Re: mixing
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.orgSent: 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: Cricket and heart murmur
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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
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: FeLV transmission by bite
I don't know if Cottoncan 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 neuteredsafely? 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.
Re: Buddha's 14 success story and a Question about UpperRespiratoryinfections
I think that is a more accurate way to refer to it, Michelle. I remember oncemy 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 foran acute asthma episode, and while she was on it, she flew into a rage and threw a knife at her own husband! She avoidedsteroid therapy because she knew she became a wild-eyed rather violent, short tempered person on it! I wonder if in catsit'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, andpeaks with the highest dose and decreasesas 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 mentalstress 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. Ihope Buddharecovers 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: steroids and moods
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 isprescribedto human patients along with steroidsto combat this unpleasant side effect. Butperhaps since steroids have been longer prescribed for humans, andis considered rathernon traditionaltherapy for cats,I wonder ifcatsdo experience other side effects that areunreported or more subtle.Might be something good to ask the vet, should my Cottonneed 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.
A Hallmark e-card from Sandy
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Re: A Hallmark e-card from Sandy
I liked the look on the cat's face when you stop the meowing. I'm glad you enjoyed. Sandy
Re: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 11, Issue 83
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: Cotton
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 thatlife 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 likeI have taught him this by the squirrel livessaved in my work in wildlife rehabilitation, which wasalso 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 whatI 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. IfI had my way, we would have done these tests weeks ago. Sandy
Re: Cotton
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
Cotton's the first orange cat I've ever known personally. He's so different from my others (whitewithtabby spots, black and white tux, black). He's definitely anA 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
Nina, Presto, Sherry: Cotton is acting like hiszippy, 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 andfollowing us so as not to miss anything. He'sdoing 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 feelinghard 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 withlymphoma. The vetdid 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.Ultrasoundthe abdomen; 3. Needle biopsy allenlarged 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
Re: HELP: PLS PRAY for my Hannibal-whiskers
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, straightwhite whiskers which contrast so with hisblack hair. When any go missing, Iask him where he's left them, especially his antennae whiskers. Sandy
Re: Cotton
Michelle, Do you remember thecost, so I can firstly comparepricing, 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 thatmyoptimism and concernfor 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
Cotton
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. Thevet said thatCotton'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 ispoor. Any thoughts? Sandy
Re: Lucy and weight loss
Hi Michelle: I work for a urologist, and am curious to know what does the vet recommend for the long term treatment ofLucy's bladder stone? I know that in humans, the stone cause to bladder to be quite irritated, the lining of the bladderis always inflammed,and this can be a cause ofinfections 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
Ah...so maybe the cats know what they are talking aboutby not eating itPerhaps I will go to the website and ask. At any rate, still no takers today. SAs 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
Re: euthanizing kitties for bathroom habits
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
Re: Off topic, but why does my cat do this?
Nina, you make me smile! I will be sure to watch carefully the next timewe are out stalking socks!Miss is a real sweetie,and shelovesfetching. 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: litter/Pills/and another good deal!
Tonya, My friend has one, and callsit herHelen 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!
Off topic, but I have a food question
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 foundInnova is soldat 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 alsopicked upa little sample bag of Innova fordogs. 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 withone brand is because if it is lacking in something, anotherbrand rotatedin the mixmight make up for it, and they also get some variety. Sometimes it's Eukanuba, sometimes, Nutros, sometimes Pro Plan, etc. I mainlygotInnova super premium because ofwhat I read on thewebsite. There was a testimonial about a cat mom whose cat was gettingfatter (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 usualkibble. Anyonehave 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: Sigh...
