the list long either, and I'm mostly lurking these days. Thanks for 
the head's up on neutering.  I do keep a spray bottle handy for Cotton 
when he stalks Cricket.  Now when he sees the spray bottle come 
out, he narrows his eyes and recoils, so he is learning and 
doesn't want to be sprayed.  But I feel like it's not enough, judging from 
the missing fur and scabs on Cricket.  I feel like I have failed to keep 
her safe.  
 
Cricket was already rather unsure of 
herself, as she has been bullied in the past by the my big male tuxedo cat, 
Myca.  Once he cornered her when she was much younger, and she was so 
afraid, she lost control of her bladder right on the spot, poor little 
girl.  And she has had to assert herself with my other 
female Miss. When she was tiny, Miss was a wonderful surrogate mom to her, and 
they were very cozy.  But when Cricket reached social maturity, they 
fought. As some might remember, I shared about how my Miss was so 
angry after a bad fight in which she got a nasty bite from Cricket, Miss 
refused to come out of the bedroom for almost 6 months!  
 
Before Cotton came, everyone was at last at 
peace.  Had I any choice about 
Cotton's presence, I would not have added a 4th cat.  But after 
we learned how poorly he was being cared for, and found out he was 
FeLV+, finding him another home was out of the question.
 
 I am using the Feliway spray, and it 
has helped, but I can't help feeling anxious when Cricket and Cotton 
are in the same room together.  And I have to look around first before 
I give any love to Cotton, because I don't want Cricket to see me.  I feel 
guilty.  And Cotton really needs all the handling we can give him, 
because he was neglected and was not used to being touched, 
talked to, or even fed regularly.  He's so much better, but he's still not 
that comfortable with being handled.  He does seek affection now, 
but we have to keep it short and follow with treats or he 
bites.  
 
I will keep trying different things, the plug-in 
diffuser, and hopefully we can work all of this out, and perhaps everyone 
will get what they need.  Thanks for 
taking the time to answer.
Sandy
 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  Deborah 
  Myers 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 11:22 
  AM
  Subject: Re: FeLV transmission by 
  bite
  
  Hi there,I am new here, my name is Deb.  I have 10 
  inside cats and I also have a sweet cat that is at the bottom of the pecking 
  order.  My 2yr old male is the aggressor and neutering him has not 
  changed him.  I have special shelves that I made for her.  She 
  eats and uses a litter pan on her shelf.  She is too timid to fight back 
  with him so, she runs.  He loves it when she runs.   I will 
  spray him with water when he goes after her.  I must make sure she does 
  not get wet.  I spray water immediately so that he knows what behavior I 
  want him to stop.  Now, when he sees the water sprayer he knows that he 
  will get wet if, he misbehaves.  This seems to be helping. Good 
  Luck!Marylyn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 
  



Try Rescue Remedy.  Are they all spayed/neutered?  If not, 
that might help.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If you have men who will exclude any of God's 
creatures 
from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who 
 
will deal likewise with their fellow 
man.  
St. Francis

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Dudes 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Monday, January 09, 2006 10:16 
  PM
  Subject: FeLV transmission by 
  bite
  
  Hi Everyone!
  I haven't been on list in a while, 
  but I have some real worries I need to share.
  In case anyone needs 
  reminding, we have Cotton, who is a young orange boy, under a 
  year old FeLV+ who we adopted around 5 months ago or so, and 3 
  established older cats in our family, Cricket, Miss and Myca.  
  
   
  Initially when Cotton first came he 
  was stalked and terrorized by Cricket, who would slap at him and hiss and 
  basically do a lot of posturing and chasing, but there was very little 
  contact between them.  Now that Cotton is older and a little 
  bigger, he has turned into the aggressor, and he is the one who 
  stalks Cricket and when he catches her by suprise, he bites her.  
  Cotton and Cricket are both small cats, but he is much 
  stronger than she is, and she is a little bit overwt, and much softer 
  than he is.
   
  I'm so worried about her 

Re: FeLV transmission by bite

[Dudes]

I don't know if Cotton can be 
neutered, although I would like for him to be.  The vet said with his lymph 
nodes swollen, he is not a good candidate for anesthesia.  But he has not 
had any change in his condition.  Any suggestions on how I might go about 
asking if he can be neutered safely?
Sandy

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Marylyn 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 5:18 
  PM
  Subject: Re: FeLV transmission by 
  bite
  
  Try Rescue Remedy.  Are they all spayed/neutered?  If not, that 
  might help.   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  If you have men who will exclude any of God's 
  creatures 
  from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who 
   
  will deal likewise with their fellow 
  man.  
  St. Francis
  
- Original Message - 
From: 
Dudes 

To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 

Sent: Monday, January 09, 2006 10:16 
PM
Subject: FeLV transmission by 
bite

Hi Everyone!
I haven't been on list in a while, 
but I have some real worries I need to 
share.

FeLV transmission by bite

[Dudes]

Hi Everyone!
I haven't been on list in a while, but I 
have some real worries I need to share.
In case anyone needs reminding, we 
have Cotton, who is a young orange boy, under a year old FeLV+ who we 
adopted around 5 months ago or so, and 3 established older cats in our 
family, Cricket, Miss and Myca.  
 
Initially when Cotton first came he was 
stalked and terrorized by Cricket, who would slap at him and hiss and basically 
do a lot of posturing and chasing, but there was very little contact between 
them.  Now that Cotton is older and a little bigger, he has turned 
into the aggressor, and he is the one who stalks Cricket and when he 
catches her by suprise, he bites her.  Cotton and Cricket are 
both small cats, but he is much stronger than she is, and she is 
a little bit overwt, and much softer than he 
is.
 
I'm so worried about her because I 
know he hurts her, and he's been relentless the last few days for some 
reason, and she has been hiding, and she seems a 
bit depressed.  At night I try and massage her while she lays on my 
chest kneading my chin. It's our bonding time. But last night she seemed 
restless, and I think some of the places I touched were sore.  
She has scabs on her where he's bitten her, but she has also put a few 
scratches on Cotton.  He's got an ugly but clean one on his 
shoulder.  
 
Usually we break up the fights before 
they get too nasty by getting the squirt bottle, but I fear that not only will 
one of them inflict a nasty wound that might get infected, I worry that 
Cricket's stress level and her constant exposure to his saliva might lead to the 
transmission of the FeLV.  She was weakly positive on her last 
ELISA, but the vet said possibly due to exposure, and i am to take her back 
in for another test this weekend.  If she tests positive again, I will 
have them draw an IFA to confirm.  
 
The other two older cats were both 
negative, and received a booster.  I check everyone over very carefully 
for new wounds, because I have dealt with an abscessed wound before, 
and know they can become a real problem in a short time.
 
Needless to say Cotton is doing quite 
well, he is a little devil (in the most affectionate sense of the word).  
His energy level is great, he eats well, poops well, plays long and 
hard and bites and scratches his way through everyone in his way.  I 
believe he has lacked the proper socialization, as he has been slow to 
trust and is slow learning his limits in the household.  He's constantly 
testing his limits.  We have tried to teach him manners, but he is stubborn 
and wily.   It's been so long since we have had a kitten, I have a 
rather relaxed, very polite bunch (they sit in line waiting 
for another to finish at the food bowl or water), who have worked out their 
differences long ago.
 
I try to make sure Cricket has a safe 
place where she can go, which is my bedroom.  Cotton is not allowed in 
there.  We shoo him out whenever he goes in there.  Same for 
Cotton, when he goes to my son's room for quiet, the other cats are 
discouraged from bothering him.  At night he is not allowed free roam, and 
is confined in there to sleep with my son.  I have also used some Feliway 
spray, which did help.  I am continuing to use it.  
 
Any suggestions or thoughts on how I can 
deal with this?  It's hard to be mad at Cotton, since he is so well, 
and he's still very much a kitten, but I wonder if neutering might help if 
he's well enough?  I feel so bad for my poor little sweetpea, 
Cricket.  I don't want her to live in fear, and not safe in her own 
home.  She is already the littlest, and has had to work hard to earn 
her current status in the household.  Cotton has upset the 
pecking order.  
Please advise.
Sandy

Re: steroids and moods

[Dudes]

Agreed, I have heard it IS different in 
cats.  And for cats, I'm very glad.  I would hate to wake up in the 
middle of the night to find my kitty glaring down at me from the nightstand with 
a tiny knife.  (boo, hiss~I'll be here all week!)
 
Eh-hem, anyways, I did not realize that dogs 
also get GI upset, but it's good info to know, since I do have dogs in my little 
fuzzy family as well.    Often something like Zantac 
is prescribed to human patients along with steroids to combat 
this unpleasant side effect.  
 
But perhaps since steroids have been longer 
prescribed for humans, and is considered rather non 
traditional therapy for cats, I wonder if cats do experience 
other side effects that are unreported or more subtle.  Might be 
something good to ask the vet, should my Cotton need to be on 
steroids. 
Sandy   
 
 think it is really different in cats. They actually have a way, way 
higher tolerance for steroids than humans or dogs do.  The amount of 
steroids I gave my cats with lymphoma would not be possible, proportionally, to 
give a human or a dog.  Cats just have a phenomenally high tolerance for 
them for some reason.  When Simon's oncologist was hesitant at first to do 
the kind of shots I wanted (dex and dep together), he did some research on how 
much steroids cats can get and told me that he was astounded at what studies 
have shown they can handle, like dex shots every day fairly long-term for bad 
skin conditions.  After reading these studies he said he did not think the 
dex and dep shots could hurt and gave them, and Simon responded really well. The 
other thing that happens with humans and dogs, but not cats, from steroids is GI 
problems like ulcers.  Cats do not tend to get GI reactions to steroids, 
due to their high tolerance.

Re: Buddha's 14 success story and a Question about UpperRespiratoryinfections

[Dudes]

I think that is a more accurate way to refer to 
it, Michelle.  I remember once my hubby was on them for a bad case of 
poison ivy, and he was like the Tazmanian devil, he was a whirlwind of 
energy!  On the flip side, he had terrible insomnia while on 
it.  I also knew someone who took it for an acute asthma episode, 
and while she was on it, she flew into a rage and threw a knife at her own 
husband!  She avoided steroid therapy because she knew she became a 
wild-eyed rather violent, short tempered person on it!
 
I wonder if in cats it's 
different, especially if they take high doses for longer periods of time to 
treat cancer, as it is in Buddha's case.  The euphoria is mainly seen 
in short term, tapering doses in humans, and peaks with the highest dose 
and decreases as the dose tapers.   
 
I do believe that cats are very sensitive beings 
to changes in our energy and mood, especially if we worry or have changes in our 
stress level.  I feel like they may even be able to smell or detect the 
chemical changes in our bodies as a reaction to mental stress or 
anguish.  My opinion, only.  However I do wonder if it is 
instinct for them to want to be alone when they are not feeling 
well.  
 
I hope Buddha recovers from this 
episode and has many happy moments for you to share with him, Chandra.  
 
 
Sandy
Cotton's mom
 

re:
I have heard of that with humans, but have never seen it in cats. I have 
heard it referred to as a "euphoric" actually, as it usually produces a sense of 
well-being, at least in cats.  My cats all seemed pretty happy when the 
stronger steroids would kick in.  The longest I ever did this for, though, 
unfortunately, was about 3 months.
Michelle
 
In a message dated 12/15/2005 10:41:42 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I'm not 
  sure if it's true in cats as it is in humans, but sometimes withhigh doses 
  of steroids, there are personality changes.  In humans, there 
  is
 
 
I have heard of that with humans, but have never seen it in cats. I have 
heard it referred to as a "euphoric" actually, as it usually produces a sense of 
well-being, at least in cats.  My cats all seemed pretty happy when the 
stronger steroids would kick in.  The longest I ever did this for, though, 
unfortunately, was about 3 months.
Michelle
 
In a message dated 12/15/2005 10:41:42 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I'm not 
  sure if it's true in cats as it is in humans, but sometimes withhigh doses 
  of steroids, there are personality changes.  In humans, there 
  is

Re: "Fake Fur" from garments made in China

[Dudes]

I watched the video about the foxes and raccoon 
dogs.  It's the most horrible thing I've ever seen.  So 
gruesome.  Made me cry.   Boycott seems like such a 
passive thing to do in the face of such suffering.
Sandy 

Re: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 11, Issue 83

[Dudes]

Rebecca, so glad to hear that Brooklyn is much better.

About the biting thing, I have one of those too!   Cotton doesn't seem to
tolerate much petting either.  I notice that when Cotton's tail starts to
flick or he starts flinching the skin on his back, or if his ears start to
move back just a tiny bit, it's time he's had enough.  If I am not quick
enough getting off of him, I will get a little warning bite.  I believe some
cats are just a lot more...orally fixated than others.
My girl Miss will make a weak attempt to bite at the top of the other cats'
heads or ears if they are near and are annoying her.  She also boops them
with her paws. But she will only pretend to bite me when we play , but then
lick the spot she bit, as if to say, "I hope I didn't hurt you."
And sometimes there's no figuring it out at all.  It's almost as if their
mood changes very abruptly, like they were thinking, and were reminded of
something, and want to be left alone NOW.  So diffferent from dogs.  My dogs
could be petted all day and never tire of my hands on them.
Sandy

Re: A Hallmark e-card from Sandy

[Dudes]

I liked the look on the cat's face when you stop the meowing.  I'm glad you
enjoyed.
Sandy

A Hallmark e-card from Sandy

[DUDES]

Hello!

 Sandy has sent you a Hallmark e-card!  To see it, just click the link below, 
or copy and paste it into your browser's address line:

http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=4379821601510M74765980Y

Or . you can follow these steps:

1.  Go to our homepage at http://www.hallmark.com
2.  Choose "Free E-Cards" under the "Our Products" section.
3.  Click the link that says "Pick up an e-card."
4.  Enter your e-mail address and this number: EG4379821601510.  Click 
"Display Greeting," and enjoy your e-card.

With best wishes, 
Your friends at Hallmark 

Your privacy is our priority. Click the "Privacy and Security" link at the 
bottom of any page on Hallmark.com to see our privacy policy.

Re: Cotton

[Dudes]

Cotton's the first orange cat I've ever known 
personally.  He's so different from my others (white with tabby 
spots, black and white tux, black).  He's definitely an A type 
personality.
S 
 
 
 
 
There are no ordinary orange cats.
Michelle
 
In a message dated 12/11/2005 8:45:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
he might just be a little ordinary orange 
cat

Re: Cotton

[Dudes]

Nina, Kerry, Michelle, Gloria:
I do understand what you meant, 
Michelle, I went back and read it again.  I guess I am 
just sensitive to my limitations-what I can and can't 
do.  I've felt that I have had to bargain for Cotton's life from 
the start, not only with the other vet he originally saw, but with my own 
husband.  But I do try to understand that not everyone feels as I do, and 
that's not in my control.  So I also apologize to you, 
Michelle for being too sensitive to what you had to 
say.  There has been nothing to indicate ever that you might feel that 
way about me.  You've always been very compassionate and I do accept 
your good intentions.  I am keeping your email to read over again 
should the chemo situation come up.
 
And Kerry, I appreciate so much your words of 
acceptance and support.  I cannot tell you all how wonderful it is to have 
that.  It's not something I'm used to,and it's very valued.  I'm used 
to having to defend myself in wildlife rehabbing circles, even to 
strangers or acquaintances.  People look at me like I'm crazy and ask in 
their most patient voice, "Why?  There are tons of squirrels 
everywhere.  One or two here and there won't make a difference."  But 
for that little baby squirrel who got blown out of his warm nest in the 
treetops, now lying on the ground screaming at the top of his lungs to be saved, 
but momma squirrel was too afraid of the dog in the backyard to go get him, 
it makes a difference.  Just like the starfish story.  

  
I have been emotional today over 
Cotton, Nina.  I suppose I have been so encouraged by Cotton's 
wellness and lack of symptoms, it  was easy to forget that the FeLV 
and it's associated threats are never far away.  It's so 
frustrating to me, knowing that to anyone else, he might just be a little 
ordinary orange cat, but to me, he's such a happy little spirit who 
brings a smile every time he returns my offer of affection or 
even if he does something naughty, he's so curious and full of 
life, I just can't be mad at him.  He's been slow to trust, but 
he's come a long way, and he had a bad start in life.  I doubt 
anyone cared enough to know that the little family of outside cats he 
came from may all have been infected with FeLV, even though their people have 
been notified.  But I feel Cotton's in my life to 
teach me something, and for us to love as much as we 
can.  
Thank you for all good thoughts and 
hugs.  You are very appreciated.
Sandy
   

Re: Cotton

[Dudes]

Thank you Belinda.  I am also close to Texas A & M, (about an hour, hour and
a half) which might be another option for us in finding an oncologist.  We
could consult with an oncologist who could give my vet a protocol to follow
for chemo should Cotton need it.

I'm dealing with a lot of what-if's, and Michelle's right, I do need to get
a definite diagnosis first.

I totally wish I could do the ultrasound myself, I run the one at my doc's
office for ultrasound guided biopsies he performs in the office all the
time.  I'm sure if I looked at Cotton's xray simultaneously, I could get
some great pics the vet could interpret. Dah.  Wishful thinking.
Sandy

Re: Cotton

[Dudes]

Thank you Belinda.  I get a Christmas bonus from my doc every year, and
that's what I intend for it to go on.
Sandy

Re: Cotton

[Dudes]

Michelle, please don't say it's ridiculous, because I already feel 
guilty enough for trying to please everyone.  I may not have a choice, and 
I just have to do the best I can for Cotton with my resources and my 
situation.  My husband Eric makes 3x the money I do, and has the final say 
in things like this, especially if it is a significant amount.  It's just 
how we do things.  He enjoys my cats', but notice I say they are my 
cats.  He does not enjoy the bond or closeness I feel with them.  
I would do anything to save them, but he does not feel the same way I do about 
Cotton's treatment.  
 
There are many people in my life who feel the 
same as Eric, and don't feel like I am doing the right thing, they think I am 
throwing money away for trying to buy him quality time.  I feel like I am 
not.  And I think it is a good lesson to my son that life is to be 
respected and is worth saving.  Unfortunately he's learning this in a 
very intimate way this time, because Cotton is his love.  I intend to 
see it through to the end.    I feel like I have taught him this 
by the squirrel lives saved in my work in wildlife rehabilitation, which 
was also expensive.  Zoonotic formulas are very 
expensive.  
 
