Re: Re: raising kittens???
Thank you for that info, I think today we start the litter boxes and some strained turkey or chicken. They are eating up to 30cc a meal...and sleeping through the night- Thank God. Anyway they have started to have greenish brown liquid diarrhea. Anyone know what this is from, I ran a fecal at work and they were neg for parasites (I know they're not shed in every BM so I'll be running more) but in the meantime should I be concerned about the diarrhea. They're well hydrated and have no URI symptoms, normal temp etc. At first I just thought it was a kittne thing, kinda like human babies not being well formed, but I read something online which got me a little nervous. Thank you again Kristi Yes, I am taking lots of pics, I'll try to figure out how to post them. We named the boys: Syms, Sebastian, and Sampson. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 2005/03/06 Sun AM 12:31:15 EST To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: raising kittens??? Hi Kristi That's wonderful that they were negative! I've bottle reared a lot of orphans. I'm assuming that a lot of this you already know, being a tech, but I'm giving a lot of info on formulas and such for lurkers or folks who may not have raised orphans before because kitten season is just around the corner. Generally, they'll start using a litter pan at 2-3 weeks (shoe box lids or foil brownie or biscuit pans work really well) and when they're starting to lick your fingers, you can try giving them formula out of a dish. When they get the hang of drinking out of something other than a bottle (be patient, it can take a while for them to figure it out), then you can start adding strained chicken baby food (make sure there are no onions in it - chicken or turkey are the easiest to digest), and rice, oatmeal, or mixed baby cereal. Start off with it being a very thin gruel - mostly milk replacer and meat, and then use the cereal to thicken it. When they've been eating that for a week or so, then you can use either softened dry kitten food (I used Purina kitten chow because it softened in water the fastest) or canned kitten food. The dry worked well with kittens with diarrhea from the food change and also switching from milk replacer to powdered dry milk (for people - which is fat free) helps with runnybutts. Science diet feline growth (it may be called kitten formula now) canned worked the best with the kittens I raised. Iams kitten canned was too pasty unless I mixed strained chicken baby food with it, the science diet was dry enough to crumble into bite sized pieces easily. I usually started with the baby food and cereal at about 3-4 weeks, switched from milk replacer to powdered dry milk at about 5-6 weeks (because that's when they started to become lactose intolerant), and had them off the bottle completely at 8-10 weeks - or when they started biting nipples in half or pulling them out of the bottle. Even when they were eating out of a dish and I had them weaned to food with no milk in it, I still gave them a morning and bedtime (my bedtime) bottle to make sure they were getting enough to eat - their mom's would nurse them until they were about 12 weeks, but after 8 weeks, it's more for bonding than nourishment - according to all the books. I've found that the extra bottles, or at least the act of giving them an extra easy meal without all the solids in their other food really helped them to grow better. The ones who stopped getting a bottle as soon as they were eating out of a dish and getting more in their stomachs than on their faces and feet grew at a about a 1/4 pound a week (1 pound a month - roughly the same rate as if they were with their moms still), and if I didn't, they grew at something more like 1/4-1/2 a pound a month (12 week olds were often still the size of a mother raised 6 - 8 week old). Regardless of how fast they grew, they were still not neurologically developed enough to know they had to go in time to get to the pan if there was only one pan in the room or to get to one of a couple pans in the house until they were 8 weeks old. Until then, I kept a kitten sized pan under every end table and under the low shelves of my aquarium stands. Basically, I had at least one pan in each corner of every room the kittens had access to. Have fun with the babies! Yours are getting to the cutest age - starting to run and falling over every couple steps, bouncing more than walking... makes me want to raise a litter myself! Where there's Life, there's Hope Kathy There is nothing so strong as gentleness, and there is nothing so gentle as real strength. ~ Sir Francis de Sates
Re: Effie has her angel's wings