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: euthanizing kitties for bathroom habits
Title: Message This thread upsets me too, but I amof the belief thatif afamily memberhas 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 guysaid that he and hiswife and kidsleft forseveral days at a relative's house, and they forgotten that theyhad letthe outside cat in the house.The cat's food and water were outside on the patio. The poor cathad no food or water for 5 days. While the family was gone, the kitty got so hungry, she had jumped up on the counter andfound 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 itupset her tummy. She had diarrhea all over the house. When thisfamily 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 waspunished 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 arenot 100%on their housebreaking, and I've known few dogs who are. But while it is a pain to clean after the dogsall 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 sadfor so longeven after we adopted her, I know someone broke her heart. She's brightened up a bit, but someone has crushed her self esteem, and sheis very sensitive. Anychange in routine, and shecreates 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.Weclean 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 areeuthanized is because of their lack of litter habits;that is SO sad. I believe it
Re: Impossible
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: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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: Garfunkle
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: Pills
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: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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: Brooklyn's vet visit
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: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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: Cotton crisis
Hello Tonya! And thanks for the welcome! With Cotton's fish and rice, Ichose that because I thought it might be bland enough, and I know he loves fish and Ididn'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 willdefinitely look into Pet Tinic. I can tell byCotton's restlessness and the look on his facemost of today that he's still not feeling all that well. He mostly seems to feel bad right after he eats. I'mthinking 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 Kellento watch him closely too, since they spend so much time together. That way hetoo willknow the signs of illness.And I know I probably over-reacted abit when I foundCottonsick, but it so breaks my heart to seeanyone 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.Iworry so much about my little Cotton- ball, because he's still so young and still growing. Hehas been eating boiled fish and rice today, andI 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
Re: 20 CATS...
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 wasnot 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 likeshe was on the up and up. I believe that she was given a gift, and I really felt that shewas in tune with how animals sense energy. I'm also a big fan of Cesar Millan, thefamous Dog Whisperer, and healso supports that dogs sense our energy, andthe 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 deadadult wild squirrels in my yard than I think was normal. Why? I think it is because they sensed my energy and myconcern 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 youbecause I took your advice, and it's totally worked! I did go to bed after thisemail, 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 sheattacks him and I have to yell at her. I told her what you said, that he alreadyknew 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 ifit wasn't) I kissed herlittle foot, and Itold 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 Istroked 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 daythere 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, asdid Miss, who was nearby. Icould just swearthat she puffed up a little and put her tail a little higher, andlooked very pleased with herself! We have not had another incident of chasing/ambushing/batting heads since. Even when Cotton took a playfulswat at herwith outstretched paw, claws out as she walked by. She just stopped fora 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: Brooklyn's vet visit
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 whichneed to becorrected 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, asopposed 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
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, andI feelvery comfortable with the advice given on this list. I feel like all of your advice is more from personal experience andmore heartfelt. I dofeel 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 relationshipswith 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 eatit'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
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
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 eatit'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 again
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: Tofurky
Maybe they do that because they want you to feel moremainstreamed, 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 likethe 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: sarcoma? wart?
There's warty folks here, that's all I'm sayingg. S - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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: sarcoma? wart?
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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.orgfelvtalk@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.ushttp://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from UCAT rescue: http://ucat.us/adopt.htmlhttp://ucat.us/adopt.html Adopt a FIV+ cat: http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/ Adopt a FELV+ cat: http://ucat.us/FELVadopt.htmlhttp://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
Re: Lost my sweet baby to felv
Sherry, I'm so sorry you lost yourMaizee 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: sarcoma? wart?
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, andI remember you mentioning them to me before. My oldest girl Miss got an injection (not sure what) for a vaccine when we firstwas adopted byher years ago, and I didn't know any better thento 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, scarredspot on her scruff.I doexamine 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: sarcoma? wart?
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 sonhad to havehis (on hands)cryo'ed off.That hurts.Warts tend to bleed a lot if irritated, because they develop almost a rootlike system andblood vessels thatsupport 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 aday. 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?