So I am fighting an uphill battle with Cotton on 
many levels.  I have to justify and fight for every step.   So I 
will do what I can as soon as I can.  I couldn't bear it if any of you 
thought that I was being lax or casual about Cotton's treatment.  I 
wouldn't be here if that was the case.  My heart is breaking as I 
write this, knowing what I know.  If I had my way, we would have done 
these tests weeks ago.  
Sandy

Re: Cotton

[Dudes]

Michelle, 
Do you remember the cost, so I can firstly compare pricing, and secondly so 
I can soften the blow for my husband?  He's not excited about an expensive 
treatment used in prolonging the life of a terminally ill cat.  He 
feels like it's pretty futile, and he worries that my optimism and 
concern for Cotton will cause the vet to throw a bunch of tests our way in 
order to milk us for more money.  I would like to do what is best to keep 
everyone in the house happy, even unfuzzy ones.  :)  If you wish, you 
could email me privately about this more.  I'm thankful that hubby at least 
isn't opposed.  None the less, it may be a few weeks before we do all of 
the diagnostics. 
Sandy   

Re: HELP: PLS PRAY for my Hannibal-whiskers

[Dudes]

I am also fascinated by whiskers!  

My sweet little Cricket has slightly curled 
ones, and she brings them all forward when I ask her for a kiss.  I 
consider that a very big compliment!   
My Miss loves hers stroked.  
Cotton has one black whisker on each 
cheek.  The others are all white.  I always talk to him about his 
"little black whiskers".  He does NOT give kisses, but is much better about 
receiving.
My tuxedo cat Myca has the most beautiful 
incredibly long, straight white whiskers which contrast so with 
his black hair.  When any go missing, I ask him where he's left 
them, especially his antennae whiskers.  
Sandy 

Re: Cotton

[Dudes]

Nina, Presto, Sherry:
Cotton is acting like his zippy, happy 
little self!  He's such a cutie, his coat is shiny, soft and he's 
growing!  His eyes are bright and full of mischief, and he spends much of 
his days playing and following us so as not to miss anything.  

 
He's doing so well right now, it's hard to 
think of him as terminal.  Presto, he's on Interferon and Lysine, but his 
lymph nodes remain enlarged.  In fact, lately they are a bit larger than 
they have been in spite of everything, and they are feeling hard in his 
neck.  His labs about 3 or so weeks ago were all normal, except a 
borderline high calcium, another indication that he might be dealing 
with lymphoma.
The vet did give me a couple of options in 
order of aggresiveness:
1. Wait a couple of months to see how he is 
doing, re- xray and see how the sizes measure, check blood work 
again;
2. Ultrasound the 
abdomen;
3. Needle biopsy all enlarged organs and 
associated lymph nodes.
 
The vet is supposed to check with her senior 
partner and make a final recommendation and give me an estimate as to what this 
will cost.
 
I am a firm believer in treating the patient, 
and not the results of tests.  Cotton's overall attitude and health is 
my biggest indicator for treatment.  I guess my worry is that he will be in pain, and I don't 
want his last days full of vet visits, feeling bad and not being able to be his 
usual happy self.  I don't want to selfishly prolong his life if he is 
miserable.  However, everything I've read is encouraging, saying that cats 
usually respond to chemo very well.  So we could buy a little quality 
time with chemo if need be.  Any other thoughts would be 
appreciated.
Sandy
   

Cotton

[Dudes]

Hi Everyone;
I got a second opinion on Cotton's xray 
of his 2 view abdomen which we got when he was sick almost a month ago.  
The vet said that Cotton's liver and kidneys are enlarged, 
which makes her very suspicious of lymphoma.  She said that if this is the 
case in both his kidneys and liver at such a young age, his prognosis 
is poor.  
Any thoughts?
Sandy
 
 
 

Re: Lucy and weight loss

[Dudes]

Hi Michelle:
I work for a urologist, and am curious to 
know what does the vet recommend for the long term treatment of Lucy's 
bladder stone?  I know that in humans, the stone cause to bladder to be 
quite irritated, the lining of the bladder is always inflammed,and this can 
be a cause of infections or painful urination.  Sometimes a symptom of 
this and other stones in the ureter or kidneys is nausea.  Does the vet 
recommend removing the bladder stone, or just living with it?  
  
Sandy

Re: Off topic, but I have a food question

[Dudes]

Ah...so maybe the cats know what they are 
talking about by not eating itPerhaps I will go to the website and 
ask.  At any rate, still no takers today.  
S>As far as 
arguments against EVO.  I read that the rosemary in it, >(I'm pretty 
sure that's what it was), is not suppose to be good >for cats.  What's a 
cat mom to do?>N

Off topic, but I have a food question

[Dudes]

I know this is off topic too, but i have 
a food question which I need help with.
Ok, so I took y'all's advice and got some 
better food for the cats, mainly so Cotton gets the best chance at being 
well.  I had no idea there was super premium food for cats that was human 
grade, but I found Innova is sold at a grain and feed store 
locally.  I thought, "How lucky."  
 
I got Innova EVO, which it says it's for 
cats and kittens, so I thought everyone would like it, since the adult cats are 
always trying to eat Cotton's kitten chow.  Well, I guess my 4 cats can't 
read, because to my great dismay they don't like 
it!  
 
I mixed it with what they usually eat, 
which has been Pro Plan at the moment, and they are actually picking around the 
Innova.  I caught Cotton with the pantry door open, trying to eat his way 
through the bag of Pro Plan, because he doesn't like the Innova.  I 
also picked up a little sample bag of Innova for dogs.  And 
guess what?  They don't like it either!
 
Anyone else have this experience?  I 
am used to kind of switching around dry cat food, so it's not as if they have 
been eating one beloved brand of food.  My reasoning for not sticking 
with one brand is because if it is lacking in something, another brand 
rotated in the mix might make up for it, and they also get some 
variety.  Sometimes it's Eukanuba, sometimes, Nutros, sometimes Pro Plan, 
etc.  I mainly got Innova super premium because of what I 
read on the website.  There was a testimonial about a cat mom whose 
cat was getting fatter (just like my Miss), so she researched and switched 
to Innova, and her cat lost weight.  But so far, none of my critters like 
the food change,and I'm trying to go slow, and just mix in a tiny bit with their 
usual kibble.  Anyone have this problem with Innova specifically? 
Why wouldn't they like it?  Is it just that much different?  To 
me it smells better than the stuff they are eating now.  I'm trying to be a 
good cat mom, and no one with a tail seems very appreciative of my 
efforts!  It's much more expensive,but it would be worth it if someone at 
it and benefitted from it.  What to do?  What to 
do? 
Sandy  

Re: litter/Pills/and another good deal!

[Dudes]

Tonya,
My friend has one, and calls it 
her Helen Keller because it can't see or hear, but it functions very 
well!  That's not very P.C. , I know, but I thought it was funny.  Her 
cats are also fascinated by it, and enjoy watching it.
Sandy  
 
>Also, I don't know if anyone else has one, but I bought one of 
>those "roomba" robot vacuum cleaners.  I absolutely LOVE it!  I 
>would recommend it to anyone with pets!

Re: Off topic, but why does my cat do this?

[Dudes]

Nina, you make me smile!  I will be 
sure to watch carefully the next time we are out stalking 
socks!  Miss is a real sweetie, and 
she loves fetching.  She used to jump very acrobatically, but 
alas, her weight prohibits her from it now.
Sandy  
 
That's so very cute!  What a doll-baby!  It sounds like Miss is 
bringing you fresh sock kill for you to learn how to hunt!  I think that's 
so adorable.  Have you tried playing with some of the smaller objects she 
brings?  She's probably a good fetcher.  Momma ferals, I guess house 
cats may do it too, bring half dead critters to their babies to help them learn 
how to hunt and kill for food.  It sounds like she loves you very much to 
make sure your education is not lacking :).Nina

Re: euthanizing kitties for bathroom habits

[Dudes]

Aw, Thank you Wendy.  I did not tell you all that to toot my own horn,
because I have made some mistakes in my life with animal companions that
make me cringe to think about.  But I do feel like more people need to be
more understanding and patient with fuzzies, especially after they get a
little older.
And boy, some days like today, it sure was hard not to scold the dogs while
I was cleaning up pee when I got home today.  :)  I kept telling myself,
they are only dogs,and they get anxious when we are not home.  The pee
cleans right up.  But it's hard to come home after a long day at work, when
I've been on my feet all day and all I can think about is getting home so I
can take off my bra and my shoes!  But I can't because if I did, I would
have wet socks!  So I had to clean up pee first.
And Wendy, I do relate what we are talking about to the elderly, too.  I
never knew my grandparents, and I really enjoy elderly patients.  In my
doctor's practice, we see a lot more elderly folks than we do young folks
just because of the nature of his specialty.  I lost my parents young, so I
always consider it such a blessing when I am acquainted with elderly
patients.  I always wonder if their children, grandchildren etc, are aware
of how lucky they are to still have them around, no matter how much trouble
they are, they are worth it! I try to make sure that I am as cheery as I can
be when we are in clinic, and treat them like gold because I never knew my
grandparents, either.  I love hearing stories about way back when.  :)
There's so much value in what they still have to tell us, if we only listen.
Sandy


San

Off topic, but why does my cat do this?

[Dudes]

Title: Message



I know this is off topic, but I have a burning 
question that i'm hoping someone can answer!  Maybe shed a little light! 
 Why does my cat do this:
  
My oldest female Miss is constantly bringing us 
*gifts*.  She does this while meowing very loudly.  We always know 
when she is coming with a gift, because she announces it while she is 
bringing it.
 
She brings us her toys mostly,a fuzzy 
ball, a toy mouse or sometimes it is something of ours.  She is 
constantly bringing out our socks, a shoe if she can carry it in her 
mouth, a bra, even a roll of toilet paper.  She raids our closets and 
climbs the shelves to find what she wants.  If we shut the doors to the 
closets, she tears up toilet paper or paper towels, so we just let her do her 
thing.
 
Most of the time, we notice she does this when she 
wakes up and doesn't find anyone around.  She will start meowing and 
searching for something.  We've left the house before, and left her 
napping, only to come back to find a pile of toys and socks or undergarments 
(clean, dirty, doesn't matter) in the front room. 
 
It got really bad when she first came to 
us and she had a litter of kittens.  She would steal shirts, towels, 
anything she could carry in to her kittens!  So I think it is her way 
of doing something for us.  I wonder if she thinks of us as her 
kittens, and she must take care of us.  It's very endearing, but I would love to know why she 
does this!  I think if she went outside, neighbors would be missing 
thier socks, too!  We have caught her digging in our laundry, getting 
anything she can find that she can carry in her mouth and bring to 
us.  Sometimes she will stomp on whatever it is, and then pretend to 
wrestle it before she deposits it for us.  Then she will look expectantly 
up at us, and Meow?  We tell her thank you, and then she look proud of 
herself, and will go off to get something else.  It's 
harmless and kind of cute, but kind of quirky.  Does anyone have any ideas why she might do 
this?   
Sandy
   

   

Re: euthanizing kitties for bathroom habits

[Dudes]

Title: Message



This thread upsets me too, but I am of the 
belief that if a family member has a problem, we don't put them 
to sleep, do we?
 
I heard someone at work telling a water cooler 
story, and it was just horrifying to me, I just can't ever forget it.  The 
guy said that he and his wife and kids left for several days 
at a relative's house, and they forgotten that they had let the 
outside cat in the house.  The cat's food and water  were outside 
on the patio.  The poor cat had no food or water for 5 days.  

While the family was gone, the kitty  got so 
hungry, she had jumped up on the counter and found bread.  She chewed 
through the bag and ate the only thing she could find, which was the 
bread.  Since cats don't eat bread, of course it upset her 
tummy.  She had diarrhea all over the house.
When this family got home and his wife saw the 
mess that the kitty made, she dropped her bags, went straight for the kitty, 
grabbed her up, stuffed her in a pet carrier and took her straight to the humane 
society.  The guy said the kids were crying, "NO!, Momma, don't! We love 
her!" but to no avail.  The cat was punished because this selfish 
woman got angry because she had to clean up cat poo.  I was so angry when I 
heard this story.  Well, no one likes to clean up cat poo, but can you 
imagine how very hungry the poor kitty must have been first of all to eat 
bread.  And second of all, how anxious she must have felt, being locked in 
the house while her family was gone when she was used to being outside?  I 
don't even know the cat's name, but my heart breaks every time I think about 
her. 
 
   Both of my dogs are not 
100% on their housebreaking, and I've known few dogs who are.   
But while it is a pain to clean after the 
dogs all the time, I understand that they are both old, and are relatively 
anxious dogs.  Our old beagle Bailey is a rescue after being 
abandoned, and she looked so sad for so long even after we adopted 
her, I know someone broke her heart.  She's brightened up a bit, but 
someone has crushed her self esteem, and she is very sensitive.   
Any change in routine, and she creates a lake in the den (that now has 
tile in it!) Same with other old dog.  If the beagle pees, he 
pees, too.  If we stay gone too long, we worry about them.  But they 
are our family.  We have just been slowly 
converting all the flooring in my house to tile.  We clean the 
furniture regularly, and have to wipe everything down in piddle 
range...   
Sandy
 
--- Original Message - 

  From: 
  Hideyo Yamamoto 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 3:43 
  PM
  Subject: RE: euthanizing kitties for 
  bathroom habits
  
  I can't even stand reading this string of emails because 
  it's so upsetting.. but I also know that it's common... I have a friend who is 
  a vet tech and she tells me that it happens all the time.. she so far adopted 
  about 6 of kitties who were brought to the clinic and one dog because they are 
  otherwise perfectly healthy... it makes me s sad and 
  mad  and am afraid to find out 
  how often this happens.
   
  I have many cats at home who have a same problem... and 
  yes it's frustrating and I get mad at them..but I can't imagine putting them 
  sleep for it... I have a co-worker who did that.. he got rabies vaccinations 
  and it damgaed his brain and started urinating out side of litter box and she 
  killed him.. how awful is that.. if she had told me, I would have adopted him 
  in a heart beat.. this was a couple of years ago and still makes me cry 
  thinking about him. he was a very shy and timid sweet boy.. he did not do 
  anythign wrong.. he was a victim of vaccine
  
  
  From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of MacKenzie, 
  Kerry N.Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 2:38 PMTo: 
  felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: RE: euthanizing kitties for 
  bathroom habits
  
  What 
  sort of vet agrees to it, anyway? Hmmm, I must ask my vet what his experience 
  in this respect is.
   
   
   
  
  -Original Message-From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lewis 
  FayeSent: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 2:13 PMTo: 
  felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: euthanizing kitties for 
  bathroom habits
  This makes me sick.  I hate people that do this.  
  I have a female that is bad about missing the box.  She is physically 
  okay.  I think her problem is that she is the lowest in the hierarchy and 
  just gets nervous about using the more dominant kitties' boxes (I do have 
  multiple boxes.).  Now, I will eventually get ceramic tile 
  flooring.  In the mean time, I will spend a small fortune on cleaning 
  products for the carpet. I WOULD NEVER EUTHANIZE HER.  That is just the 
  most sickening concept to me.  wendy 
  <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 
  I 
didn't know that the number one reason cats areeuthani

Re: Sigh...

[Dudes]

Michelle,
That's genius.  Will definitely keep that one tucked away for future 
reference.  Sandy
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 11:35 
  AM
  Subject: Re: Sigh...
  
  I have not been following this thread much, but here is what I do to 
  pill:  Buy Nutrical or some other tube of gelatinous cat 
  supplement.  Stick the pill in the middle of a gob of it.  Get 
  behind the cat and hold the cat with one hand, while with the other opening 
  the cat's mouth. With the hand opening the cat's mouth, use one finger to hold 
  the lower jaw down so the cat cannot close the mouth and then with the finger 
  that has the goo/pill  on it stick the gob on the back of the tongue or 
  down the throat. This always works for me, even with cats hard to pill.  
  Another version is to cut the tip off a 1 cc or 3 cc plastic syringe so it has 
  a wide opening, suck up some Nutrical or other goo in it, stick the pill in 
  that, and use the syringe like a piller to pop the pill and goo down the cat's 
  throat.
  Michelle

Re: Garfunkle

[Dudes]

Hideyo, I'm sorry, too.

I can't even imagine how hard it must be for you to lose Garfunkle.  I know
he brought you a lot of love.  I hope you always feel him near you.
Peace and comfort,
Sandy

Re: Impossible

[Dudes]

Aw, Rebecca, I wish I was there to help you hold him!  That Metranidazole is
so bitter!  Cats are so agile and lithe, able to twist and kick so fast.
Even when they don't feel well.  It sounds like you really tried your
hardest.  Perhaps the vet will find another way to help you help him.

And Brooklyn will forgive you.   I can't tell you how many times I have had
to apologize to one of my cat's backs, and explained that I was trying to
help.  Most of the time I won't be acknowledged, except for an ear will turn
my way, as if to say, "I'm listening.  Keeping talking, I hear you."  Pretty
soon, it was as if it never happened.