Del, I'm so sorry to hear about both of your losses. I know you must be going through a bad time right now adjusting. I'm sure it's comforting to know that your friend Liz will be there for Effie though. I'm sure you have other fur angels who will be there as well for Liz and Effie. Take care of yourself. tonyaDel Daniels [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Effie left us this morning and my friend,Liz, who passed away last week,is taking care of her in heaven. The pain from the growing mass against her spine took away her quality of life. It was awfully hard. It IS hard. You understand, we continue to look at their favorite places and those places are empty ... and I cry for her. My heart is broken. Thank you everyone for support and feedback. Without these groups, she would never have lived this long or this well. Del^.^Spay/Neuter Your Pet PLEASEAdopt a Shelter PetPAWS of Union County, ILRescue Angels On WheelsA Hamburger Stops a Beating Heart
New To This
I have just found out that my two kittens are positive for feline leukemia. I adopted a kitten from an animal shelter in Wisconsin that originally tested negative. But since then he has become positive and has infected one of my older cats, who in the meantime has become quite sick. It is devastating to me. BUT, I am trying to remain optimistic. Therefore, I am trying to find out all I can. First of all, I have three other cats, all of which tested negative. I have to keep them separated now from my two "sick" ones. Even though the little kitten I adopted in November has the virus, he acts totally normal. The older kitten which is actually a year old now, is sick. I've been giving the older one 3cc of Retrovir in the morning and in the evening. I don't know what the side effects are to cats. I only received the side effects for humans when I picked up the medicine at the pharmacy. Is there any place you can recommend to me to find out more about the side effects to cats? The side effects to humans don't look so good, so I'm a bit worried about this medicine. Second, as I have stated, I have to keep my cats all separated. This is EXTREMELY hard. We were one big happy family. All of my cats got along, cuddled, took care of the little ones, played together, cleaned each other, and now I've had to tear up the family. The older ones in the basement are wondering what's going on. I go down there to sit with them and they just stare at me. It's kind of creepy. But they do thrive on the attention oncewe get past the awkward moment. The kittens I keep upstairs so that I can monitor them. The littlest one is constantly crying at the door that separates them all. I've even caught the older one clawing at the door today. It's really hard. Therefore, I was wondering, if after the incubation period is over and the other older cats get retested and if they still prove to be negative, then get their shots, could I put the family back together again? Or is it better for me to find a new home for the ill cats? I will die if I have to lose them. They are my babies. This will be the third and fourth kittens I have lost in three years. But I need to do what's best. I'd rather take care of the ill kittens myself than have the cost burden and the stress go to someone else. I know I have a home for the three older cats providing they stay negative. I just really want to try to keep the family together. So, how effective are the shots? Third and final, the animal shelter that I received the kitten from is trying to deny that it was their kitten. In a sense, they told me that my vet tested incorrectly. Now I know that the shelter is trying to do a good thing, but I feel they have a responsibility to tell the other people who have adopted kittens or cats from the same group and time period. They aren't listening to me. I've researched about the incubation period and that maybe they should have held onto all the cats and kittens for a few more weeks because it could sit dormant. They kept insisting that the kitten tested negative; and I told them I know that, but..." We got no where. Now what do I do? All my other cats have been tested twice a year for everything. (I take them to the vet for even the slightest sniffle - I'm a little protective). I need to know what do I do to get them to contact the other people. I'm concerned that there are more Feline Leukemia cats out there, more than that, I am sure of it and I think those people have a right to know. So, what do I do? I was thinking about taking out a full page ad in the Milwaukee Journal or contacting the Better Business Bureau. I need to do something. Sorry I took so much time, but I have many issues and/or concerns. I don't know what to do. I've been reading a lot on the internet, but I can't find the answer to these few things. I appreciate any help/advice you could give me. Thank you. Kristina
Re: New To This