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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.orgfelvtalk@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.ushttp://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from UCAT rescue: http://ucat.us/adopt.htmlhttp://ucat.us/adopt.html Adopt a FIV+ cat: http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/ Adopt a FELV+ cat: http://ucat.us/FELVadopt.htmlhttp://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
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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: Cotton and Cricket
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 astring/lettuce/Hot Cheetos kind ofguy), but we can put it in hiswet 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, shedid cornerCotton today, but I believe he was a little rambunctious with her, andthat upsets her. She looked so sad when we all jumped up to see what the commotion was, and she ran to the bedroom to hideunder the nightstand. I went and toldthe nightstandthat 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 iszippy. 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 arevery 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 youbecause I took your advice, and it's totally worked! I did go to bed after thisemail, 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
Re: New Member
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: New Member
Hideyo, I am so glad you addressed that, because I wondered for Cotton. Sandy - Original Message - From: Hideyo Yamamoto [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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: Cotton crisis
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 indicateimpaired functionor 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: Cotton crisis
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: Cotton crisis
Thank you Terri: I willdefinitely look into Pet Tinic. I can tell byCotton's restlessness and the look on his facemost of today that he's still not feeling all that well. He mostly seems to feel bad right after he eats. I'mthinking 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 Kellento watch him closely too, since they spend so much time together. That way hetoo willknow the signs of illness.And I know I probably over-reacted abit when I foundCottonsick, but it so breaks my heart to seeanyone 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.Iworry so much about my little Cotton- ball, because he's still so young and still growing. Hehas been eating boiled fish and rice today, andI 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 havesurvivedour 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 beensince he started taking the Metranidazole (for his bacteria laden stools). I came home from work, andwondered 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 haveenlarged 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
Re: 20 CATS...
Nina, I have to thank you, thank you, thank youbecause I took your advice, and it's totally worked! I did go to bed after thisemail, 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 sheattacks him and I have to yell at her. I told her what you said, that he alreadyknew 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 ifit wasn't) I kissed herlittle foot, and Itold 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 Istroked 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 daythere 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, asdid Miss, who was nearby. Icould just swearthat she puffed up a little and put her tail a little higher, andlooked very pleased with herself! We have not had another incident of chasing/ambushing/batting heads since. Even when Cotton took a playfulswat at herwith outstretched paw, claws out as she walked by. She just stopped fora 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.
Cotton crisis
Cotton and I havesurvivedour 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 beensince he started taking the Metranidazole (for his bacteria laden stools). I came home from work, andwondered 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 haveenlarged 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 wasvomiting 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 aroundand 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 vetdid some further labwork, and wasn't too concerned with the findings, and soshe 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 withhis 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 ofbacteria that might not have made a normal cat ill, but because of his weakenedimmune system,Cotton got sick. 2. The string causedhim 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 preventsuch occurances in the future, I will do whatever it takes. Sandy
Re: New to FeLV
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 researchthe workings of the immune system and refresh myself.Having done wildlife (orphaned squirrel)rehabilitation in the past, I do know thatit'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 respectfor this list because I have found their advice to be much more aggressive, positive and accurate thananything I've heard from a vet. Foras 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 verybest.A vet is providing you a service of not only their expert advice, butof personalized concern and care. I'm not sure where you live, but I do know that since I live pretty near Texas AM, 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.
Re: that wonderful map thingee!
How cool is that map? I put myself on it! I feel rather official, now! - Original Message - From: TenHouseCats [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: FeLVTalk FeLVTalk@felineleukemia.org 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: Sandy ~ Sleeping Kitty
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" ~ fullname),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: New to FeLV
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, Cottonwho is new to my household and 3 established adults, one of whomhas testedpositive.My cats are not particularly cozy, and after much thought, I have decided that they should continue to live together as they are. Ihave foundmuch comfort, guidanceand acceptance inthis list, and I hope that you do too. But more importantly, I'm learning every daywhat I can do to ensure that my cats havedietaryandsupplemental immune system support to go along withthe most lovinglife I can provide.I have already seen a difference in Cotton, theyoung 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 issuesresolve, I plan on switching tosuper 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 atthe 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: Cotton's IFA positive
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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: 20 CATS...