Let us know what the vet suggests.
Hugs,
Sandy




- Original Message -
From: "veggiepugs" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2005 8:08 PM
Subject: Impossible


> Ok either I'm completely moronic or my cat is a superhero. I can NOT do
any of the things suggested to give him a
> pill. I don't know what to do, I'm so frustrated I'm on the verge of
tears. Tried crushing in food...he won't eat. Tried
> giving orally, he spit it out, scratched and bit me...tried crushing and
syringing, he scratched me and freaked out
> again...tried wrapping him in a towel, putting on gloves and then
syringing...he just used his back feet to kick and
> scratch and regurgitated it all and spit it out, followed by kicking the
mortar and pestle off the counter wasting the
> rest of what was left for him to take. I now have a burning cat scratch on
my hand, a very upset cat who won't come
> near me and wasted medicine. I can't even call the vet because they're
closed. He STILL has diarrhea really bad, not
> vomiting and has an appetite but the diarrhea NEEDS treatment. I came home
2x today and found 3 puddles of
> diarrhea in my foyer. I finally got a stool sample to get to the vet, but
what good is it if I can't even medicate my own
> cat!!! WHAT DO I DO!! I am SO frustrated and upset. -Rebecca
>

Re: Pills

[Dudes]

One other tip that might work today, Rebecca.  You might try crushing the
pill into powder, and then put it in a little bit of water or tuna water,
and by little bit, I mean like a cc.  A medicine cup usually works best for
mixing such a small amount.  Then draw it all up in a syringe and have it
ready.  While holding Brooklyn in a towel, open the side of his mouth where
his back teeth don't quite meet.
Put the syringe in that little spot, and tilt his head back and squirt.  He
will struggle, but hold firmly.  Even if he gags a little, you will get some
down.  If he bites down, he can only bite the syringe.  That way you don't
have to get liquid and have pills you will never ever use again, and have
wasted money.  I bet the liquid won't taste any better than the pill,
anyway.  You can get a syringe from the pharmacy.
I watched my vet give a pill to my cat once, with a wand thing with a slot
at the end to hold the pill.  It was over in a half a second!  I don't even
think the cat realized it had taken a pill!  Anybody use those before?
Let us know what happens.  He will be mad, but not for long.
Sandy
- Original Message -
From: "veggiepugs" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2005 10:53 AM
Subject: Pills


> Patti-
> Not sure if it's spelled with an I or a Y i forgot to look before I wrote
back...lol. Anyhow, yes I definitely need them in
> liquid form, this is IMPOSSIBLE. Pills are flying everywhere when he
shakes his head and im getting bitten and
> scratched by a sweet cat! He took the liquid form of the clavimox that I
gave him when he first got here so I know I
> can do that. THANK YOU. I'm calling the vet monday!
> -Rebecca
>

Re: Tofurky

[Dudes]

Maybe they do that because they want you to feel more mainstreamed, if 
in case you feel like an anomoly, you will be eating something that resembles 
meat.  Just a guess.  
Many people I know do not care for the taste of veggie products, and I have 
to admit that I have tasted more that I don't care for than those that I think 
are yummy.  Morningstar patties I love, and I also really like their 
corndogs.  I personally don't care for hotdogs at all, but the Morningstar 
fake-weenie-corndog is really good with a little mustard!  I do also 
like the fake chicken patties and nuggets, but they give me the worst 
heartburn!  It's horrible, because I could totally get into them.  

Sandy
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2005 8:19 
  PM
  Subject: Tofurky
  
  
  In a message dated 11/26/05 7:18:05 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
  I 
wondered if Tofurkey is tasty when someone mentioned 
  it? 
  
  Sandy~
  That was me, debating whether or not to make myself Tofurky on 
  Thanksgiving.
  Sadly, my laziness won that debate, and I made linguine with garlic - 
  your "not-so-traditional" Thanksgiving dinner Oh well, it was tasty. And I 
  didn't have to share with Midnight!!  LOL!
  As far as the "taste" of Tofurky, I guess it depends on what you're used 
  to.  As my daughter constantly reminds me, it's been so long since I've 
  actually consumed any animal product, I don't have a clue to what they taste 
  like. So I think Tofurky is very good.
  My daughter, who will soon be 21, has been a vegetarian since 16.  
  Has been vegan for the last couple of years. (And, I did NOT force my 
  lifestyle on her, I allowed her to make that decision, and, of course I am so 
  pleased with her choice!  Had I forced my own personal 
  preferences on her, she may have rebelled & things could very well be 
  different.  Needless to say, I am very proud of her..)
  Getting back to what I was saying, my daughter sums it (Tofurky) up as 
  being something that you need to acquire a taste for..
  And, this is something that really "stumps" me, maybe someone has an 
  answer
  It seems most people (including myself) have turned to a vegan lifestyle 
  because of the "humane" issues involved...
  So, why is it that all these "meat" substitutes and things are made to 
  look, taste,  etc. to be so much like meat - the exact thing we are 
  excluding from our diets???
  Never made sense to me.  Some things come so close... I can't fathom 
  why.
  Just wondering,,, (as the Tofurky still sits in fridge)
  Patti
  

Re: Brooklyn again

[Dudes]

> he said he would treat this as a reg.
> GI infec IN CASE that's what it was he wants to nip it in the >bud. The
pepcid type pill certainly can't hurt, but Sandy,
> I hope that the Flagyl doesn't.

For what it's worth, I do think that Cotton got enough doses in him to help
a lot.  His tootsie roll litterbox deposits are much more tolerable.  So at
least it was all for something, even though it made him feel so bad.  As
soon as I can get him on super-premium food, probably Innova, I think they
will improve even more.

And I'm hoping my extra-fluffy girl, Miss will slim down a bit.  She's
gained a lot of weight within the last year or two, and it's a worry to me.
Sandy

Re: Brooklyn's vet visit

[Dudes]

Thank you Patti.  It's very wonderful to know.
I applaud your self discipline, vegans!  I wondered if Tofurkey is 
tasty when someone mentioned it?  I like Morningstar soy-veggie 
sausage-like patties.  I've been eating those for years and years.  

S
 

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2005 6:01 
  PM
  Subject: Re: Brooklyn's vet visit
  
  
  In a message dated 11/26/05 6:58:48 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
  I'm 
happy to see that this list doesn't eat it's 
  young.
  
  Sandy,
  Oh my "Eat their young"? 
  That's worse than being thrown out for being a vegan!!  LOL!!
  Not to worryneither will happen here.
  Patti
  

Re: Brooklyn's vet visit

[Dudes]

>Cricket had an infection
>that he got from his toenails being ripped out while
>trying to escape a dog

Ow!  Poor Cricket! Bad dog!

>If I would have left his
>treatment up to the vet, he would have only lived 2
>and a half years versus four and a half.

I suppose you could get so focused on one thing, you might miss the forest
for the trees. I think that's an excellent point to remember.
Sandy

Re: Brooklyn's vet visit

[Dudes]

No problem, Patti, no offense taken.  I totally respect your history 
of being a cat mom and also your views.  I understand your concern with 
vets that don't know about FeLV, and it's a shame that we feel like we have to 
second guess them.  But we do, and I feel very comfortable with 
the advice given on this list. I feel like all of your advice is more from 
personal experience and more heartfelt.  
 
I do feel like Cotton's vets are good ones, and what's great about 
them is that they both have multi-cat households, one has 6 and the other has 
5!  I asked!  That they have experience and more importantly intimate 
relationships with cats is important to me.  
 
I hope that we can all continue to share what we feel, because I have 
learned and grown much from the kindness of this list.  I have been on 
other lists before with wildlife issues, and while I realize there are many 
personalities, I'm happy to see that this list doesn't eat it's 
young.  There's another thing that I can be thankful 
for.  Sandy
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2005 5:26 
  PM
  Subject: Re: Brooklyn's vet visit
  
  Sandy,
  I probably did misunderstand what you posted initially, sorry for 
  that.
  I do understand about treating Felv cats more aggressively. And I know 
  about concern for dehydration, and such resulting from diarrhea.
  I understand, and agree with what you did concerning Cotton's 
  crisis. 
  I was just stating my personal opinion about Brooklyn's current GI 
  ailment.  I just believe that until all common 
  (for lack of a better word) things are ruled out, I wouldn't be overtly 
  concerned that it was due to his Felv status.
  Believe me, I am no expert when it comes to Felv, I learn new things 
  every day here.
  I also was just expressing my opinions, and I'm sorry if my posts came 
  off as argumentative, that was not my intention
  Just throwing my thoughts out and I am very sorry if I misunderstood 
  anything you wrote, or offended you in any way.
  That was NOT my intention. 
  Patti
  
   

Re: Brooklyn's vet visit

[Dudes]

That sounds reasonable to me.  But in vomiting/diarrhea, there can be 
electrolyte imbalance from dehydration, sometimes it is a symptom of UTI, both 
of which need to be corrected right away.  Because no 
mention of dehydration was made, then bloodwork might not have been indicated 
per the vet's discretion.  But then again, I don't think it's out of the 
question.
 
I personally asked specifically for it with Cotton, and my reason was to 
get a baseline.  That way if there is a trend (red blood count getting 
lower and lower, for example) then it is easy to compare, and treat early, 
as opposed to waiting for a crisis which might be life threatening.  A 
preventative measure, if you will.  
 
I know not everyone would do what I do, but I just wanted to throw it out 
there, and see what everyone says.  I in no way feel qualified to give 
advice, just want to discuss, ok?
Sandy  

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2005 2:54 
  PM
  Subject: Re: Brooklyn's vet visit
  
  
  In a message dated 11/26/05 2:39:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
  And 
finally, I'm wondering if some bloodwork might have been in 
order,definitely a cbc, and a basic metabolic to see how his 
kidneys/liverfunction is, because nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of 
kidney or liverproblems.  
  
  I think until the obvious causes of the GI upset (parasites, bacterial 
  infection, perhaps the change in Brooklyn's diet), are ruled out, there's no 
  need to get into all the bloodwork/chemistry.
  Prior to neuter, OR if the GI problems are not resolved, then I'd have 
  bloodwork done.
  But for now, I wouldn't start worrying about things like liver/kidney 
  disease.
  Again, JMHO,
  Patti
  

Re: Brooklyn's vet visit

[Dudes]

Patti, 
I think you misunderstand.  I'm not saying NO treatment.  
I'm saying actually the opposite:  A FeLV+ cat has to be treated 
more aggressively (with fluids, antinausea medication) than a cat with a 
normal immune system.  A FeLV+ cat with pathogenic bacteria causing GI 
distress is much more at risk than a cat with a heathly immune system.  

 
My vet said that treating cats with a normal immune system and treating 
FeLV cats is like treating apples and oranges.  You 
definitely still treat, and it may be more aggressive 
than a normal, healthy cat.  For Cotton, Flagyl was too harsh, 
and actually made him feel much worse, if you remember.   
 
And I would be reluctant to start on broad-spectrum medication without 
evidence of bacteria from a fecal, just because it's what you do for normal 
cats.
 
So I'm not totally in disagreement with Brooklyn's vet, and certainly don't 
ask that anyone follow my advice, because of my experience with Cotton.  I 
am just giving some thoughts.  
 
 
 
 Original Message - 

  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2005 2:48 
  PM
  Subject: Re: Brooklyn's vet visit
  
  
  In a message dated 11/26/05 2:39:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
  Hm...in my experience with Cotton becoming sick with GI symptoms 
recently,the ER vet said that with all FeLV+ cats, they can NOT be 
treated like anormal cat, and it should be assumed that any  GI 
symptoms relate to theunderlying FeLV+ status
  
  I certainly do NOT agree with that vet!!
  How can he(she) assume that ALL symptoms are 
  related to Felv and NOT treat them??
  Sounds to me like this vet is certainly NOT educated in dealing with 
  Felv.
  With an attitude like that just how many cats are not treated for 
  something
  Sounds like bad medicine to me.
  JMHO,
  Patti
  
   

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

Tonya, I know, I feel the same way.  But I did 
go and see Sonya Fitzpatrick at a talk she was giving, and I was 
impressed.  It was not so much by her story, which I had heard before, 
but by her deep sense of compassion, her positive way of thinking about our 
furry loved ones, and how interested she was in people in the audience and the 
stories they were wanting to share.  Her energy is very calming and 
positive, I really felt like she was on the up and up.  I believe that she was given a gift, and I really felt that 
she was in tune with how animals sense energy.   
 
I'm also a big fan of Cesar Millan, the famous 
Dog Whisperer, and he also supports that dogs sense our energy, 
and the emotions we emit transfer to them.  So I think that there is a 
lot of truth in what these people have tapped into.  
 
I found it true also when I was doing wildlife 
rehabilitation, and had baby squirrels that I raised to release.  I found 
more sick/injured and dead adult wild squirrels in my yard than I think was 
normal.  Why?  I think it is because they sensed my energy and 
my concern for helping squirrels.  I think they came to my yard 
looking for help.  
Sandy
 
 - Original Message - 

  From: 
  catatonya 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2005 1:13 
  PM
  Subject: Re: 20 CATS...
  
  Sandy,I know there are animal communicators and I'm 
  kind of in the middle about whether I believe it's real or not.  But 
  sometimes I KNOW they understand me or either I'm just crazy.  I've had 
  too many coincidences not to question how much we do actually 
  communicate.Another thing, if no one's mentioned them.  You might 
  want to try the feliway diffusers.  They seem to help with my guys who 
  don't always get along.tonyaDudes 
  <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
  



Nina,
I have to thank you, thank you, thank 
you because I took your advice, and it's totally worked!  I 
did go to bed after this email, and I had a talk with Cricket!  My 
husband was working late, so I had the perfect opportunity to do it without 
feeling silly, and I thought what the heck, I will try it.
 
As she sat on my chest and kneaded my neck like 
she always does, I told her that she needed to be nicer to Cotton and it 
makes me sad when she attacks him and I have to yell at her.  I 
told her what you said, that he already knew that she was a strong 
girl, and that he was just a little boy, who could learn a lot from her 
because she's so smart.  I told her that he's sick and we might not get 
to have him around for very long, and it was not good for him to feel bad 
feelings, that it could make him sicker.  (At this point she put her 
paw on my mouth, but until what happened later, I thought it was just a 
coincidence, but I now wonder if it wasn't)  I kissed 
her little foot, and I told her to be patient with him until he 
learned to act like her-a very good girl.  
 
Now I know that sounds like a long speech to 
give a cat, but I stroked her head and talked very softly and she 
looked at me the entire time.  Sometimes she looked away, as if she was 
hearing something uncomfortable, and some of the time she stared at me and 
seemed interested in my lips moving.  I felt better, 
anyway.
 
The next day there were NO incidents of 
her chasing him or stalking him.  NONE! It was the first time since 
he's been here.   I saw her watching him at one point, and I 
thanked her for being such a good big sister to him. They both looked 
up at me, as did Miss, who was nearby.   I could just 
swear that she puffed up a little and put her tail a little higher, 
and looked very pleased with herself!
 
We have not had another incident of 
chasing/ambushing/batting heads since.  Even when Cotton took a 
playful swat at her with outstretched paw, claws out as she walked 
by.  She just stopped for a minute and stared at him, but I could 
see her ear cocked at me, like she thought I might say something.  She 
didn't do a thing, she just walked on.  Unless I'm imagining things, 
she totally got it.
Anybody else ever talk to their cats and SWEAR 
they understand?  
PEACE is nice.  I'm so happy that we have 
some. :)  Sandy 

- Original Message - 

  From: 
  Nina 
  
  To: 
  felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: 
  Wednesday, November 16, 2005 10:34 PM
  Subject: 
  Re: 20 CATS...
  Sometimes I'll shame them into being nicer...  You 
  know, something like, Cricket, Cotton knows how tough you are, it's not 
  necessary to be so firm!  Be nice to your little brother and Cotton, 
  you respect Cricket, she has a lot to teach you.  
  

Re: Cotton crisis

[Dudes]

Hello Tonya!  And thanks for the 
welcome!  
 
With Cotton's fish and rice, I chose that 
because I thought it might be bland enough, and I know he loves fish and 
I didn't have any chicken broth at the time.  So I saved the fish 
water  that it was boiled in, and poured it over the rice to make a slurry, 
which he ate great.  
 
Of course all of the other cats had to have a 
taste.  ;)  
 
After he was feeling a little better, I added the 
juices from wet cat food, and bigger chunks of fish and wet cat food, and 
progressed slowly from there.  
 
If he were to not like fish, I would have probably 
done chicken broth.  Thanks for the idea, I will keep it in mind for the 
future.
Sandy
 
 
--- Original Message - 

  From: 
  catatonya 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2005 1:09 
  PM
  Subject: Re: Cotton crisis
  
  Hi Sandy,I don't think I've ever talked with you on 
  the list before, but let me say welcome!  I'm an old timer here who mixes 
  my cats and have not had a problem with it in ten years.  Not to say I 
  never will, but I never have.I wanted to ask you about the fish with 
  rice.  Maybe your vet recommended it, but we always used chicken broth to 
  cook rice in for sick kitties at the shelter.Good thoughts coming your 
  way for little Cotton.  I love that name!tonyaDudes 
  <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
   


Thank you Terri:
I will definitely look into 
Pet Tinic.  
I can tell by Cotton's 
restlessness and the look on his face most of today that he's still not 
feeling all that well.  He mostly seems to feel bad right after he 
eats.  I'm thinking he's still having some spasms in his 
intestines and nausea. But he's asking regularly for the faucet to be turned 
on so he can drink water, he's eating the fish and rice and I mixed in a 
little wet catfood today, which he kept down.  I started him on his 
Interferon, also. And he's been to the litterbox with normal results, 
so I'm just going to keep progressing slowly with his diet, and talk to the 
vet tomorrow about what we should do from here and possibly a kidney 
ultrasound.  It makes me realize that when he does change foods, 
he's going to need to do it really slowly.  
I'm still rooting for my little 
Cotton-ball.  He has such an expressive face, I can tell even when he's 
a shade off color. And I'm trying to teach my son Kellen to watch him 
closely too, since they spend so much time together.  That way 
he too will know the signs of illness.  And I know I 
probably over-reacted a bit when I found Cotton sick, but it 
so breaks my heart to see anyone in my care anything but 
happy.
Thanks for talking/listening to 
me about him. 
Sandy
  
 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  Terri 
  Brown 
  To: 
  felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: 
  Sunday, November 20, 2005 8:09 PM
  Subject: 
  Re: Cotton crisis
  
  
  Well, definitely keep us posted -- I don't write in much (mostly lurk 
  lately since I'm now FeLV free), but I can't bring myself to leave the 
  group.
   
  If he seems to be holding his own, maybe try some Pet Tinic if you 
  can find it.  Good antioxidant vitamins for the kitties!  You 
  could mix it into some wet food for him.  Great blood builder.  
  There's another vitamin like it, but I can't think of the name 
  offhand.
   
  I know you can get the Pet Tinic from www.drsfostersmith.com if it 
  isn't available locally.
   
  =^..^= Terri, Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, Travis, 
  and 6 furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth, Alec & Salome' 
  =^..^=
   
  Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My 
  Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350
  
- 
Original Message - 
From: 
Dudes 
To: 
felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 

Sent: 
Sunday, November 20, 2005 12:57 AM
Subject: 
Re: Cotton crisis
 

Aw, thank you 
Terri.  I worry so much about my little Cotton- ball, 
because he's still so young and still growing.  He has been 
eating boiled fish and rice today, and I can tell he is not feeling 
as well as he could, but he seems to be on the mend.  He's drinking 
lots of water on his own, and tomorrow I may let him back on dry 
kibble.  
Sandy

  - 
  Original Message - 
  From: 
  Terri Brown 
  To: 
  felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: 
  S

Re: Brooklyn's vet visit

[Dudes]

Rebecca:
Please remember I am totally new, and I might be wrong, so please keep in
mind that I am learning along side you.  Here are some of my thoughts.

Hm...in my experience with Cotton becoming sick with GI symptoms recently,
the ER vet said that with all FeLV+ cats, they can NOT be treated like a
normal cat, and it should be assumed that any  GI symptoms relate to the
underlying FeLV+ status.  The reasoning I was given is because of the lymph
nodes in their abdomen are usually the first to become involved.