Dear Kristina: I am so sorry you have encountered this situation, but you have come to the right place. I adopted a FELV+ cat (Ms Slippers) whenshe was only a year or so old. Although starving and emaciated at the time, we had her spayed-- and within weeks she was a picture of health. We also had another cat who was a couple of years older than Slippers. His name is Sneakers -- and he was negative. Our vet advised us to keep them apart until Sneakers had his FELV shot, then we had to wait 2 more weeks until he had his booster. After that, we were told that we could mix them--and we did. Although we lost Slippers after having her less than a year, Sneakers is still with us and is still negative. Since then, we have adopted 6 more cats (unfortunately we lost Raven in 2003 -- but not to FELV). All our other kitties have tested negative. It is my understanding that sometimes the tests for FELV can give inaccurate results. I have not encountered this problem, so I am probably not the person to give advise on this. However, many people on this site do mix positive and negatives--but like me, they probably have their negative kitties have the shots first. You positive kitties, need to begin treatments to build their immune systems. Many on this site, including myself, have used interferon, Vitamin Cand other immune boosters. I think some use L-Lysine, although I did not, because by the time I had learned of these things, it was too late for Slippers. I am sure you will get great advise from others on this site. Don't give up hope. Begin your immune treatments and get you negative kitties the shots they need. Occasionally, Slippers and Sneakers would eat from the same bowls and drink from the same bowls and use the same litter boxes--after Sneakers had his shots. I am sure others will write in to help. Bless you for keeping this precious little kitten and for being so wonderful with all of you cats. They are truly precious. Sincerely, Chere http://www.bemikitties.com/msslippers - Original Message - From: Mrs. Kulak To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2005 12:55 PM Subject: New To This I have just found out that my two kittens are positive for feline leukemia. I adopted a kitten from an animal shelter in Wisconsin that originally tested negative. But since then he has become positive and has infected one of my older cats, who in the meantime has become quite sick. It is devastating to me. BUT, I am trying to remain optimistic. Therefore, I am trying to find out all I can. First of all, I have three other cats, all of which tested negative. I have to keep them separated now from my two "sick" ones. Even though the little kitten I adopted in November has the virus, he acts totally normal. The older kitten which is actually a year old now, is sick. I've been giving the older one 3cc of Retrovir in the morning and in the evening. I don't know what the side effects are to cats. I only received the side effects for humans when I picked up the medicine at the pharmacy. Is there any place you can recommend to me to find out more about the side effects to cats? The side effects to humans don't look so good, so I'm a bit worried about this medicine. Second, as I have stated, I have to keep my cats all separated. This is EXTREMELY hard. We were one big happy family. All of my cats got along, cuddled, took care of the little ones, played together, cleaned each other, and now I've had to tear up the family. The older ones in the basement are wondering what's going on. I go down there to sit with them and they just stare at me. It's kind of creepy. But they do thrive on the attention oncewe get past the awkward moment. The kittens I keep upstairs so that I can monitor them. The littlest one is constantly crying at the door that separates them all. I've even caught the older one clawing at the door today. It's really hard. Therefore, I was wondering, if after the incubation period is over and the other older cats get retested and if they still prove to be negative, then get their shots, could I put the family back together again? Or is it better for me to find a new home for the ill cats? I will die if I have to lose them. They are my babies. This will be the third and fourth kittens I have lost in three years. But I need to do what's best. I'd rather take care of the ill kittens myself than have the cost burden and the stress go to someone else. I know I have a home for the three older cats providing they stay negative. I just really want to try to keep the family together. So, how effective are the shots? Third and final, the animal shelter that I received the kitten from is trying to deny that it was their kitten. In a sense, they told me that my vet tested incorrectly. Now I know that the shelter is trying to do
Re: New To This