Nina, I thank you for your kind thoughts. I dotry to stay very in tune withmy 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 believethat 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 ona positive note, I feel much closer to Cricket becauseI don't want to make her feel less loved byshowing too much attention to Cotton in her presence. I believe she knows how I feel about the other two cats, but she isuncertain about Cotton. I've often wondered if she sensed thathe 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: 20 CATS...
P.S. to Nina: I loved Kimba's pictures! So handsome!
Re: 20 CATS...
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 mannersbut Cricket is the only one whostalks himto terrorize him. She willwait until she findsCotton 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 dotry to stay very in tune withmy 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 believethat 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 ona positive note, I feel much closer to Cricket becauseI don't want to make her feel less loved byshowing too much attention to Cotton in her presence. I believe she knows how I feel about the other two cats, but she isuncertain about Cotton. I've often wondered if she sensed thathe was sick or different, and maybe that's why she is so affected by his presence. Sandy
Re: 20 CATS...
Title: Message You know, when Miss decided she was not coming out ofour 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 daywhen 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 visiblydifferent 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 meowing for us to come and see her. But she would absolutely not be moved from the safety of the bedroom. I spent as
Re: 20 CATS...
And Nina,when Cotton first came, Itold the other cats that they needed to help me teach Cotton manners,that he's just a little boy. Maybe Cricket isjust overzealous, and took ita little to theextreme.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: bopping with paws
Nina, LOL, I willtry 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 pickingon 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 notthere,and sometimes Istep 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 mannersbut Cricket is the only one whostalks himto terrorize him. She willwait until she findsCotton 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: Part3: A miracle of Garfunkle
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: 20 CATS...
Thanks, Nina. I'm off to bed for a longtalk 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, Itold the other cats that they needed to help me teach Cotton manners,that he's just a little boy. Maybe Cricket isjust overzealous, and took ita little to theextreme.S
Re: Lots of cats - Nina
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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...
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: Cotton's visit to new vet
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...
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 indoorcats, 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
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Re: Lots of cats - Nina
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: Cotton's visit to new vet
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: 20 CATS...
I think that's so cool, Chris. I'm sure there are lots of factors that influence how cats behave toward each other.But Iwould 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 seemine all sitting in a sort of a circle with each other, all facing each other, just...sitting. When Ihappen on that situation, Iwonder 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 indoorcats, 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: 20 CATS...
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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.
20 CATS...
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: Posting pictures
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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
Cotton visit to new vet
Cotton'smuch anticipated visit to the new vet wasagreat experience. This vetagreed with me that Cotton's immediate healthwas the first concern. He got his fecal and his ears checked.He got his ears cleaned, and hewas found to be loaded withspirochites 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, butwanted to make sure we knew thathis life expectancy was uncertain. She washappy to prescribeInterferon, and even apologized for not mentioning itbefore I did! She told me sheis going to discuss Cotton's case with her senior vet, who is acat 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 sheherself 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: Pictures of Cricket on Web!