On the other hand, how wonderful is it that Brooklyn is feeling better!  I
might be inclined NOT to give medication, in fear that they might worsen his
symptoms if he is on the upswing.  I think I might wait to see if he can
recover on his own, and perhaps support with plain yogurt, or probiotics.
But that is my opinion only.  Does anyone agree?

Also, and I'm thinking it's because of the difference in our cats' ages,
(Cotton is under a year old), but both vets I talked to about neuter were
very reluctant to put Cotton under anesthesia of any kind, especially so
soon after an episode of illness.  So I'm interested in others' experienced
viewpoint on this matter as well.

And finally, I'm wondering if some bloodwork might have been in order,
definitely a cbc, and a basic metabolic to see how his kidneys/liver
function is, because nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of kidney or liver
problems.Just my thoughts. Someone please correct me if I'm noticing red
flags unneccessarily, and I'm way off base, please correct me.

- Original Message -
From: "veggiepugs" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2005 12:59 PM
Subject: Brooklyn's vet visit


> Well, Brooklyn went to the vet today for an exam and to see about the G.I.
issues he's been having since last night.
> Dr. said that there's no way he could know whether the diarrhea and
vomiting are just a GI upset or if it's FeLV
> causing it. FeLV is so confusing. He just explained it all to me and it
helped some but the more he talked about it, the
> more my brain fried.
>
> Brooklyn was feeling a little better late around 2am as he asked for food
and then wanted breakfast this morning
> which he was sure to rush me on. The vet says he looks good, he didn't
feel any masses or see anything clearly wrong
> with Brooklyn and said he was going to treat these symptoms the same way
he would with any other cat. So, he gave
> me Flagyl and Fimotidine. I know what Flagyl is for but I'm about to look
up the other one. I had so many questions
> that I was still asking more as the vet was walking out the door. There
was so much information flying at me all at
> once that I think I need a nap now. lol. He also said that Brooklyn COULD
possibly be younger than 5 as he doesnt
> see any tartar/plaque on his teeth really and he's also small but said
that could be as a result of being a stray.
>
> He said that he would absolutely recommend that I get him neutered so as
to prevent any other possible conditions
> for the FeLV to cause and he said something about helping to ease stress
by calming his hormones, something to that
> effect. He said he is more at risk than a healthy kitten without FeLV but
he said the procedure literally takes 5 minutes
> from start to finish and that if Brooklyn gets better from this in 3-4
weeks he would definitely suggest that. He said he
> also recommends at least some 5 in one vaccine for Brooklyn which I don't
understand if he's an indoor cat. He said
> rabies is mandatory by state law but that he doesn't vaccinate his cats
for it (he told me not to tell so shhh...lol). So,
> I have questions for all you wonderful knowledgable FeLV+ cat parents.
>
> 1. Should I vaccinate and if so which yes and which no?
> 2. Should I neuter? The vet gave what I felt was a good argument, so I'm
leaning towards yes.
> 3. Are these medications ok for him to take?
> 4. Should I have had him retested for FeLV+ again?
> 5. Someone mentioned a specific kind of anesthesia but i couldn't remember
what it was to ask about it. Anyone?
>
> So, we don't know if these symptoms are FeLV related but he said the only
thing I can do is watch and see. If it is, he
> said he will probably feel sick on and off until finally he doesn't get
well. :( But he said that could be 2 weeks from
> now, 2 months from now or 10 years from now and there's no way to tell. He
said doubtful 2 weeks based on his
> overall appearance and exam. Anyhow, that's all for now.
>
> Any and all information is so appreciated. Thanks so much everyone!
> Hugs,
> Rebecca & B-man
>

Re: Lost my sweet baby to felv

[Dudes]

Sherry,
I'm so sorry you lost your Maizee 
G.  It sounds like she was very loved, and your decision was a 
difficult one, but very well thought out.  I hope that she will always 
be in your heart to comfort you.  I also have a young cat with it, and 
whenever I see him sitting looking happy and content, I'm very thankful for that 
moment that I can share with him.  
Sandy

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Sherry 
  DeHaan 
  To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Friday, November 25, 2005 12:53 
  PM
  Subject: Lost my sweet baby to felv
  
  Hi all I was reading some of your posts and you have really 
  helped me to realize that I don't need to feel guilty for my decision to let 
  my beautiful Maizee Grace to to the bridge.I found out back in may that my 
  baby had felv and a lymphoma that was crushing her airway and she was 
  regurgitating her food so she could swallow it easier.Anyways we started her 
  on chemo and within 3 days she was eating and breathing like nothing was 
  wrong.she was a trooper through all her treatments,well they did have to put a 
  muzzle on my sweet girl,she totally hated to go there,but it helped her for 6 
  months up until last tuesday when after monday she started gagging and 
  coughing up white foamy stuff,she quit eating and was totally not her sweet 
  playful self.The vet said she thought she was coming out of remission.I 
  decided  not to put her through anymore stress,with all the 
  testing and stronger chemo was not a good choice.So I had to not be selfish 
  and let her go,it was one of the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life.She 
  was only 15 months old.She was born with it,I took her in not knowing.I had 
  her since she was not even 6 weeks old,she stole my heart instaltly.We had 13 
  1/2 wonderful months together and I am trying to remember the good things we 
  had and not feel guilty about my desicion.Thank you all for being here.
  Sherry
  
  
  Yahoo! PersonalsSingle? There's someone we'd like you to 
  meet.Lot's of someone's, actually. Try 
  Yahoo! Personals 

Re: Happy Thanksgiving

[Dudes]

Eiw...the turkey carcass grosses me out.  Thanks for the visual.  I
sometimes wish Thanksgiving could be more about the pie anyways!!  Nice,
uncarcass-y pie.
 Sandy

- Original Message -
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, November 25, 2005 12:44 AM
Subject: Re: Happy Thanksgiving


> Right now, I am thankful that none of the cats have puked up piles of
half-digested
> raw turkey giblets all over the floor. :)
>
> Jenn
> http://ucat.us
> http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html
> Adopt a cat from UCAT rescue:
> http://ucat.us/adopt.html
> Adopt a FIV+ cat:
> http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/
> Adopt a FELV+ cat:
> http://ucat.us/FELVadopt.html
>

~~~
> I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs
cat who must
> live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.
> Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up
until she
> earns a free can of formula!
> PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil!
> If you use KMR, even just one can, please email me for the NEW address to
send them
> to!
> ~
> Does your cat have chronic diarrhea that does not respond to treatment, or
has your
> cat been loosely diagnosed as IBD?
> Have you tested for Tritrichomonosis? The test is new, the new drug makes
it curable.
> Ask me today how you can test for Trich!
>
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.7/181 - Release Date: 11/24/2005
>
>

Re: sarcoma? wart?

[Dudes]

Wendy,
That's kind of a cool story!  But glad you didn't have to have it frozen
off, it probably would have hurt a lot more than your self-removal.
Supposedly, warts don't grow roots, but I have seen them removed surgically,
and they do seem to have roots.  With their own blood supply and all.  All I
know is that they are irritating as heck, and I hope none of you gets one!
Sandy
- Original Message -
From: "wendy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, November 25, 2005 11:05 AM
Subject: Re: sarcoma? wart?


> I had a wart on my index finger when I was a teenager.
>  It was right in my cuticle line.  It drove me crazy
> and I would pick at it to no avail.  One day while in
> the shower I got so mad at it, that I just picked and
> picked and the strangest thing happened.  I ripped the
> whole wart out!  It had little roots.  It bled a tiny
> bit, and it was just like the wart had never been
> there.  Brand new skin underneath; couldn't even see
> where the roots had been.  So weird.  The depression
> in my cuticle where the wart had pushed the cuticle
> back eventually went back up on my nail where it was
> supposed to be.  Warts are little mysteries!
>
> --- Dudes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> > Gloria, I guess you are tough.   On the hands,
> > around the nails or on
> > fingertips, and if they are big or deeper, I
> > understand that they hurt.  I
> > had the one in my hairline frozen, and it only hurt
> > afterward.  The actual
> > procedure didn't hurt, but it felt like a burn when
> > it thawed, but it was
> > pretty irritated to begin with.
> > And Yes!  Either duct tape if it will stick, or
> > electrical tape, anything
> > that is not porous and will stick really good.  It
> > works.  And of course, if
> > your wart is on your face or hands, then the tape
> > method is harder to comply
> > with.  (Who wants to walk around with a piece of
> > tape on them?  But then
> > again, who wants a wart?)
> >
> > Warts are viral, and either you have immunity or
> > not.  But even if you have
> > immunity, I suppose if your immune system were
> > compromised, then you could
> > become more susceptible to warts.
> >  I believe that is why children get them more often
> > than adults-their
> > immature immune system is more susceptible, and they
> > can go on to develop
> > immunity later in life.
> > Incidentally, it seems like I have seen more people
> > with warts here in
> > Houston than I ever have.  Probably due to  moisture
> > and humidity.  Just my
> > thoughts.
> > Sandy
> >
> >
> > - Original Message -
> > From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > To: 
> > Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2005 10:26 PM
> > Subject: Re: sarcoma? wart?
> >
> >
> > > I've heard about using duct tape on warts!  Is
> > that what you mean?  Anyhow
> > > - I've had warts frozen off, and it didn't hurt a
> > bit , to me.
> > >
> > > Gloria
> > >
> > >
> > > At 09:57 PM 11/24/2005, you wrote:
> > > >I'm glad you have never had a wart~!  You are
> > lucky!  My son has had a
> > > >few, and I have had 2 in my lifetime, one on the
> > leg as a child, and a
> > > >flat wart in my hairline a long time ago.  My son
> > had to have his (on
> > > >hands) cryo'ed off.  That hurts.  Warts tend to
> > bleed a lot if irritated
> > ,
> > > >because they develop almost a rootlike system and
> > blood vessels that
> > > >support them.
> > > >
> > > >Tip for humans!  If you ever get a wart that you
> > don't wish to have
> > > >cryo'ed, try covering it by putting a piece of
> > very sticky waterproof
> > tape
> > > >on it if you can.  Change it once a day. Leave it
> > on as much as
> > > >possible.  It will *smother* the wart, and
> > deprive it of oxygen, and it
> > > >will go away within two weeks if it's kept
> > consistantly covered.  Much
> > > >less painful than cryoablation.
> > > >Sandy
> > > >- Original Message -
> > > >From: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > > >To:
> >
> <mailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org>felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> > > >Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2005 9:15 PM
> > > >Subject: Re: sarcoma? wart?
> > > >
> > > >That's reassuring, I didn't realize cats got
> > wart

Re: sarcoma? wart?

[Dudes]

There's warty folks here, that's all I'm saying.
S
- Original Message -
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, November 25, 2005 12:48 AM
Subject: Re: sarcoma? wart?


> Or inbreeding... (Just poking fun)
> You did say it's genetically inherited, right?
>
> "Incidentally, it seems like I have seen more people with warts here in
> Houston than I ever have.  Probably due to moisture and humidity."
>
> Jenn
> http://ucat.us
> http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html
> Adopt a cat from UCAT rescue:
> http://ucat.us/adopt.html
> Adopt a FIV+ cat:
> http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/
> Adopt a FELV+ cat:
> http://ucat.us/FELVadopt.html
>

~~~
> I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs
cat who must
> live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.
> Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up
until she
> earns a free can of formula!
> PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil!
> If you use KMR, even just one can, please email me for the NEW address to
send them
> to!
> ~
> Does your cat have chronic diarrhea that does not respond to treatment, or
has your
> cat been loosely diagnosed as IBD?
> Have you tested for Tritrichomonosis? The test is new, the new drug makes
it curable.
> Ask me today how you can test for Trich!
>
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.7/181 - Release Date: 11/24/2005
>
>

Re: Happy Thanksgiving

[Dudes]

Thank you Kerry!  Happy Thanksgiving to you also!  I'm also very thankful
for this list, and every good moment each of you has with your FeLV+ and
also your healthy cats who share your life.  I believe there are some real
cat champions on this list, and you have my admiration and support for what
you do.
Appreciatively,
Sandy and fuzzies
- Original Message -
From: "Kerry MacKenzie" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2005 11:08 PM
Subject: Happy Thanksgiving


> Just want to wish everyone a happy holiday (albeit a little late on the
> day)...I for one am very thankful to each and every one of you for just
> being there, for being so supportive in every way, and for doing all that
> you do for kitties in need.
> You are very special people, and I feel very privileged to know you.
> love and hugs to you all
> Kerry
>
>

Re: sarcoma? wart?

[Dudes]

Gloria, I guess you are tough.   On the hands, around the nails or on
fingertips, and if they are big or deeper, I understand that they hurt.  I
had the one in my hairline frozen, and it only hurt afterward.  The actual
procedure didn't hurt, but it felt like a burn when it thawed, but it was
pretty irritated to begin with.
And Yes!  Either duct tape if it will stick, or electrical tape, anything
that is not porous and will stick really good.  It works.  And of course, if
your wart is on your face or hands, then the tape method is harder to comply
with.  (Who wants to walk around with a piece of tape on them?  But then
again, who wants a wart?)

Warts are viral, and either you have immunity or not.  But even if you have
immunity, I suppose if your immune system were compromised, then you could
become more susceptible to warts.
 I believe that is why children get them more often than adults-their
immature immune system is more susceptible, and they can go on to develop
immunity later in life.
Incidentally, it seems like I have seen more people with warts here in
Houston than I ever have.  Probably due to  moisture and humidity.  Just my
thoughts.
Sandy


- Original Message -
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2005 10:26 PM
Subject: Re: sarcoma? wart?


> I've heard about using duct tape on warts!  Is that what you mean?  Anyhow
> - I've had warts frozen off, and it didn't hurt a bit , to me.
>
> Gloria
>
>
> At 09:57 PM 11/24/2005, you wrote:
> >I'm glad you have never had a wart~!  You are lucky!  My son has had a
> >few, and I have had 2 in my lifetime, one on the leg as a child, and a
> >flat wart in my hairline a long time ago.  My son had to have his (on
> >hands) cryo'ed off.  That hurts.  Warts tend to bleed a lot if irritated
,
> >because they develop almost a rootlike system and blood vessels that
> >support them.
> >
> >Tip for humans!  If you ever get a wart that you don't wish to have
> >cryo'ed, try covering it by putting a piece of very sticky waterproof
tape
> >on it if you can.  Change it once a day. Leave it on as much as
> >possible.  It will *smother* the wart, and deprive it of oxygen, and it
> >will go away within two weeks if it's kept consistantly covered.  Much
> >less painful than cryoablation.
> >Sandy
> >- Original Message -
> >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> >To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> >Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2005 9:15 PM
> >Subject: Re: sarcoma? wart?
> >
> >That's reassuring, I didn't realize cats got warts. To be honest, I
really
> >know nothing about warts in general. I know they grow on humans, but not
> >why or what they are or anything. I guess that's a blessing in a way,
I've
> >never had one! :)
> >
> >I suppose I should google "cat warts".
> >
> >Jenn
> >http://ucat.us
> >http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html
> >Adopt a cat from UCAT rescue:
> >http://ucat.us/adopt.html
> >Adopt a FIV+ cat:
> >http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/
> >Adopt a FELV+ cat:
> >http://ucat.us/FELVadopt.html
>
>~~~

> >I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs
> >cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.
> >Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add
up
> >until she earns a free can of formula!
> >PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil!
> >If you use KMR, even just one can, please email me for the NEW address to
> >send them to!
> >~
> >Does your cat have chronic diarrhea that does not respond to treatment,
or
> >has your cat been loosely diagnosed as IBD?
> >Have you tested for Tritrichomonosis? The test is new, the new drug makes
> >it curable.
> >Ask me today how you can test for Trich!
> >
> >
> >--
> >No virus found in this outgoing message.
> >Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> >Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.7/181 - Release Date:
11/24/2005
>
>

Re: sarcoma? wart?

[Dudes]

I'm glad you have never had a wart~!  You 
are lucky!  My son has had a few, and I have had 2 in my lifetime, 
one on the leg as a child, and a flat wart in my hairline a long time 
ago.  My son had to have his (on hands) cryo'ed 
off.  That hurts.  Warts tend to bleed a lot if 
irritated , because they develop almost a rootlike system and blood 
vessels that support them.  
 
Tip for humans!  If you ever get a wart that 
you don't wish to have cryo'ed, try covering it by putting a piece of very 
sticky waterproof tape on it if you can.  Change it once a day. Leave 
it on as much as possible.  It will *smother* the wart, and deprive it of 
oxygen, and it will go away within two weeks if it's kept consistantly 
covered.  Much less painful than cryoablation.
Sandy
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2005 9:15 
  PM
  Subject: Re: sarcoma? wart?
  
  That's reassuring, I didn't realize cats got warts. To be honest, I 
  really know nothing about warts in general. I know they grow on humans, but 
  not why or what they are or anything. I guess that's a blessing in a way, I've 
  never had one! :)
   
  I suppose I should google "cat warts".
  Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.htmlAdopt 
  a cat from UCAT rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html  Adopt 
  a FIV+ cat: http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/Adopt 
  a FELV+ cat:http://ucat.us/FELVadopt.html~~~I 
  collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who 
  must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker 
  collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a 
  free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for 
  Bazil!If you use KMR, even just one can, please email me for the NEW 
  address to send them 
  to!~Does 
  your cat have chronic diarrhea that does not respond to treatment, or has your 
  cat been loosely diagnosed as IBD? Have you tested for Tritrichomonosis? 
  The test is new, the new drug makes it curable. Ask me today how you can 
  test for Trich!
  
  

  No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free 
  Edition.Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.7/181 - Release Date: 
  11/24/2005

Re: sarcoma? wart?

[Dudes]

Jenn,
My big male tuxedo cat Myca has had a sort of a 
wart thing on the top of his head for about 4 years now.  It's very hard, 
and only involved in the top layer of skin.  It's not gotten any bigger, 
and the vet confirmed that it's a wart-like growth when we first noticed 
it.  She said that as long as it didn't change, to leave it alone.  So 
I think your plan is a good one.
 