Title: Yahoo! Photos Wendy and Steph, I lovedthose pictures of your Cricket! Helooksso muchlike 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 oneChristmas Cricket. He looks so busted! Wendy, I know my Cricket's mother, her name is Annie,andshe lives with a very good friend of mine.Annie was found in the woodswith her mother, who was feral. The similarities between motherand daughter are many. They both have itty, bitty voices. She and my Cricket both curl their tail into a question mark, even whenthe tailis up high. I have read that doing thatwith thier tail means they are happy with a touch of anxiety. I don't know if it's just a coincidence, but myCricket's wearing a yellow collar right now too. I had tolook twice at that pic of your Cricket. Maybe they are kindred in spirit. Sandy
Re: Posting pictures
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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: To Sandy
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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
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: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 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: was intro now is health issues
Jen, thank you again! I'm not sure really how to choose from any of these cat foods I've never heard of, but I will definitely get busy reading about them. Sandy - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2005 8:26 AM Subject: Re: was intro now is health issues Hi Sandy! Keep asking away! That's what this group is for! :) I can try to give you a little advice about #2 and #3 (and #4, if I remember!)...As for diet, try to stick with foods made with human grade ingredients with meat being listed as the first ingredient (alot of commercial foods have corn meal listed as the first ingredient because it's cheap...not only can animals be allergic to corn meal, but, generally speaking, they just can't digest corn meal properly-- plus, the carbohydrates contribute to obesity)...Most of these ultra- premium foods aren't found at the grocery store or Petsmart (although Nutro isn't a bad option)...I go to a local kennel to pick up my dry food (Innova Evo) and drive all the way down to a vet in Galveston to pick up their canned food (Wellness)...here are their websites if you want to do more research: www.naturapet.com and www.omhpet.com. Their are others out their, as well...Eagle Pack, Wysong...If you go to www.petfooddirect.com and check out their food section, they've got several, high-quality foods...you just have to check out the labels closely! Personally, I've chosen foods that contain no grains at all...just meat, veggies and fruit...and my guys are doing great! Raw food diets are also another option...you can cook them yourself (I don't have much experience with this one) or, some places carry frozed, prepared raw food diets. I've tried Nature's Variety frozen raw food patties...most of my guys like it (one in particular), but they get bored with it after awhile...so I just switch around a bit! Just do a google search with something like bad commercial pet food and you'll get several articles pertaining to what's actually in common commercial pet foods...ick! ;) And as for his mouth...sounds like stomatitis! It's another disease that with take advantage of an FeLV+ cat's weakened immune system...our Pips had it pretty bad...he was finally, successfully treated with Zithromax (and antibiotic). But depending on the severity and whether or not it responds to medications at all, sometimes, the only option is to pull teeth (our vet actually pulled several of Pips' teeth while she was cleaning them). Just keep an eye on them, stomatitis can make eating painful! And as for the panting after playing, that sounds fairly normal to me...I've got a couple of cats (both + and -) who play so hard that they just wear themselves out and start gasping for air (panting)! ;) But, of course, when you're dealing with FeLV, you'll want to keep an eye on that...it's when he's having trouble breathing while just resting when you need to worry. It just sounds like he's an aggressive player (like most kittens)! :) Hope some of this helps! You'll get plenty of more advice from others!! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Dudes [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2005 10:48 pm Subject: was intro now is health issues I sure hope you all don't get tired of my newbie questions. If anyone would rather email me to discuss off list, I would welcome it, at least point me in the right direction so I can read up on them to help educate myself. I feel like there is much to know, and I am a sponge. So (deep breathe) here I go My questions are about my little guy Cotton, the + orange kitten who's about 8 months old. 1. I was telling Jen off list that he has some really awful smellinglitterbox deposits, which are much like diarrhea. When we go to the NEW vet, we will check him for parasites, and anything else that might cause this, like a bacteria. Jen clued me in to a few other things that might be causing this, and what might help. I will definitely mention these things to the vet as well. Right now we are just adding yogurt to his canned food, which seems to be helping. 2. I'd love to talk to someone who has time to go into detail about a really good diet for Cotton, because I believe Cotton may have some deficiencies. But how does one determine that? He seems to eat strange things, and he steals people food. He could go trick-or-treating disguised as a Hoover vacuum cleaner, because he's
Re: was intro now is health issues
Good to know that panting is most likely normal. I guess I just worry a lot. My other 3 adult cats are definitely lounge lizards compared to Cotton. He just always feels so much warmer than the other cats do, so the panting made me think he might be overheating. Sandy - Original Message - From: Barb Moermond To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2005 10:12 AM Subject: Re: was intro now is health issues Smoky used to play so hard he'd pant. His favorite game was with an interactive toy and he would do backflips etc trying to catch the ball on the end of the string. And I could get him doing those tight pivot circles:) And more than once, during a break for him to pant, he would be so ticked off at the toy that he'd punctuate his panting with hissing!!! "pant pant pant HI pant pant HIS" It was sooo funny! My sister's old kitty Tessa had some post-playing panting/wheezing, but she also had asthma. I would just monitor it and if it changes from simple panting after hard exercise to wheezing or out of breath when just doing quiet stuff then I would have a vet check him out.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Sandy! Keep asking away! That's what this group is for! :)I can try to give you a little advice about #2 and #3 (and #4, if I remember!)...As for diet, try to stick with foods made with human grade ingredients with meat being listed as the first ingredient (alot of commercial foods have corn meal listed as the first ingredient because it's cheap...not only can animals be allergic to corn meal, but, generally speaking, they just can't digest corn meal properly--plus, the carbohydrates contribute to obesity)...Most of these ultra-premium foods aren't found at the grocery store or Petsmart (although Nutro isn't a bad option)...I go to a local kennel to pick up my dry food (Innova Evo) and drive all the way down to a vet in Galveston to pick up their canned food (Wellness)...here are their websites if you want to do more research: www.naturapet.com and www.omhpet.com. Their are others out their, as well...Eagle Pack, Wysong...If you go to www.petfooddirect.com and check out their food section, they've got several, high-quality foods...you just have to check out the labels closely! Personally, I've chosen foods that contain no grains at all...just meat, veggies and fruit...and my guys are doing great! Raw food diets are also another option...you can cook them yourself (I don't have much experience with this one) or, some places carry frozed, prepared raw food diets. I've tried Nature's Variety frozen raw food patties...most of my guys like it (one in particular), but they get bored with it after awhile...so I just switch around a bit! Just do a google search with something like "bad commercial pet food" and you'll get several articles pertaining to what's actually in common commercial pet foods...ick! ;)And as for his mouth...sounds like stomatitis! It's another disease that with take advantage of an FeLV+ cat's weakened immune system...our Pips had it pretty bad...he was finally, successfully treated with Zithromax (and antibiotic). But depending on the severity and whether or not it responds to medications at all, sometimes, the only option is to pull teeth (our vet actually pulled several of Pips' teeth while she was cleaning them). Just keep an eye on them, stomatitis can make eating painful!And as for the panting after playing, that sounds fairly normal to me...I've got a couple of cats (both + and -) who play so hard that they just wear themselves out and start gasping for air (panting)! ;) But, of course, when you're dealing with FeLV, you'll want to keep an eye on that...it's when he's having trouble breathing while just resting when you need to worry. It just sounds like he's an aggressive player (like most kittens)! :)Hope some of this helps! You'll get plenty of more advice from others!!Jen"But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..." --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." --Chief Dan George- Original Message -From: Dudes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2005 10:48 pmSubject: was intro now is health issues I sure hope you all don't get tired of my newbie questions. If an
Re: positives and negatives
Absolutely no offense taken. I just wasn't sure if you were serious or not.I just don't know this vet very well,because my vet of choice quit her practice recently.The main reason was over the people and not her patients. And hey! Shooting is as Texan as cowboy boots.I have a friend who keepsa shotgun by her bed. Again, I doubt is it to shoot anything with a tail. :) Sandy
was intro now is health issues