I do have concerns about vaccine site reactions, 
and I remember you mentioning them to me before.  My oldest girl Miss 
got an injection (not sure what) for a vaccine when we first was adopted 
by her years ago, and I didn't know any better then to question it, 
but thought it might be a reaction.  But I noticed a few days later that 
she had a really awful, swollen red scabby place where she got the 
vaccine.  It eventually healed, but ALL of the hair fell out at the site, 
and the scab came off with hair and all.  She now has a bald, 
scarred spot on her scruff.  I do examine her very closely 
all the time for new lumps or bumps. She has a sort of a lumpy belly 
anyway, because she is a small cat and she had 5 huge kittens, so I think a lot 
of that is from her abdomen stretching so much.  But I do always keep this 
in the back of my mind, and tend to vaccinate sparingly now.
Sandy
 
 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2005 12:30 
  PM
  Subject: sarcoma? wart?
  
  Has anyone here had a cat with a sarcoma, or any form or skin tumor? 
  Mythic has developed a hard lump on the side of his neck, kinda where his neck 
  ties into his lower shoulder (no where near where any vaccines or injection 
  should ever have been placed). I can pinch up the skin under it, and it's NOT 
  involving any tissue under it, it's solely in the loose skin. It's darkened 
  and about the size of a pencil eraser around, and about 1/8 inch thick. Does 
  not seem to cause any pain when I roll it around under my finger and thumb. Do 
  cats get warts? It looks like a wart. I will obviously take him to the vet if 
  it doesn't go away in a month's time, or if it gets bigger or starts to ooze. 
  For now, I'm hoping it will resolve on it's own (I need x-mas money for 
  family, trying to avoid vet's office). I noticed it for the first time 4 or 5 
  days ago. Any ideas? This is the cat that is half bald, with severe skin 
  allergies, which are really bad right now (cause I've been putting off his 
  cortisone shot).
   
  Something else about him, anecdotally, he's begun to ask to go out to 
  poop... in the snow. He goes to the door, poops, and then comes right back in, 
  LOL! He's a cute guy, must have been an indoor/outdoor cat before. He's only 
  begun to do this since it began to snow outside, he LIKES to poop in the 
  snow.
  Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.htmlAdopt 
  a cat from UCAT rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html  Adopt 
  a FIV+ cat: http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/Adopt 
  a FELV+ cat:http://ucat.us/FELVadopt.html~~~I 
  collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who 
  must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker 
  collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a 
  free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for 
  Bazil!If you use KMR, even just one can, please email me for the NEW 
  address to send them 
  to!~Does 
  your cat have chronic diarrhea that does not respond to treatment, or has your 
  cat been loosely diagnosed as IBD? Have you tested for Tritrichomonosis? 
  The test is new, the new drug makes it curable. Ask me today how you can 
  test for Trich!
  
  

  No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free 
  Edition.Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.6/179 - Release Date: 
  11/23/2005

Re: Cotton crisis

[Dudes]

Michelle, I think you are right, and I think the prudent thing to do is to 
watch for a trend in his labs, which might indicate impaired 
function or disease in the kidneys. Sandy 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 1:29 
  PM
  Subject: Re: Cotton crisis
  
  
  Sandy,
     I would think that if he had lymphoma in his kidneys to the 
  point that they are enlarged, that something would be off in his blood 
  work.  I could be wrong, but when Josephine's kidneys got big enough for 
  me to notice (which is probably bigger than Cotton's are right now), her 
  kidney values were terrible.  So maybe it is a good sign that his blood 
  work is normal, and maybe there is something else going on.
  Michelle
   
  In a message dated 11/21/2005 2:20:32 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
  
Hi Michelle:
My theories were for the stomach issues, not the kidneys.  I am 
afraid that his kidneys being enlarged is a new finding.  However, I 
agree with you, he may very well have lymphoma in the kidneys and 
intestines.  His labs were all normal. So I still need to talk to the 
regular vet about his kidneys.
Sandy  
  
   

Re: New Member

[Dudes]

Hideyo, I am so glad you addressed that, because I wondered for Cotton.  
Sandy
- Original Message - 
From: "Hideyo Yamamoto" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 6:01 PM
Subject: RE: New Member


Welcome to the list!  I am glad that you are able to give him a good
home!  We have lots and lots of caring and educated people on the list
so I hope you will write to us often.

My first recommendation is that please DO not give any vaccinations
(especially rabies) to this kitty.  It is a personal choice.  But if you
can avoid it, I strongly suggest that you do not vaccinate this kitty.
Vaccinations will temporary suppress their immune system, and the
suppression could actually trigger any illness that he is not showing
right now.  Your vet may suggest that it's ok to give since he is
asymptomatic, but, I would personally do not want to take a chance - 

Also, before you neuter him, you might want to run a blood work to make
sure that he is in a good condition to go through surgery.  I am mainly
saying this, because I lost one of my healthiest girl to a spaying
surgery.. she was completely healthy, but she died from the surgery.
Also, ask your vet to make sure that they only use ISO gas, and not
injectable sedatives during the surgery.

Hideyo

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of veggiepugs
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 4:48 PM
To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: New Member

Hello-
My name is Rebecca and I am totally new to the cat world. I have some,
but not extensive knowledge of cats, and just brought a cat into my home
who tested positive for FeLV.

I found him outside my office while on my lunchbreak last Thursday. He
is perfect (to me)...a sweet, loving, adorable cat. Orange tabby in
color. I took him immediately to the vet where a friend of mine works
and they did an FeLV/feline aids test on him. He tested pos. for FeLV.
The test they did looked somewhat like a home pregnancy test, they put
his blood into a little receptacle and waited for the results similar to
the way a home pregancy test works.

I have been reading and reading about FeLV because I would like to care
for him and keep him happy and healthy as long as I can. I know that
this disease is fatal, at some point, but don't know enough about it by
far and would like to be knowledgable about it if I'm to give him the
best care possible that I can.

He seems otherwise healthy and is going this saturday to see a vet for
vaccines and to be neutered and a general exam of his health. Upon
examnining him quickly last thursday at our quick visit, he seemed ok,
had a cut/infection in between his toes which I have been treating and
giving him Clavomox for any infection. He had diarrhea when I brought
him home, which worried me, but it cleared up once he was eating normal
food in which I added acidophiolous and digestive enzymes to. He no
longer has diarrhea.

Other than that, he has had no other visible issues. Has a VERY hearty
appetite and asks me to feed him often, begs for food alongside my dogs
which just cracks me up.

I joined this list to learn as much as possible about this disease, what
to expect and what steps to take to keep him healthy as possible. Any
advice as to what testing or steps I should take from here are so
appreciated. Thank you so much!

Regards,
Rebecca

Re: New Member

[Dudes]

Hi Rebecca,
Welcome!  I'm relatively new to the list as well, but I have been made to
feel very much at home.
I have Cotton, who I talk about a lot (he's orange too, under a year old,
and FeLV+).  He has a boy who is my 17-year-old son.  There are also 3 adult
established cats, Cricket, Miss and Myca, all over 5 years old.
I have two older dogs as well, a Beagle and a Woodle (Poodle/Westie mix).
And one very understanding husband.  :)
Sandy

Re: Kerry and Tiger

[Dudes]

Nina, are you sure you are not a cat?  It 
makes a lot of sense.  This interests me too, because Cotton also has 
accidents, but mostly when he has been feeling bad.  I have attributed much 
of it to his digestive woes.  He's also the pickiest cat I have ever known 
about his litterbox.  He wants it immaculate.  Sandy

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Nina 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 1:54 
  PM
  Subject: Kerry and Tiger
  Hey Kerry,I think it's a wonderful idea to take notes and 
  see if you notice a pattern.  I'm very pleased to hear you don't think 
  it's health related.  Even though figuring out behavioral stuff can be 
  tricky, I'd rather deal with the mess, (after all, you'd have to deal with the 
  mess either way), knowing it's because of some sort of 
  behavioral/environmental complaint.  That is interesting that he has 
  associated your home coming with defecation!  A couple of the things 
  you've said have me wondering if it has to do with his being needy of your 
  attention.  You did just bring a special needs kitty home that's hogging 
  your attention as well.  It's a shame that Tiger has to be medicated to 
  help him remain calm, I'm assuming that's what the "kitty Prozac" is 
  for.  This is what I'd do...  First of all, I'd forget all about 
  trying to "maintain" hierarchy.  That's not really your place 
  anyway.  The kitties will deal with that themselves.  If someone 
  needs more of your attention, you should give it to them, if you can.  
  I'd start by, yes, here we go again, having a talk with Tiger.  Even if 
  he doesn't understand you, he'll appreciate the extra attention.  Tell 
  him you understand that he's upset about something and that you're trying to 
  figure it out, (we humans can be so thick sometimes!).  Let him know that 
  you appreciate him sharing his house with kitties in need and how happy it 
  makes you to help them.  Talk about why it's unhealthy and upsetting to 
  you when he doesn't use the box, (that includes knowing that there is 
  something that is making HIM unhappy).  Tell him how very special he is 
  to you and why.  That from now on, you are going to do your best to 
  lavish him with attention and make sure he's happy.  Pick a time of day 
  that you can devote to him, take your cue from him, when is he most likely to 
  seek you out?  Do the things he likes to do during that time, if he likes 
  to be brushed, brush him, if he likes treats, give him something special every 
  day.  It doesn't have to be a long time, but it should be the same time 
  every day, make it part of your routine.  Maybe Tiger's time can be just 
  before, or after you give Pookie his subq.  That way he'll be rewarded 
  for being such a noble little gentleman and sharing you!  Remind him that 
  he doesn't have to poop outside the box to get your attention.  Make sure 
  when you walk in the door, you seek him out and tell him how very pleased you 
  are to see him and to be back home with him.  Go ahead and talk to him 
  first, if someone else is rubbing on you at the time, by all means pet them 
  and tell them hello, but be looking for Tiger and approaching him to give him 
  some love.  Since he likes using his box when you come home, maybe after 
  you greet him, you could walk him over to his favorite box and while you're 
  cleaning it out, invite him to use it.  If he goes, tell him how 
  wonderful he is and that you're so glad he understands that you want him to 
  use the box!Damn, I'm long-winded when I get 
  started!NMacKenzie, Kerry N. wrote: 
  

Nina
Yes, I did indeed get the email from you 
(about medical possibility/low litter/new litter) thanks v. 
much and thought I replied but I bet it's still in my outbox, 
I'll check tonight.
He 
goes about once every 2 weeks outside the box. I haven't been able to detect 
a pattern, BUT I thought I would start keeping notes and maybe that will 
give a clue. He seems ok in every other way. Eating, drinking, picking 
fights with Trixie, wanting attention, etc.
I 
wonder if this throws any light: for years, I noticed that as soon as I came 
home from work, every night without fail, Tiger would go to the box and do 
his business. It was such a pattern that I asked my vet what he 
thought. He gave me a wordy and (to my mind) jargon-laden explanation, 
the gist of which I believe was, he's just very excited to see 
you.
I 
remember Trixie, completely out of character for her, going outside the box 
poor love when 4 members of my family stayed with me for a week. She must 
have been totally stressed out, for this was the same fastidious 
Trixie whose behavior mystified me way back in the early days when 
she used the yucca plant instead of the box 2 days in a row until i 
realized *I* was the problem---I'd put the litter box cover on back to front 
  

Re: To Gia concerning finding a vet

[Dudes]

Hi Mari:
I live north of Houston.  Who knew there were 
so many wonderful cat moms so near!  My husband works in Humble.  Are 
you close to Humble?  I wonder if it would be too much of a drive for 
you to see the new vet that I took Cotton to?  They have actually 
been so awesome.  They call to check on him quite a bit, even after his ER 
visit.  So far I'm really very impressed with their concern.  Let me 
know if you need their number or their website, I'll be happy to 
share.
Sandy
  - Original Message - 


  From: 
  Mari Kolbe 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 1:36 
  PM
  Subject: Re: To Gia concerning finding a 
  vet
  
  I live on the east side of Houston and attempted to do that same 
  thing.  However, I did not meet with as much success as you did.  
  Most of the clerical staff wasn't interested in even hearing why I was calling 
  let alone taking a message and having the doctor call me back.  I'm sure 
  that there are vets here in Houston who are rescue and/or special needs 
  friendly, but as yet I've not found one regardless of distance from the east 
  side.  
   
  I have several rescue and special needs friends in Dallas/Ft. Worth and 
  they all have been pretty lucky in finding good vets.  It would be really 
  nice to find someone on the east side as the logistics of getting any where in 
  Houston is stressful for both human and ill furchild.  
  /mari
   
  
    
  On 11/18/05, wendy 
  <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
  wrote: 
  Gia,I 
live close to Dallas, and when Cricket got sickrecently, I was scared 
because I wasn't too confident with our run-of-the-mill vet around the 
corner fromour neighborhood.  So what I did was call around 
tothe various vets in our town and actually spoke toeact VET, not 
the tech or other employees, and toldthem Cricket's situation and 
listened to what each vethad to say.  
   
   
  -- 
/mari (SpiritCat)Until there are none, adopt one.SpiritCat and 
the Mooseheart Mumpkeesof southeastern Texas [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re: Cotton and Cricket

[Dudes]

Nina, I don't know 
much about holistics, but have always been interested.  But I know it's the 
holidays and time is scarce, so I won't impose to ask for a crash course, but 
I'd love to know what's worked for other FeLV cats.   I think we will 
hold off on the antibiotics for a while until he's doing better.  But I was 
so impressed with just a week or so's worth of Lysine's effect on Cotton's lymph 
nodes.  (Thank you Jen!)  
 
Cotton is not a big fan of yogurt, although we 
tried it and it worked (he's more of a string/lettuce/Hot Cheetos kind 
of guy), but we can put it in his wet food.  I know his gut flora 
is most likely a mess since he was so loaded with bacteria. 
 
And of course the minute I bragged on Cricket, 
she did corner Cotton today, but I believe he was a little 
rambunctious with her, and that upsets her.  She looked so sad when we 
all jumped up to see what the commotion was, and she ran to the bedroom to 
hide under the nightstand.  I went and told the 
nightstand that if Cricket was listening, it's ok, sometimes we all slip up 
from time to time, and I know she's trying.  
 
 And to answer 
your question, Cotton's feeling just positively, 100% better today.  I 
would go so far as to say he is zippy.  He's happy and back to 
mischief, running at top speed all over the place, a blur of orange and white, 
stalking and pouncing as if he had catching up to do!  Which is good to 
see, except he tried to steal a bite of pecan pie today off of an unsuspecting 
victim's plate.  Dah!  What am I going to do with him?  He's like 
a little  tabby spotted toddler.
 
The ER Vet gave me his x-rays on CD, so I am taking 
it to the regular vet tomorrow to see if they recommend an ultrasound.  
 I also thought she was very good, and was glad for her 
opinion.
 
Thank you so much for asking and being concerned 
about him.  
Your suggestions are very much 
appreciated.  
Sandy
 
 
 
 
 

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Nina 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 11:14 
  AM
  Subject: Cotton and Cricket
  Hi Sandy,I've been away from the computer for a couple of 
  days and just saw your posts about Cotton's crisis.  I'm glad to hear 
  he's doing better, you must have been scared out of your mind when you found 
  him like that!  I sure hope he's much better by today.  You know, 
  Met is a pretty harsh antibiotic, how long has Cotton been on it?  You 
  might want to talk to the vet about trying another one, or making sure it's 
  absolutely necessary to have him on antibiotics right now.  Abx are true 
  life savers, but they also suppress and kill the good bacteria too.  Have 
  you thought about treating Cotton holistically?  I have a wonderful woman 
  who has been helping me with finding the right remedies for my girl Gypsy who 
  suffers from IBD.  Patti and Hideyo have experience with them, maybe 
  they'll have some suggestions.  I know that Bioplasma (combination of 12 
  different tissue remedies), is a good overall support rx, you might want to 
  try it with Cotton.  Will Cotton lap plain yogurt?  Think about 
  adding some probiotics to his food to replace good bacteria in his gut, 
  (Kydophilus is a good one).  Also, slippery elm is 
  good for coating as calming.  Poor little lamb!  If you want to 
  talk, write me off-list and I'll send you my phone number.I'm thrilled 
  to hear that Cricket and you had that talk!  It sure sounds like she 
  understood you.  Isn't it amazing?  I don't know if they understand 
  our words, or if they are reading the pictures in our minds as we try to 
  convey the meaning behind the words.  I know that I have the best results 
  if I try to "send" them pictures while I'm talking to them.  Also, I've 
  always heard it's better to speak and think in the affirmative.  For 
  example, when you want a dog to stop jumping, it's better to ask them to keep 
  their feet on the floor, (sending the picture of them being calm, with four on 
  the floor), rather than tell them NO jumping.  I think it may have 
  something to do with those "pictures" in our brain.  When we say "no 
  jumping", we are probably picturing them jumping up on us!  So we can be 
  saying no with our words, but sending them the picture of exactly the opposite 
  thing we want from them.  So when you talk to Cricket and Cotton about 
  being nice, don't think about them being naughty at the same time!  
  Picture instead, Cricket licking Cotton on the head, or at least ignoring 
  him.Please let us know how little Cotton is doing this morning, I'm so 
  worried about him.NinaDudes wrote:
  


Nina,
I have to thank you, thank you, thank 
you because I took your advice, and it's totally worked!  I 
did go to bed after this email, and I had a talk with Cricket!  My 
husband was working late, so I had the perfect opportunity to do it without 
feeling silly, and I thought what the heck, I will try it.
 
As s

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

Nina,
I have to thank you, thank you, thank 
you because I took your advice, and it's totally worked!  I did go 
to bed after this email, and I had a talk with Cricket!  My husband 
was working late, so I had the perfect opportunity to do it without feeling 
silly, and I thought what the heck, I will try it.
 
As she sat on my chest and kneaded my neck like she 
always does, I told her that she needed to be nicer to Cotton and it makes me 
sad when she attacks him and I have to yell at her.  I told her what 
you said, that he already knew that she was a strong girl, and that he was 
just a little boy, who could learn a lot from her because she's so smart.  
I told her that he's sick and we might not get to have him around for very long, 
and it was not good for him to feel bad feelings, that it could make him 
sicker.  (At this point she put her paw on my mouth, but until what 
happened later, I thought it was just a coincidence, but I now wonder if it 
wasn't)  I kissed her little foot, and I told her to be patient 
with him until he learned to act like her-a very good girl.  
 
Now I know that sounds like a long speech to give a 
cat, but I stroked her head and talked very softly and she looked at me the 
entire time.  Sometimes she looked away, as if she was hearing something 
uncomfortable, and some of the time she stared at me and seemed interested in my 
lips moving.  I felt better, anyway.
 