I sure hope you all don't get tired of my newbie questions.If anyone wouldrather email me to discuss off list, I would welcomeit, at least point me in the right direction so I can read up on them to help educate myself. I feel like there is much to know, and I am a sponge. So (deep breathe) here I go My questionsare about my little guy Cotton, the+ orange kitten who's about 8 months old. 1. I was telling Jen off listthat he has some really awful smellinglitterbox deposits, which aremuch like diarrhea. When we go to the NEW vet, we will check him for parasites, and anything elsethat mightcause this, like a bacteria. Jen clued me in to a few other things that might be causing this, and what might help. I will definitely mention these things to the vet as well. Right now we are just adding yogurt to his canned food, which seems to be helping. 2.I'd love to talk to someone who has time to go into detail about a really good diet for Cotton, because I believeCotton may have some deficiencies. But how does one determine that? He seems to eat strange things, and he steals people food. He could go trick-or-treating disguised as a Hoover vacuum cleaner, because he'sthat indiscriminate. And he constantly begs for food.He never seems to ever get enough. I partly suspect it's because when my stepdaughter had him, she didn't feed him enough or consistently, and I'mwondering if it could just be bad manners which could otherwise be lovingly corrected. But I don't want to miss anything. 3. Cottonhasdragon breath. I don't remember any of my cats' mouths smelling the way his does, especially as kittens. When mine were little, they almost had no mouth odor.Young Mr. Cotton will open his mouth to say something, and what comes wafting outsmells likeold cat food, and his little gums lookrather red around the teeth when he opens his mouth really big. And his teeth seem really small, but maybe because HE is small. Or maybe I'm used to looking at bigger teeth in bigger mouths. I'm guessing that he must have some gingivitis going on, and probably as a result of his FeLV. Not sure what to do about that. 4. Bloodwork.I may have to deal with a few things at a time in order to get him feeling better, so want to determine what'smostimportant things toget the most out of our vet visits.I definitely know that he needs bloodwork, so while they are drawing, heprobably needs aCBCto begin with, to determine if he's anemic or has infection, that sort of thing. I have never seen a cat pant, but when he is tired (of jumping and playing), he does. Andit could just be me worrying about him, butsometimes it seems likehe is laying down a little sooner while playing. 5. Anything else I could be missing that I should be watching for? Sponge-Bob Sandy
Introduction
Thank you everyone for your very kind welcome, and for taking time to offer suggestions. I feel better already! My main focus right now is the little orange guy, Cotton. I don't want to treat him as if he isn't going to be with us for a long time. I would like to see him eventually neutered (he's maybe...8 months old) and most importantly would like to see some of his underlying health issues taken care of so he feels better and has every chance to fight for his life. Despite feeding him all he wants (and he wants!) he seems thin and small for his age to me. He's done better since he's been with us, but all I know about his history is that he was runty and his mother was a small cat. Sincerely, Sandy C.
positives and negatives
When I was checking out at my vets office after she saw little orange Cotton, the tech who checked me out told me how they acquired a litter of 10 kittens at the office. They proceeded to test them, and when they found one who was positive for FeLV,, which was like, the 8th or 9th one, they euthanized the entire litter. I knew after hearing that- I have to find another vet for my cats! Sandy - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 12:04 PM Subject: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 10, Issue 3 Send Felvtalk mailing list submissions to Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can reach the person managing the list at [EMAIL PROTECTED] When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than Re: Contents of Felvtalk digest... Today's Topics: 1. Re: Help: Ringworm treatment -Blue star vs. Lamasil ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) 2. Re: OT: Help ! ringworm in kittens ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) 3. Re: Importation of drugs (Nina) 4. Re: Introduction (Mari Kolbe) 5. Re: FeLVtalk Poll on FeLV contraction ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) 6. Re: Emilio/Frito -- fundraising idea? (Nina) 7. Re: Importation of drugs (gary) 8. Re: OT: Help ! ringworm in kittens (Del Daniels) -- Message: 1 Date: Tue, 1 Nov 2005 12:13:42 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Help: Ringworm treatment -Blue star vs. Lamasil To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii I have tried lamasil and always go back to blue star -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org/attachments/20051101/a5c3915d/attachm ent.htm -- Message: 2 Date: Tue, 1 Nov 2005 12:16:47 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: OT: Help ! ringworm in kittens To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii iodine seems very slow but works.. -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org/attachments/20051101/20bec13b/attachm ent.htm -- Message: 3 Date: Tue, 01 Nov 