The next day there were NO incidents of her 
chasing him or stalking him.  NONE! It was the first time since he's been 
here.   I saw her watching him at one point, and I thanked her for 
being such a good big sister to him. They both looked up at me, as did 
Miss, who was nearby.   I could just swear that she 
puffed up a little and put her tail a little higher, and looked very 
pleased with herself!
 
We have not had another incident of 
chasing/ambushing/batting heads since.  Even when Cotton took a 
playful swat at her with outstretched paw, claws out as she walked 
by.  She just stopped for a minute and stared at him, but I could see 
her ear cocked at me, like she thought I might say something.  She didn't 
do a thing, she just walked on.  Unless I'm imagining things, she totally 
got it.
Anybody else ever talk to their cats and SWEAR they 
understand?  
PEACE is nice.  I'm so happy that we have 
some. :)  Sandy 

- Original Message - 

  From: 
  Nina 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 10:34 
  PM
  Subject: Re: 20 CATS...
  Sometimes I'll shame them into being nicer...  You know, 
  something like, Cricket, Cotton knows how tough you are, it's not necessary to 
  be so firm!  Be nice to your little brother and Cotton, you respect 
  Cricket, she has a lot to teach you.  

Re: Cotton crisis

[Dudes]




Thank you Terri:
I will definitely look into Pet 
Tinic.  
I can tell by Cotton's 
restlessness and the look on his face most of today that he's still not 
feeling all that well.  He mostly seems to feel bad right after he 
eats.  I'm thinking he's still having some spasms in his intestines 
and nausea. But he's asking regularly for the faucet to be turned on so he can 
drink water, he's eating the fish and rice and I mixed in a little wet catfood 
today, which he kept down.  I started him on his Interferon, also. And 
he's been to the litterbox with normal results, so I'm just going to keep 
progressing slowly with his diet, and talk to the vet tomorrow about what we 
should do from here and possibly a kidney ultrasound.  It makes me 
realize that when he does change foods, he's going to need to do it really 
slowly.  
I'm still rooting for my little 
Cotton-ball.  He has such an expressive face, I can tell even when he's a 
shade off color. And I'm trying to teach my son Kellen to watch him closely 
too, since they spend so much time together.  That way he too 
will know the signs of illness.  And I know I probably 
over-reacted a bit when I found Cotton sick, but it so breaks my 
heart to see anyone in my care anything but happy.
Thanks for talking/listening to me 
about him. 
Sandy
  
 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  Terri 
  Brown 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2005 8:09 
  PM
  Subject: Re: Cotton crisis
  
  
  Well, definitely keep us posted -- I don't write in much (mostly lurk 
  lately since I'm now FeLV free), but I can't bring myself to leave the 
  group.
   
  If he seems to be holding his own, maybe try some Pet Tinic if you can 
  find it.  Good antioxidant vitamins for the kitties!  You could mix 
  it into some wet food for him.  Great blood builder.  There's 
  another vitamin like it, but I can't think of the name offhand.
   
  I know you can get the Pet Tinic from www.drsfostersmith.com if it isn't 
  available locally.
   
  =^..^= Terri, Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, Travis, and 6 
  furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth, Alec & Salome' 
  =^..^=
   
  Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My 
  Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350
  
- Original Message - 
From: Dudes 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 

Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2005 12:57 
AM
Subject: Re: Cotton crisis
 

Aw, thank you 
Terri.  I worry so much about my little Cotton- ball, because 
he's still so young and still growing.  He has been eating boiled 
fish and rice today, and I can tell he is not feeling as well as he 
could, but he seems to be on the mend.  He's drinking lots of water on 
his own, and tomorrow I may let him back on dry kibble.  
Sandy

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Terri Brown 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2005 
  5:56 PM
  Subject: Re: Cotton crisis
  
  
  No thoughts, Sandy, but I am thrilled that he seems to be okay 
  now.  Sending positive thoughts his way!
   
  =^..^= Terri, Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, Travis, 
  and 6 furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth, Alec & Salome' 
  =^..^=
   
  Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My 
  Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350
  
- Original Message - 
From: Dudes 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 

Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2005 
4:36 PM
Subject: Cotton crisis
 



Cotton and I have survived our 
first crisis together.  He is fine now, but last night I thought I 
might lose him.  Friday morning he was his usual bouncy self, just 
a little less hungry, like he's been since he started taking the 
Metranidazole (for his bacteria laden stools).  I came home from 
work, and wondered why he didn't greet me as he usually does. 
 I found him in his favorite boy's room laying by the litterbox 
with a puddle of watery diarrhea next to him.  He was weak, 
lethargic, straining/cramping, vomiting and shivering from pain. He 
seemed to have the most pain in his back.  When I picked him up, 
the look on his face was a mixture of fear, pain and sadness and broke 
my heart.  I will never forget it. 
 
My son and I rushed him to the Vet ER, 
where he had xrays, bloodwork, etc.  He didn't have any urine to 
analyze, nothing but gel in his rectum. He was found to 
have enlarged kidne

Re: Cotton crisis

[Dudes]

Hi Michelle:
My theories were for the stomach issues, not the kidneys.  I am afraid 
that his kidneys being enlarged is a new finding.  However, I agree with 
you, he may very well have lymphoma in the kidneys and intestines.  His 
labs were all normal. So I still need to talk to the regular vet about his 
kidneys.
Sandy  
 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2005 5:03 
  PM
  Subject: Re: Cotton crisis
  
  I don't think any of your theories explain the enlarged kidneys.  
  Did the vet rule out lymphoma? That can occur in the kidneys and intestines, 
  is common in FeLV+ cats, and responds well to dexamethasone (it shrinks 
  lymphoma).  It might not have anything to do with lymphoma, and I hope it 
  does, but if it does chemo might help in addition to dex. What were his kidney 
  values like on his blood panel?
  Michelle

Re: that wonderful map thingee!

[Dudes]

How cool is that map?  I put myself on it!  I feel rather official, now!

- Original Message - 
From: "TenHouseCats" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "FeLVTalk" 
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2005 3:54 PM
Subject: that wonderful map thingee!


reminder for those who haven't already added themselves--this is
GREAT! (thanks, gloria!)


http://www.frappr.com/felvtalk


--
MaryChristine

AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
ICQ: 289856892

Re: New to FeLV

[Dudes]

>That my vet(s) don't appear to know much about FeLV 
doesn't really >surprise me.  They didn't know anything about iguanas, 
and I've had >the same experience with ferrets.  Still, CATS??  

 

  Gia, I understand your feelings here!  I am also a 
  nurse, but this is all new to me, as I work for a urology doctor.  I 
  had to go back and research the workings of the immune system and refresh 
  myself.  Having done wildlife (orphaned 
  squirrel) rehabilitation in the past, I do know that it's much 
  easier to find a complacent vet practice that stays afloat on wellness 
  care.  Nothing wrong with that, but it's just not enough for our cats, 
  who are the loves of our life, the furry little pieces of our 
  hearts.  I have the utmost respect for this list because I have 
  found their advice to be much more aggressive, positive and accurate 
  than anything I've heard from a vet.
   
  For as much you are having to pay,  and 
  for as much travel as you have to do, since you live in the country, I 
  hope you are able to find the very best.  A vet is providing 
  you a service of not only their expert advice, but of personalized 
  concern and care.  
   
  I'm not sure where you live, but I do know that 
  since I live pretty near Texas A&M, my community probably has more than 
  our share of vets.  But more importantly, Aggies keep a close 
  network of alumni.  If there is any way I can help, please let me 
  know.  
  Sandy C.
   

Cotton crisis

[Dudes]




Cotton and I have survived our first 
crisis together.  He is fine now, but last night I thought I might lose 
him.  Friday morning he was his usual bouncy self, just a little less 
hungry, like he's been since he started taking the Metranidazole (for his 
bacteria laden stools).  I came home from work, and wondered why he 
didn't greet me as he usually does.  I found him in his favorite boy's room 
laying by the litterbox with a puddle of watery diarrhea next to him.  He 
was weak, lethargic, straining/cramping, vomiting and shivering from 
pain. He seemed to have the most pain in his back.  When I picked him 
up, the look on his face was a mixture of fear, pain and sadness and broke my 
heart.  I will never forget it. 
 
My son and I rushed him to the Vet ER, where he 
had xrays, bloodwork, etc.  He didn't have any urine to analyze, nothing 
but gel in his rectum. He was found to have enlarged kidneys, left 
greater than right (enough to be pushing on his stomach), an elevated white 
count, a very slightly high calcium level, which concerned the vet, and a 
density of some sort in his colon which the vet wasn't sure about, because it 
wasn't clear on xray.  She said she wasn't sure why he was vomiting 
and straining to defacate, but she said it didn't really look like a foreign 
body, and there was a lot of gas.  Poor baby.
 
The night before he was seen carrying around a 
dropped piece of lettuce that was probably unwashed and fallen from the 
trashcan.  He was batting it around and playing with it, but I took 
away from him, fearing he might eat it.  In his vomit on Friday, I noticed 
that there was little bits of green, and pieces of what I thought might have 
been worms, but were little pieces of red string from a decorative sword 
tassle.  I wish I had thought to examine it more closely.  
Anyway...mentioned all this to the vet, who said worse case scenario is 
that he might need an exploratory laperotomy to investigate the colon, and 
perhaps while he is under, to biopsy his kidneys.  The vet did some 
further labwork, and wasn't too concerned with the findings, and so she 
agreed that outpt therapy was the best.
 
He got sub-q fluids, a dex (steroid) shot, some 
Zantac, and something else I can't remember for nausea.  I came home 
and put a cold compress on his poor little bottom, which was all red and swollen 
and put him to bed with his favorite boy.
 
This morning, he was his usual self!  Loudly 
meowing to be allowed out, jumping, running, being naughty, complaining 
when I picked him up to look at him.  He is bright and cheery, and hungry 
now!  I'm still reeling!  Any advice on what happened, what might 
be the best way to proceed to feed him?  I am so glad he's better, and I 
know you are not all vets, but so much of his severe symptoms kept coming back 
to his FeLV+ status.  I'm concerned that he might have something going 
on with his kidneys, and may consider ultrasound of them in the future.  

 
Here are my theories, in order of 
probability:
1.  The lettuce might have been a source 
of bacteria that might not have made a normal cat ill, but because of his 
weakened immune system, Cotton got sick.
2.  The string caused him to have his 
symptoms or contributed to his symptoms. (but that doesn't exactly explain the 
diarrhea)   
3.  Since he went to the vet last week, he 
might have been exposed to a stomach virus. (He was all over the exam room 
and was beginning to eye the tops of the cabinets.)
4.  ?
 
Does anyone have any thoughts?  You all know 
how new I am to all of this, and if there is something I can do to 
prevent such occurances in the future, I will do whatever it takes.  
Sandy 
 

Re: New to FeLV

[Dudes]

Hi Gia, 
I sensed a lot of love for your cats in your 
email.  
I am also new to FeLV, and have not been on this 
list for very long.  I have one young 
positive little orange cat, Cotton who is new to my household and 3 
established adults, one of whom has 
tested positive.   My cats are not particularly cozy, and 
after much thought, I have decided that they should continue to live together as 
they are. 
 
I have 
found much comfort, guidance and acceptance in this list, and 
I hope that you do too.  But more 
importantly, I'm learning every day what I can do to ensure that my cats 
have dietary and supplemental immune system support to go along 
with the most loving life I can provide.  I have already seen a difference in Cotton, the young 
orange cat.  He had quite swollen lymph nodes, and they are slowly getting 
smaller by the addition of L-lysine to his food.  He will begin Interferon 
treatment soon, and as soon as some of his digestive issues resolve, I plan 
on switching to super premium food and perhaps other supplements.  I'm 
very hopeful that even though he may not live for long through no fault of his 
own, he will have the best chance at the most quality life I can provide, 
as well as my other cats.  I look forward to learning with 
you. 
 
 Sandy C. and 
cats 
Cotton, Miss, Myca and 
Cricket  
 
 
 
 

Re: Sandy ~ Sleeping Kitty

[Dudes]

Patti, I like it even more now that I know the story behind it!  
Thanks for telling me about Pee Wee and Mr. Chow.  Sandy
 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2005 5:57 
  PM
  Subject: Sandy ~ Sleeping Kitty
  
  Sandy ~
  Thanks.the kitty is one of the few things I actually enjoy, 
  compliments of AOL... LOL! 
   
  That little kitty looks like one of my first cats, Pee Wee. (I know, 
  the name..., but it fit her so well. She was the 
  runt in her litter & the ONLY short hair, so naturally she was 
  "overlooked" & I just couldn't stand it, so I took her. And when the Three 
  Mile Island episode hit here, I ended up getting one of her brothers, from an 
  earlier litter. Their "guardian", and I use that term "loosely", dumped him 
  & all her animals & went out to California!!!  However, her loss 
  was my gain!)
   
  Mr. Chow ("Mean 'Ole Mr. Chow", full name ~ who actually didn't have a 
  mean bone in his body), was my first cat that I lost to Felv.)
  Sadly, way back then there wasn't too much known about the disease.
   
  My darling Pee Wee ("Pee Wee T. Cat" ~ full name), lived to be 
  18.
  Gosh, talking about them is still hard, cause it doesn't matter how much 
  time has passed, I miss them..
  Patti
  

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

Thanks, Nina. 
I'm off to bed for a long talk with 
Cricket.  
G'nite all! 
Sandy
 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  Nina 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 10:34 
  PM
  Subject: Re: 20 CATS...
  Sometimes I'll shame them into being nicer...  You know, 
  something like, Cricket, Cotton knows how tough you are, it's not necessary to 
  be so firm!  Be nice to your little brother and Cotton, you respect 
  Cricket, she has a lot to teach you.  It was so funny, I remember the 
  first time one of my bottle babies hissed at Instigator.  My mouth 
  dropped open, I can't remember which one it was, but all of them where 
  surrounding Instigator and one of them threatened him.  They were about a 
  10th his size at the time.  I told them that they had better not treat 
  Instigator that way, he was strong and wise and he was their protector!  
  They all looked up at me like they understood exactly what I was talking 
  about.  From that day on they showed Instigator the respect he's due and 
  Instigator never had to get firm with them.NDudes wrote:
  



And Nina, when Cotton first came, 
I told the other cats that they needed to help me teach Cotton 
manners, that he's just a little 
boy.  Maybe Cricket is just overzealous, and  took it a 
little to 
the extreme.  S

Re: Part3: A miracle of Garfunkle

[Dudes]

Patti, I love the sleeping kitty at the end of your post!  So cute! 

Sandy

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 10:37 
  PM
  Subject: Re: Part3: A miracle of 
  Garfunkle
  
  Hideyo,
  I am so happy to hear about Garfunkle's rebounding!  I will continue 
  to keep him in my prayers.
  I do believe in miracles.
  Hugs,
  Patti
  

Re: bopping with paws

[Dudes]

Nina, 
LOL, I will try hissing.  It will at 
least get their attention off of each other.  Usually all I have to do 
is a make an appearance, or say her name, and Cricket suddenly becomes 
scarce.  What seems to work the best is if I can distract her by throwing a 
sock or a wad of paper near her.  She runs off in a flash.
 
I'm pretty sure she knows she is making me unhappy 
by picking on Cotton, because she will act as if she was just an innocent 
bystander, and starts sniffing something nearby.  And Cotton does follow me 
around when his favorite person (my teenaged son) is not there, and 
sometimes I step in front of Cricket to stop her from following 
Cotton.  I believe things will continue to improve.
Sandy
 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  Nina 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 10:22 
  PM
  Subject: bopping with paws
  Ah yes, the paw bopping :).  My sister calls the posturing 
  "He's touching me, he's touching me!".  Whenever I see those raised paws, 
  I'll tell them to cut it out in a firm voice.  If they persist in testing 
  each other, I'll hiss!  (Usually they do that to test who's top cat, 
  whoever moves out of position first, loses).  My hiss usually sends them 
  scattering, I happen to be the biggest cat here!  You may need to get up 
  off your chair the first couple of times to let them know you mean it.  
  Assuming they respect your authority, they will start to listen.  You 
  don't have to be angry, or loud, just firm.  When they knock it off, I 
  always tell them how much I appreciate their good citizenship.  I've had 
  kitties come to me for protection, getting me in between them and whoever's 
  giving them a problem.  Like I said, everybody has to get along, and they 
  know the rules :).NDudes wrote:
  

Hi Nina:
Cotton is mixed with all the others.  He's 
only been with us for about 3 months.  My established cats are: 

Miss-oldest female 
Myca-big male, but very sensitive 

Cricket-youngest smallest female, but very 
feisty.
 
Miss and Myca tolerate Cotton's lack of 
manners but Cricket is the only one who stalks him to 
terrorize him.  She will wait until she finds Cotton in a 
corner, and then she will jump him.   He's starting to fight back 
a bit, because he's gotten quite a bit bigger lately.  They don't 
seem like serious fights, just a lot of head-bopping with 
paws.  
Sandy

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

And Nina, when Cotton first came, I told 
the other cats that they needed to help me teach Cotton 
manners, that he's just a little boy.  
Maybe Cricket is just overzealous, and  took it a little to 
the extreme.  S
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  Nina 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 8:42 
  PM
  Subject: Re: 20 CATS...
  Sandy,Remind me again, is Cotton mixed with all the 
  others?  

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

Title: Message



You know, when Miss decided she was not coming out 
of our bedroom, I considered putting a screen door on the bedroom 
entrance.  My husband thought that was crazy.  Maybe not so much, 
hunh?
Sandy

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Del H. 
  Daniels 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 9:55 
  PM
  Subject: Re: 20 CATS...
  
  Oh, yeah, one here lived in the bedroom 
  (screen door to the hall) for about ten months because he thought he should 
  "take out" some of the resident kitties ... he would come out once a 
  day when I could supervise and learned that "bad boy, go to your room" 
  meant going back into his room ... all I had to do was say it and off he 
  would trot and I'd close his screen door.  After a while he would just 
  sit in there even I didn't close the door.  Sometimes he looked quite 
  proud of himself for being naughty to the others and happily bounced down the 
  hall to his room like he felt slapping them around was worth it!  One day 
  he strolled out of his room with a visibly different attitude and all was 
  well ... has been for years now.  Go figure!  Maybe because I had 
  been telling him Effie (FeLV+) needed that bedroom and he 
  understood.  
   
  Del
  
- Original Message - 
From: 
MacKenzie, Kerry N. 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 

Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 
11:14 AM
Subject: RE: 20 CATS...

>>>The first rule at my house is, everybody must get 
along.  There will be harmony, or else! 
:).<<<<
 
So 
clearly it's possible?!!Nina, do you think I could /should do this with 
Tiger? The trouble is, it would mean him being on his own in the bedroom 
while I was at work until he got the message. How long did it take Kimba to 
"get it"?
Kerry

-Original Message-From: 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of 
NinaSent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 11:02 AMTo: 
felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: 20 
CATS...Sandy,That's wonderful that you persevered 
and allowed the kitties to work things out in their own time.  How 
frustrating for you that must have been.  The first rule at my house 
is, everybody must get along.  There will be harmony, or else! 
:).  I'm a bit too alpha to not intercede in squabbles, (must be the 
dog trainer in me).  When a stray named Kimba adopted us and insisted 
on joining the family, we had a terrible time adjusting.  You can see 
his picture and plea for adoption at my website: 
http://www.companiondogtraining.com/kimba.html  Poor Kimba is 
socially inept and hated all cats, he got along fine with the dogs, but just 
couldn't seem to figure out how to be a gentleman around the adult kitties 
in our house.  I searched for another home for him for months with no 
takers.  In the meantime, he spent a good deal of time in the garage 
looking out at the rest of the family from behind a screen door.  I'd 
let him out when I had time to supervise, and the second there was any sort 
of squabble, back he'd go!  I kept talking to him and telling him the 
rules.  Slowly, he started to get the idea, if he started something, 
he'd lose his house privileges.  He so desperately wanted to be with me 
that it finally worked.  Now if I see him stalking someone, or getting 
that too tense for comfort posture, all I have to do is give him a little 
verbal warning and he backs off.  If Kimba can adjust, anybody 
can!Dudes wrote:
Kerry,
It's good and bad to know that these bedroom wars happen.
What I believe happened in my case, is that my little Cricket matured to
adulthood, and felt the need to assert herself.

And I gave you the short version of the bedroom saga.  The way things came
to a head, all three cats fought in a flurry of teeth and claws. The male
cat got in on the fight just because it upset him.  Miss ended up with a
huge abscess from an ugly bite on her abdomen, and she was very, very angry.
I don't know who bit her, because fur was flying.

After Miss healed up, she refused to come out of the bedroom for SIX MONTHS!
I tried everything, kitty Prozac for one and then the other, and at one time
both of them (made them both sleepy and zombie cats), Amitriptyline,
Feliway, nothing worked.  I even considered contacting Sonya Fitzpatrick,
the pet psychic.  I was so desperate to right things.

Miss had her food and litter in there, and she stayed put.  I could tell she
missed being with her people, because she would walk us to the door whenever
we left the bedroom, but she would run and hide if she saw one of the other
cats.
She could see us in the den from the bedroom window.  And it just broke my
heart to see her looking at us, I could see her meo

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

Hi Nina:
Cotton is mixed with all the others.  He's 
only been with us for about 3 months.  My established cats are: 

Miss-oldest female 
Myca-big male, but very sensitive 

Cricket-youngest smallest female, but very 
feisty.
 
Miss and Myca tolerate Cotton's lack of 
manners but Cricket is the only one who stalks him to terrorize 
him.  She will wait until she finds Cotton in a corner, and then 
she will jump him.   He's starting to fight back a bit, because he's 
gotten quite a bit bigger lately.  They don't seem like serious 
fights, just a lot of head-bopping with paws.  
Sandy
 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  Nina 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 8:42 
  PM
  Subject: Re: 20 CATS...
  Sandy,Remind me again, is Cotton mixed with all the 
  others?  Does Miss have access to Cotton?  If she does, you could 
  try something that worked like a charm on my Timmy when I recently brought 
  Pistol Pete into the mix.  I told Timmy that Pete was HIS cat.  That 
  I brought Pete home so that Tim would have someone to play with, (Tim lost his 
  sisters, Jazz and Grace to felv).  I also told Timmy that he was Pete's 
  big brother now, and that I needed him to help me take care of him and make 
  sure he was safe.  Whenever I would see Tim watching Pete, I'd tell him 
  what a good boy he was for keeping an eye on his brother.  I don't know 
  how much my "talks" with Tim had to do with it, but he went from hissing at 
  Pete to playing with him in a matter of a couple of days.  What a joy to 
  behold!I don't know why they suggested flavoring the Interferon, they 
  don't usually do that.  It's tasteless.  Now you have to hope that 
  whatever they flavored it with appeals to Cotton!  You're not suppose to 
  mix it in food, just gently squirt it in his mouth.  If he likes the way 
  it tastes, that will be great.  I would suggest syringing it into his 
  mouth anyway.  That way he'll get used to the process with something 
  that's not too distasteful.  I always give my kitties meds in the same 
  place, so they know what's coming, (I use the kitchen counter, because I don't 
  want them jumping up there anyway, and this way they avoid it!).  
  Afterward, I'll give them something tasty as a reward.  Grace never cared 
  that much about food, so her reward was supervised time outside directly after 
  taking her meds.  It got to the point that as soon as I put her down, 
  she'd run to the back door.NinaDudes wrote: 
  



Nina, I thank you for your kind thoughts.  
I do try to stay very in tune with my cats. To me, they 
convey so much of how they feel in their faces and body.  I could 
tell that Miss was quite angry about Cotton when he first came.  She 
started avoiding us, and I could just see the anger brewing in her 
eyes.  The look on her face was unmistakable to me.
 
I believe that you were very wise in 
dealing with Kimba's bad manners.  Will maybe have to try this 
when my Cricket chases Cotton and bullies him.  It has diminished quite 
a bit.  But on a positive note, I feel much closer to Cricket 
because I don't want to make her feel less loved by showing too 
much attention to Cotton in her presence.  I believe she knows how I 
feel about the other two cats, but she is uncertain about Cotton.  
I've often wondered if she sensed that he was sick or different, and 
maybe that's why she is so affected by his presence. 
Sandy

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

P.S. to Nina:  I loved Kimba's pictures!  
So handsome!   

   

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

Nina, I thank you for your kind thoughts.  I 
do try to stay very in tune with my cats. To me, they convey so 
much of how they feel in their faces and body.  I could tell that Miss 
was quite angry about Cotton when he first came.  She started avoiding us, 
and I could just see the anger brewing in her eyes.  The look on her face 
was unmistakable to me.
 
I believe that you were very wise in dealing 
with Kimba's bad manners.  Will maybe have to try this when my Cricket 
chases Cotton and bullies him.  It has diminished quite a bit.  But 
on a positive note, I feel much closer to Cricket because I don't want 
to make her feel less loved by showing too much attention to Cotton in her 
presence.  I believe she knows how I feel about the other two cats, but she 
is uncertain about Cotton.  I've often wondered if she sensed 
that he was sick or different, and maybe that's why she is so affected by 
his presence. 
Sandy
 
From: Nina 

  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 11:01 
  AM
  Subject: Re: 20 CATS...
  Sandy,That's wonderful that you persevered and allowed the 
  kitties to work things out in their own time.  How frustrating for you 
  that must have been.  

Re: Cotton's IFA positive

[Dudes]

Hi Nina,
Thank you for the advice about the Interferon.
I will go back and read the archives about some more about more supportive
measures for Cotton.  I'm very impressed that the L-lysine helped.
The Interferon is coming from a vet pharmacy through mail order, and they
gave me a choice of flavors, so I chose fish.  I hope I chose right.

I'm a little worried about Mr. Cotton today, because since he's been on the
Metranidazole, his appetite has been a little off.  I'm used to him being a
little Hoover.  We are leaving off today's dose on advice from the vet to
see if his usual appetite returns.  He's been turning up his nose to his wet
food, which he usually gobbles.
Sandy
- Original Message -
From: "Nina" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 10:41 AM
Subject: Cotton's IFA positive


> Hi Sandy,
> I'm sorry the IFA confirmed Cotton Ball's status :(.  It's good that the
> Interferon is on the way.  I take it this is the human interferon,
> Interferon A?

Re: Cotton's visit to new vet

[Dudes]

Cotton's IFA came back positive, as suspected.  The vet said there's not any
need to test him again.  She said his bloodwork came back very
viral-looking, with his lymphocytes very high, but no other abnormalities.
The vet tech said they have ordered his Interferon.  Anything I should know
about it's use?

Cotton was very sweet today and let me pick him up and hug him a little
while he purred with his eyes closed for a minute or so while I whispered
baby talk to him.  I was worried that he might not be feeling well.  And
then as I was putting him down, he bit my arm a little harder than gently,
so I didn't forget who he was.   :) Sandy

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

Kerry,
It's good and bad to know that these bedroom wars happen.
What I believe happened in my case, is that my little Cricket matured to
adulthood, and felt the need to assert herself.

And I gave you the short version of the bedroom saga.  The way things came
to a head, all three cats fought in a flurry of teeth and claws. The male
cat got in on the fight just because it upset him.  Miss ended up with a
huge abscess from an ugly bite on her abdomen, and she was very, very angry.
I don't know who bit her, because fur was flying.

After Miss healed up, she refused to come out of the bedroom for SIX MONTHS!
I tried everything, kitty Prozac for one and then the other, and at one time
both of them (made them both sleepy and zombie cats), Amitriptyline,
Feliway, nothing worked.  I even considered contacting Sonya Fitzpatrick,
the pet psychic.  I was so desperate to right things.

Miss had her food and litter in there, and she stayed put.  I could tell she
missed being with her people, because she would walk us to the door whenever
we left the bedroom, but she would run and hide if she saw one of the other
cats.
She could see us in the den from the bedroom window.  And it just broke my
heart to see her looking at us, I could see her meowing for us to come and
see her.  But she would absolutely not be moved from the safety of the
bedroom.

I spent as much time with her as possible, but then I was neglecting
everyone else.  But then slowly, she'd allowed me to carry her out for short
periods of time before she'd panic.  And then we worked up to other rooms of
the house for a quick look around before she got upset.

My persistance paid off.  One day, she crept out of the bedroom cautiously.
She stayed out longer and longer, hiding under a chair, and dashing off to
hide under the bed less.  Finally she decided it was time to join the rest
of the family, as if it had been 6 hours, not six months.  That was three
years ago.

Now she and Cricket have this mutual understanding and tolerance.  Miss
steps aside if Cricket is around.  Cricket doesn't even have to flex a
whisker.  Cricket might be the smallest, but she managed to overturn the
position of alpha female.
Sorry that was so long.  But I thought it was worth telling.  I hope if
anyone else ever has a situation like this, they give it a LOT of time to
resolve.
Sandy

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

Wendy, maybe your other cats sense that you need their physical presence
more, now that your Cricket is with you only in spirit now.

About them getting along, I think it's wonderful when the personality mix
lends itself to much love between cats.  There are cats who enjoy stirring
up trouble, and then I think there are those who don't like turmoil amidst
themselves either, and would rather work things out.

My female cats used to fight over who would sleep on our bed, and I would
end up locking one of them out of the bedroom to prevent the
middle-of-the-night fights.  But after things came to a head, they seem to
have come to a truce. Cricket sleeps near me all night as if she
is*guarding* me, and doesn't let my other female cat Miss near.  If she does
come around, there's lots of hissing, and Miss can get under my bed, but not
on it. But when it's morning, it's like they change shifts.  Cricket goes to
another room, and Miss is allowed on the bed with me, should I still be
there.  It's as if they have an agreement.
Sandy
- Original Message -
From: "wendy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2005 8:56 AM
Subject: Re: 20 CATS...


> Hey Sandy,
>
> I had four inside cats until Cricket passed.  They all
> have free roam of the house except the guest bedroom
> and bath.  Cricket didn't really have a spot in the
> house.  He just went where I went.  When he got sick,
> he did pick a spot behind a big plant in our bedroom.
> He got along with everyone and was a very
> "Beatles-like" kitty: live and let live.  LuLu, my
> Siamese mix, is the sweetest thing and she pretty much
> stays in our bedroom.  Now that Cricket has passed
> though, she has been coming out more.  Pepper, LuLu's
> sister, is black like Cricket, and she is kind of a
> bully and stays in the "kitty room" where her tree is.
>  She has also come out of her room more since Cricket
> passed.  Julie is our geriatric kitty-she is 16 years
> old.  She lived in our garage/outside until last
> September when she was mauled by the neighbors boxer
> who got out of their fence (and the sorry guy lied to
> animal control and said it wasn't his dog even though
> they could see the blood to prove it; he just got
> fined by the city a year later for that incident).
> Julie moved inside after the attack to recover and
> since she was so happy, we kept her inside.  She is a
> new kitty now.  She hangs out in the kitchen
> (lol-waiting for chicken broth) and on the carpet
> right by the kitchen.  She races through the house
> when she is happy.
>
> I think that there is some truth to the territorial
> thing, but I don't think the kitties need much space
> as long as the space they have isn't invaded.  There
> are some kitties that can be jerks though.  I have one
> outside cat that just doesn't like other cats.  My
> outside kitties have access to the yard and the garage
> and they get along pretty well.  There are 5 of them,
> plus two strays that hang around.  I would probably
> have more except for my husband; he's like yours.
> lol.
>
> :)
> Wendy
>
> --- Dudes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> > I'm always amazed when people say that they have
> > lots of cats.  I would
> > probably have a lot more if my husband didn't stop
> > me.  I have always had
> > dogs my entire life, until we were adopted by our
> > first cat, Miss, some
> > years ago.  I remember the exact moment that I knew
> > I loved her.   I looked
> > into her eyes as she sat in the crook of my arm
> > purring, just staring at me
> > with half closed eyes in contentment.  I was amazed
> > at how calming and
> > peaceful a cat is.
> >
> > But on the other hand, I have 4 who are all indoors,
> > and they barely get
> > along.  I can't imagine what would happen if we
> > added more.  Aren't cats
> > notoriously territorial?  I consider myself a cat
> > novice, so I wonder what
> > those of you with lots of cats observe about yours.
> > Sandy
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
> __
> Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page!
> http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
>

Re: Lots of cats - Nina

[Dudes]

Bonnie,
LOL! No I don't have Siamese, nor have I had the pleasure of knowing one.  I
have heard that Siamese are very vocal and can be a little demanding at
times.  I can just imagine that they don't emit much peace when they are
doing that.  :)

I do have one cat who comes and lays on my neck whenever I am sitting
watching TV, and expects me to hold her there.  Even when I tell her
politely that I can't see, she just keeps on purring, and kneading, and
rolls over further so I can pet her tummy better.  I guess I have a very
cat-friendly, comfortable neck.
Sandy
- Original Message -
From: "BONNIE J KALMBACH" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2005 1:02 PM
Subject: Re: Lots of cats - Nina


> Sandy,
> I guess you don't have any Siamese in your face insistantly and loudly
> making demands for breakfast, affection, etc. :) :)
>
> Bonnie
>
>  www.elephants.com
>
> - Original Message -
> From: Dudes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Date: Monday, November 14, 2005 7:35 pm
> Subject: Re: Lots of cats - Nina
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
>
> > Nina you know, I still enjoy my dogs and other's dogs, but much of
> > the time
> > when I look into their faces, I see..."I need something from you."
> > (Pet me
> > now? Gonna eat that? Gonna let me out now? Not now?  How bout
> > now?)  Could
> > be I have anxious dogs.
> > But when I look into the eyes of my cats, I see that they truly
> > enjoy my
> > presence. They seem to convey such peace to me.  The adult cats
> > exude calm.
> > Most of the time.   I guess they don't exude calm when they are
> > chewing on
> > my hair or sitting on my chest licking my nose in the middle of
> > the night,
> > but you know what I mean.  So I have to agree with you about the
> > spiritualquality cats posess.
> > Sandy
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

Karolyn, I think you are a smart cat mom!  I have read and heard that cats
love it when people think vertically.  It makes me smile to remember when my
big shy male tuxedo cat Myca was a kitten, and he first encountered a
houseguest whom we had invited to stay for a week.  It was quite unnerving
for him!   For almost the entire week, he slept in the top of my closet!  I
think he felt the safest there.
Sandy

- Original Message -
From: "Karolyn Lount" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2005 5:01 AM
Subject: Re: 20 CATS...


> Hi, I use to have 18 cats in a 1 bedroom condo and they all got along. I
> did have a lot of high furniture that they could get on the top of.
> Anytime I wanted to introduce a new cat into the group I did it very
> slowly. There were times it didn't workout so I had to fine another home
> for said cat. The most important thing was that the welfare of the cats
> I already had had to come first.
>
>

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

I think that's so cool, Chris.  I'm sure there 
are lots of factors that influence how cats behave toward each 
other.  But I would love it if my cats enjoyed each others 
company as much as we enjoy them individually.  Maybe they do in their own 
way, and I am just not privy to it.
 
Sometimes I see mine all sitting in a sort of 
a circle with each other, all facing each other, just...sitting.  When 
I happen on that situation, I wonder if they are having a private, 
silent "cat meeting".
Sandy
   
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Monday, November 14, 2005 2:02 
  PM
  Subject: Re: 20 CATS...
  
  I have 13 indoor cats, 2 dogs and a rabbit.  Everyone gets 
  along pretty good.  The cats are not territorial at all with each 
  other.  In fact, they end up all curled together alot of times.  I 
  think it is really neat how close they all are to each other.
   
  Chris
   

Re: Cotton's visit to new vet

[Dudes]

Thank you Wendy!  I'm very encouraged as well.  I should get young Mr.
Cotton's lab results tomorrow.  He's been a very good sport about his
metranidazole pills.  He's his usual happy bouncy self as soon as it's all
over.  Sandy

Re: Lots of cats - Nina

[Dudes]

Nina you know, I still enjoy my dogs and other's dogs, but much of the time
when I look into their faces, I see..."I need something from you."  (Pet me
now? Gonna eat that? Gonna let me out now? Not now?  How bout now?)  Could
be I have anxious dogs.
But when I look into the eyes of my cats, I see that they truly enjoy my
presence. They seem to convey such peace to me.  The adult cats exude calm.
Most of the time.   I guess they don't exude calm when they are chewing on
my hair or sitting on my chest licking my nose in the middle of the night,
but you know what I mean.  So I have to agree with you about the spiritual
quality cats posess.
Sandy

Re: 20 CATS...

[Dudes]

Title: Message



Kerry, that's exactly what happened to me! I 
had two that cuddled until #3 came along.  They don't hate each other, but 
they don't cuddle, either.  Now that there are 4, it seems the original 3 
get along a little better.  
Sandy
 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  MacKenzie, Kerry N. 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Monday, November 14, 2005 2:22 
  PM
  Subject: RE: 20 CATS...
  