2005 09:35:49 -0800 From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Importation of drugs To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hi Gary, My Internist's office has been very cooperative about helping me and others get special FDA compensations for Interferon Omega, (recombinant). If you give me more specifics, (the name of the drug and company that manufactures, or distributes it), I'd be happy to put in a call to my vet and ask them what they know. Nina gary wrote: Does anyone know what the FDA regs are on importing drugs for veterinary use? I have recently read an article about a study done on FIV+ cats in Italy and they used the natural interferon alpha and found it to be much more effective than the recombinant version. The study also referred to another test done with FeLV+ cats with similar results. I was given a link to a company that imports the natural interferon and it is quite reasonably priced at a box of five, 3 million unit vials for $350. The companies rep is not aware of what FDA regs there might be for vet use. You can import a 3 month supply for your personal use but I assume this requires you to fill out paperwork about your condition, etc., and probably a Rx. Gary -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org/attachments/20051101/f9420857/attachm ent.htm -- Message: 4 Date: Tue, 1 Nov 2005 11:37:30 -0600 From: Mari Kolbe [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Introduction To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Sandy C: Greetings from yet another fellow Houstonian (what area? we are east side). High quality food and immune boosting supplements will go a long way towards giving Cotton the fuel he needs to gain weight and strength. As you are already seeing - this is a great list full of members with years and years of experience all willing to share. We personally have been caring for leuk positives (and mixing with vaccinated negative cats) for over 20 years. The same information that was available to us back then is still circulating on the internet as current and many vets are still giving caregivers the test results with a death sentence for the cat. Thankfully, there are some
Re: positives and negatives
I agree that this vet needs some serious education, but I try not to burn bridges, as much as I would like to. This might be a goodopportunity to save more cats fromher ill advice.She will definitely not get any more of my business, and I will certainly tell her why. And I have a big family of fuzzies, with 4 cats and two senior dogs. That would hit her where it really hurts. :) Sandy - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 4:47 PM Subject: Re: positives and negatives Ladies, I think a letter writing campain is necessary.if sandy wishes to give up the name and address..this vet should be shot
Introduction
Hello everyone, I am new to the list and wanted to introduce myself and tell about why I am here. I appreciate you taking a minute to read about us. My name is Sandy and until recently I've had 3 adult cats who I love like fuzzy children. I have a stepdaughter who moved home this summer for a few weeks, and brought with her an orange kitten she had adopted from someone she didn't know. She got him to keep her older cat Kuma (Japanese for Bear) compnay. After they got here, her cat Kuma became very ill, and within just a day or so of showing symptoms, had to be euthanized. He experienced multi-organ failure. The vet diagnosed FeLV. So we took the orange kitten Cotton to the vet as soon as we could, since we knew so little about him. Cotton also tested positive for FeLV. My stepdaughter has neither the desire nor the means to care for him, so she left him. The vet recommended immediate euthanasia, and wouldn't even check his little orange ears for ear mites or intestinal parasites or suggest any more blood work. Just FeLV positive = death. That was hard to swallow, but in the meantime, I gathered up my three established cats to be tested, and unfortunately my younger female has also tested positive. The other two older cats were negative. I am heartbroken and distraught. I've tried to read and learn as much as I can about FeLV. I have been angry at myself for letting this all happen, and feel now that hindsight is always 20-20. But please don't make me feel any worse than I do. It had been about 2 years since my cats had the FeLV vaccine, becuase they are 100% indoors, and I was worried about overvaccinating them. Now I feel that I need to look ahead and address this head-on, and I am hoping for some sound, rational advice. My vet seemed totally negative and I do intend to get a second opinion and confirmatory blood tests. The two cats that are negative got a vaccine, even though I know it may not do much good. They also have boosters scheduled in 3 weeks. I fear that even though Kuma (stepduaghter's cat who died) was sequestered during his illness, everyone was exposed before we realized what we were dealing with. I now have a household of 4 cats, two of whom are FeLV negative, and two who are positive, one of whom is symptomatic, as Cotton the orange kitten now has swollen glands and diarrhea. Any words of wisdom would be totally appreciated. Thank you, Sandy C. Houston, Texas area