  Hven't been able to keep up with all the thread, but I sure would like 
  to know the secret of interfeline harmony!!---When I only had 2 they loved 
  cuddling up. When No 3 
  came 
  along everything changed. Nobody curls up with anybody. Now I have a foster, 
  and it's even worse---lots of growling and hissing, and jealousy when I pick 
  any of them up. I only have one lap but they don't understand that! If I try 
  and pet two at the same time, one or both get mad!
  (My 
  2 positives on the other hand do seem to cuddle a lot more in recent 
  weeks.)
  I 
  would love harmony---it makes me sad that the two who used to get on don't any 
  more.
  Kerry
   
   
   
   
   
  
  -Original Message-From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED]Sent: Monday, November 14, 2005 2:02 
  PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: 20 
  CATS...
  I have 13 indoor cats, 2 dogs and a rabbit.  Everyone gets 
  along pretty good.  The cats are not territorial at all with each 
  other.  In fact, they end up all curled together alot of times.  I 
  think it is really neat how close they all are to each other.
   
  Chris
   
  -- 
Original message -- > I'm always amazed when people 
say that they have lots of cats. I would > probably have a lot more 
if my husband didn't stop me. I have always had > dogs my entire 
life, until we were adopted by our first cat, Miss, some > years ago. 
I remember the exact moment that I knew I loved her. I looked > into 
her eyes as she sat in the crook of my arm purring, just staring at me 
> with half closed eyes in contentment. I was amazed at how calming 
and > peaceful a cat is. > > But on the other hand, I 
have 4 who are all indoors, and they barely get > along. I can't 
imagine what would happen if we added more. Aren't cats > notoriously 
territorial? I consider myself a cat novice, so I wonder what > those 
of you with lots of cats observe about yours. > Sandy > 
> > > > =00
  
  IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax matters 
  was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw 
  LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding 
  tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or 
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  then (i) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a 
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  matter, and (ii) such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayers 
  particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor
  
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20 CATS...

[Dudes]

I'm always amazed when people say that they have lots of cats.  I would
probably have a lot more if my husband didn't stop me.  I have always had
dogs my entire life, until we were adopted by our first cat, Miss, some
years ago.  I remember the exact moment that I knew I loved her.   I looked
into her eyes as she sat in the crook of my arm purring, just staring at me
with half closed eyes in contentment.  I was amazed at how calming and
peaceful a cat is.

But on the other hand, I have 4 who are all indoors, and they barely get
along.  I can't imagine what would happen if we added more.  Aren't cats
notoriously territorial?  I consider myself a cat novice, so I wonder what
those of you with lots of cats observe about yours.
Sandy

Re: Cotton visit to new vet

[Dudes]

Hi Michelle:
I live north of Houston, TX.  The vet clinic where I took Cotton is 
called Just Cats.
Sandy
 
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2005 10:17 
  AM
  Subject: Re: Cotton visit to new 
vet
  
  Where are you located?
  Michelle

Cotton visit to new vet

[Dudes]

Cotton's much anticipated visit to the new vet 
was a great experience.   
 
This vet agreed with me that Cotton's 
immediate health was the first concern.  He got his fecal and his ears 
checked.  He got his ears cleaned, and he was found to be loaded 
with spirochites sp(?), and he was given a course of Metranidazole.  

 
She agreed that the next step was getting the IFA, 
and a baseline cbc, and a basic metabolic panel to evaluate his general 
health.  
 
I told her that since I started him on the L-Lysine 
(that Jen suggested!-THANK YOU!) his lymph nodes are actually  
smaller.  She took this as a positive sign, and said that with good 
supportive care, he may continue to fight off the FeLV, but wanted to make 
sure we knew that his life expectancy was uncertain.   She 
was happy to prescribe Interferon, and even apologized for not 
mentioning it before I did!  
 
She told me she is going to discuss Cotton's 
case with her senior vet, who is a cat internist, who is at a week long 
symposium, to make sure that she isn't missing anything and to come up with a 
testing schedule for my other cats.  I learned too, that 
she herself has 6 cats of her own, and she felt like if she was presented 
with this situation herself, she might be inclined to proceed as I have.  I 
was so put at ease by knowing that she thinks like this.  I couldn't 
ask for a better visit.
 
I feel so much better about our little 
Cotton-ball.  :)  We got him out of there just as he was starting to 
eye the tops of the cabinets over the sink.  So naughty, but we love him so 
much.  
Thank you all for being so helpful with 
advice.
Sandy
 
 
   

Re: Posting pictures

[Dudes]

Thank you so much!  
S
- Original Message - 

  From: 
  Nina 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2005 7:05 
  AM
  Subject: Re: Posting pictures
  Sandy,Stop it with that Cotton!  He's just too 
  cute!NinaDudes wrote: 
  Belinda and list:
I put up some pictures of Cotton.  Be sure to visit!
They are a little blurry because I took them with my phone.  More to come.
Wendy, will try to find some of my Cricket.
Sandy
- Original Message -
From: "Belinda Sauro" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2005 8:09 PM
Subject: Re: Posting pictures


  
   Hi Wendy,
 I have a community photo album and if you register for an account you
can post pictures of Cricket.  You can register here:

http://albums.bemikitties.com

--
 Belinda
Happiness is being owned by cats ...

Be-Mi-Kitties ...
http://www.bemikitties.com

Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens
http://adopt.bemikitties.com

FeLV Candle Light Service
http://www.bemikitties.com/cls

HostDesign4U.com  (affordable hosting & web design)
http://HostDesign4U.com

---

BMK Designs (non-profit web sites)
http://bmk.bemikitties.com






  

Re: Posting pictures

[Dudes]

Ok, now that I have the hang of it, I added a few more pics of Cotton for a
total of 6.

Thank you for looking.  It means a lot for you to *meet* him.
Sandy
- Original Message -
From: "Belinda Sauro" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2005 8:48 PM
Subject: Re: Posting pictures


>Sandy,
>   He is absolutely adorable!!
>
> --
>  Belinda
> Happiness is being owned by cats ...
>
> Be-Mi-Kitties ...
> http://www.bemikitties.com
>
> Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens
> http://adopt.bemikitties.com
>
> FeLV Candle Light Service
> http://www.bemikitties.com/cls
>
> HostDesign4U.com  (affordable hosting & web design)
> http://HostDesign4U.com
>
> ---
>
> BMK Designs (non-profit web sites)
> http://bmk.bemikitties.com
>
>

Re: Posting pictures

[Dudes]

Thank you Belinda.  I think so, too. :)  I don't know if you can tell from
his pics, but the lymph nodes in his neck are quite visible.
Sandy
- Original Message -
From: "Belinda Sauro" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2005 8:48 PM
Subject: Re: Posting pictures


>Sandy,
>   He is absolutely adorable!!
>
> --
>  Belinda
> Happiness is being owned by cats ...
>
> Be-Mi-Kitties ...
> http://www.bemikitties.com
>
> Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens
> http://adopt.bemikitties.com
>
> FeLV Candle Light Service
> http://www.bemikitties.com/cls
>
> HostDesign4U.com  (affordable hosting & web design)
> http://HostDesign4U.com
>
> ---
>
> BMK Designs (non-profit web sites)
> http://bmk.bemikitties.com
>
>

Re: Posting pictures

[Dudes]

Belinda and list:
I put up some pictures of Cotton.  Be sure to visit!
They are a little blurry because I took them with my phone.  More to come.
Wendy, will try to find some of my Cricket.
Sandy
- Original Message -
From: "Belinda Sauro" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2005 8:09 PM
Subject: Re: Posting pictures


>Hi Wendy,
>  I have a community photo album and if you register for an account you
> can post pictures of Cricket.  You can register here:
>
> http://albums.bemikitties.com
>
> --
>  Belinda
> Happiness is being owned by cats ...
>
> Be-Mi-Kitties ...
> http://www.bemikitties.com
>
> Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens
> http://adopt.bemikitties.com
>
> FeLV Candle Light Service
> http://www.bemikitties.com/cls
>
> HostDesign4U.com  (affordable hosting & web design)
> http://HostDesign4U.com
>
> ---
>
> BMK Designs (non-profit web sites)
> http://bmk.bemikitties.com
>
>

Re: Pictures of Cricket on Web!

[Dudes]

Title: Yahoo! Photos



Wendy and Steph,
I loved those pictures of your Cricket!  

 
He looks so much like my Cricket in 
the face, but she is not as fuzzy.  If you were to take away the fullness 
(looks mostly like fur) on his cheeks, then you'd have my 
Cricket.    I especially love the one Christmas 
Cricket.  He looks so busted!   
 

Wendy, I know my Cricket's mother, her name is 
Annie,and she lives with a very good friend of mine.   Annie 
was found in the woods with her mother, who was feral.  The 
similarities between mother and daughter are many.  They both have 
itty, bitty voices.  She and my Cricket both curl their tail into a 
question mark, even when the tail is up high.  I have read that 
doing that with thier tail means they are happy with a touch of 
anxiety.   
 
I don't know if it's just a coincidence, but 
my Cricket's wearing a yellow collar right now too.  I had 
to look twice at that pic of your Cricket.  Maybe they are kindred in 
spirit.
 
Sandy
 
 
 

Re: To Sandy

[Dudes]

Hi Wendy:
First, I'm so sorry about you losing Cricket.  I am also glad that you got
to be there with him for the end. I have always loved the name Cricket, and
meant to ask you why you named him that.

I named my little sweet pea Cricket because she is so shiny and black, yet,
in the bright sunlight, you can see very faint stripes of almost blue/black.
Her eyes are huge pools of gold.  She was so tiny when she was a kitten.
And she has a tiny little chirp for a meow.   She's still petite, but she
jumps unexpectedly far when she pounces, and always has.  It just seemed to
fit her perfectly.

Thank you so much for asking about my fuzzies.   All are well. Cotton goes
to the new vet on Saturday.  His diarrhea has cleared up, as well as his
ears.  Do earmites just go away?

I have been rereading the list and am trying to organize my thoughts to get
the most out of this visit with the new vet. I have been anticipating it
with ambivalence.  I hope this is a good vet who will work with me.

Sandy








- Original Message -
From: "wendy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2005 3:13 PM
Subject: To Sandy


> Sandy,
>
> How are your furballs doing?
>
> :)
> Wendy
>
>
>
> __
> Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click.
> http://farechase.yahoo.com
>

Re: Introduction

[Dudes]

I wonder if there is a way to test for an antibody titer level in Cricket as
well as my other two adult cats?

I actually have considered using Feliway for Cricket's dislike of Cotton. I
wonder if anyone has had luck with it?  I find I have been able to lessen
the frequency of her attacks on him by modifying my own behavior.

Cricket gets her treat first before Cotton, even if he asks first.   Also I
changed a few things around in my kitchen, so that she can put more space
between herself and Cotton if they both want to look out the window.  I have
seeds outside for squirrels and birds.  They seem to spend more time
enjoying "Cat TV" than chasing each other around.  I also made Cricket a
special hammock in the chair she likes to sleep in, which she loves.  I also
try not to correct Cotton so much by talking to him in front of her.  And I
have been trying to give her more one on one time. And finally, I try not to
hug on Cotton when Cricket is around.  All of these things seem to make a
difference in her.  I would say she is after him25% less in the last
week.  I think if I keep it up, the situation will continue to improve.

Jenn, thanks again for all the suggestions.
Sandy







- Original Message -
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2005 10:11 PM
Subject: Re: Introduction


> If Cricket previously tested positive, and on retest is negative (WE HOPE
SO!), NO I
> would NOT booster her with the FELV vaccine, as it will put excess strain
on her
> already over-worked immune system, and could UNDO her effective natural
immune
> response to the virus. If she had it, and then doesn't have it on retest,
then she
> will likely be naturally immune (or at least it proves her body is WORKING
on the
> immune response). You should repeat the tests in 6 months, 9 months, and
12 months,
> and then once a year after that, to be sure her result stays the same, or
to know if
> it changes. Some cats have gone on and off with their results, being first
positive,
> then negative, then positive, then negative. What you should do is keep
giving her
> the Interferon-A (the oral kind available in the USA), and keep her as
stress-free
> and healthy as possible. Stress is a big factor in proper immune responses
and
> fighting the FELV. Limit vet visits and other stressors as much as
possible, if she
> doesn't get along with the other cats, or seems stressed at home, get a
feliway
> comfort zone diffuser, it releases cat pheromones that induce calmness and
reduce
> stress in cats. Some people swear by an oral homeopathic remedy called
"rescue
> remedy", you can find that at most health food stores or natural foods
co-ops. I
> believe you just add a few drops to the water bowl (someone will correct
me if I am
> wrong there). And of course, switch slowly over to a good premium food,
but don't do
> it too quickly, add a little of the new food to the old one day at a time,
until two
> weeks later, you've made the switch completely.
>
> In addition... if possible, you should contact the caretaker of the feral
colony that
> Kuma was hanging out with, and let him/her know that a FELV positive cat
was known to
> be socializing with the colony. That person deserves to know, and will be
able to
> keep a closer eye out for symptoms in the colony, and possibly to reduce
some
> suffering in the colony. Most feral caretakers do not routinely test for
FELV and
> FIV, but if you tell them it's likely to be there, some will want to test
and remove
> the positives. It's certainly something that person should be notified of,
so he/she
> can make that judgment call him/herself. I would be more than happy to
speak to this
> person via email if they need or want more info. (I have feral and FELV
experience,
> luckily not both at the same time, my ferals are negative)
>
> Jenn
> http://ucat.us
> http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html
> Adopt a cat from UCAT rescue:
> http://ucat.us/adopt.html
> Adopt a FIV+ cat:
> http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/
> "Saving one animal won't make a difference in the world, but it will make
a world of
> difference for that one animal."
>

~~~
> I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs
cat who must
> live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.
> Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up
until she
> earns a free can of formula!
> PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil!
>
> If you use KMR, even just one can, please email me for the NEW address to
send them
> to!
>
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.12.8/161 - Release Date: 11/3/2005
>
>

Re: Introduction

[Dudes]

Jenn, I have a few theories.

My stepdaughter Jamie made her decision very suddenly to move back home
(gave us a couple of days notice) and had already exposed her cat usually
indoor adult cat Kuma (who died)  to Cotton for a month or so prior to the
move. They cuddled and groomed each other and were very intimate.  Kuma
really seemed to like Cotton.  Kuma had lived with us for 6 months last
year, and quarantined himself for the first few weeks.  We have also cat-sit
him for a week or so at a time. He was not fond of dogs, but was very
friendly with us people.

When I told my stepdaughter that Cotton was positive, on questioning her
further, she did admit to me that Kuma got out of her apartment for a few
days a few months previously, and was found cuddling with a feral Siamese
mix.  My husband confirmed that there was a HUGE feral colony near her
apartment.  She did also say that she left the balcony open sometimes and
let Kuma out, and he did have contact with other cats.

So, I have two possible theories for how FeLV came into our lives, either
Kuma or Cotton.  Everyone including me decided that Kuma was at his wit's
end for Jamie's moving so often and being gone days/weeks at a time and
simply needed to have alone time to sort this all out.I was who saw that
he started out his stay eating and pooping, and then noticed that he was
terribly grumpy and was not eating/pooping/moving.  His ultimate death was a
complete surprise to us all.

But fast forward to the future, and now I have these 4 to think about.  I
suppose my 5 year old Cricket could be positive from exposure.  I had
planned on proceeding next with the IFA for both cats.  I suspect that
Cotton will be positive, and I'm hoping Cricket's will be clear.  I know a
negative test doesn't mean she is FeLV free.  But if she is, should I have
HER boostered as well, or is it too late?

Cricket is my smallest, youngest cat, very petite, and has never been sick a
day in her life, unless you count the day Cotton came, because she hates him
and is the most aggressive with him.  I don't think she has bitten him, but
it wouldn't suprise me.  She does a lot of posturing and head-bopping with
her paws and bullies him out of his food, that sort of thing. Stalks and
terrorizes him.  But it's getting less and less. Sandy



- Original Message -
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2005 9:54 AM
Subject: Re: Introduction


> Sounds like there's not much you could have done differently other than to
quarantine
> new arrivals for a month and until after they have been to the vet and
tested. I
> wouldn't lose much sleep over it, could be that your 5 year old had it
before now to
> begin with, regardless, nothing you can do about it now but call it a
learning
> experience, and go on with life as best you can. Cats should be tested
before
> vaccination, if you choose to vaccinate against FELV. Not your fault, but
possibly
> something your vet missed the boat on. Did your vet test for FIV as well?
Sounds like
> your 5 year old has an immune deficiency of some sort.
>
> As far as the food brand goes, I use Innova (lite and evo varieties) and
California
> Natural (chicken and rice variety) exclusively here.
>
> Jenn
> http://ucat.us
> http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html
> Adopt a cat from UCAT rescue:
> http://ucat.us/adopt.html
> Adopt a FIV+ cat:
> http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/
> "Saving one animal won't make a difference in the world, but it will make
a world of
> difference for that one animal."
>

~~~
> I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs
cat who must
> live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.
> Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up
until she
> earns a free can of formula!
> PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil!
>
> If you use KMR, even just one can, please email me for the NEW address to
send them
> to!
>
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.12.8/161 - Release Date: 11/3/2005
>
>

Re: Introduction

[Dudes]

Hello,
Of my 3 adult established cats, I have knowledge of two of them since birth.
Both were tested first before they began their kitten shots.  The only cat
who has a history that is unknown is the oldest, Miss, who walked up to our
house a skinny, scratched up, pregnant stray.  She had a variety of health
problems at first, and kept a sinus infection.  She was tested her first
visit to the vet also, and has been for her regular checkups.  I looked
through my records, and none were ever tested again, just boostered.  The
vet said that they use a needle-less way of administering the vaccine, and
claim it's the safest out there.  I was so upset at the vet visit, I didn't
really pay much attention to that until now.

The adult cat who is positive is about 5 years old.

I do understand that the young orange kitten, Cotton will most likely not
live for very long, and I've prepared his best pal (my 17 year old son) for
this.  But we want to do what's best by him.  When he first came, I kept a
nagging feeling that something seemed a little off about him.  He just
didn't seem like he was a very healthy little guy, as you might have read
from some of the symptoms I've described in my other posts.  So I strongly
suspect he might have been born with FeLV.

I did spend a lot of time reading about super-premium foods last night, and
would love to hear what others recommend about their brand of choice, and
why.   I actually found a place in the town where I work that sells super
premium food, and I was pretty happy about that!

I will check out the websites you recommend.  Thank you for your thoughts.
Very helpful.
Sandy