I am sorry to here your little ones are positive.From all the people I have talked to I have not herd of any cat giving it another I do have 2 positive 4 negative.A cat can have FeLV but test negative,if it is not in there blood stream they will test negative.If a cat is not well or is under stress then it can then show.But there can also be false positives.I am not an expert but I have done alot of research talked to lots of people vets.I have lost cats have some that are positive 1 cat is now 6 years old.I have to brothers that are almost a year old That were about 7 days when they were left on my porch,1 tests negative 1 positive.I hope this helps,If you need anything just send an email.I have got alot of help support for this group they are great people with big hearts. Love Anita Kitties - Original Message - From: Mrs. Kulak To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2005 9:55 AM Subject: New To This I have just found out that my two kittens are positive for feline leukemia. I adopted a kitten from an animal shelter in Wisconsin that originally tested negative. But since then he has become positive and has infected one of my older cats, who in the meantime has become quite sick. It is devastating to me. BUT, I am trying to remain optimistic. Therefore, I am trying to find out all I can. First of all, I have three other cats, all of which tested negative. I have to keep them separated now from my two "sick" ones. Even though the little kitten I adopted in November has the virus, he acts totally normal. The older kitten which is actually a year old now, is sick. I've been giving the older one 3cc of Retrovir in the morning and in the evening. I don't know what the side effects are to cats. I only received the side effects for humans when I picked up the medicine at the pharmacy. Is there any place you can recommend to me to find out more about the side effects to cats? The side effects to humans don't look so good, so I'm a bit worried about this medicine. Second, as I have stated, I have to keep my cats all separated. This is EXTREMELY hard. We were one big happy family. All of my cats got along, cuddled, took care of the little ones, played together, cleaned each other, and now I've had to tear up the family. The older ones in the basement are wondering what's going on. I go down there to sit with them and they just stare at me. It's kind of creepy. But they do thrive on the attention oncewe get past the awkward moment. The kittens I keep upstairs so that I can monitor them. The littlest one is constantly crying at the door that separates them all. I've even caught the older one clawing at the door today. It's really hard. Therefore, I was wondering, if after the incubation period is over and the other older cats get retested and if they still prove to be negative, then get their shots, could I put the family back together again? Or is it better for me to find a new home for the ill cats? I will die if I have to lose them. They are my babies. This will be the third and fourth kittens I have lost in three years. But I need to do what's best. I'd rather take care of the ill kittens myself than have the cost burden and the stress go to someone else. I know I have a home for the three older cats providing they stay negative. I just really want to try to keep the family together. So, how effective are the shots? Third and final, the animal shelter that I received the kitten from is trying to deny that it was their kitten. In a sense, they told me that my vet tested incorrectly. Now I know that the shelter is trying to do a good thing, but I feel they have a responsibility to tell the other people who have adopted kittens or cats from the same group and time period. They aren't listening to me. I've researched about the incubation period and that maybe they should have held onto all the cats and kittens for a few more weeks because it could sit dormant. They kept insisting that the kitten tested negative; and I told them I know that, but..." We got no where. Now what do I do? All my other cats have been tested twice a year for everything. (I take them to the vet for even the slightest sniffle - I'm a little protective). I need to know what do I do to get them to contact the other people. I'm concerned that there are more Feline Leukemia cats out there, more than that, I am sure of it and I think those people have a right to know. So, what do I do? I was thinking about taking out a full page ad in the Milwaukee Journal or contacting the Better Business Bureau. I need to do something. Sorry I took so much time, but I have many issues and/or concerns. I don't know what to do. I've been reading a lot on the internet, but I can't find the answer to these few things. I
Re: New To This
Hi, I'm guessing your other cats were not vaccinated for feline leukemia. are they now? I have lost 3 cats to leukemia. I am down to 7. however they have all lived together as the stress of keeping them apart would have added to their problems. I had two cats with leukemia however one recently tested negative after 3-4 years of supplements and vitamins. all my cats get MegaC+, vit e 200 units, A D once a week and pet tinic. the two +'sare also on ambrotose. I only tried interferon when the last one got sick--one day a fat healthy 2 year old and then "crashed" in a sense. the last one- a male-who died from leukemia I rescued from a kill pound along with his two siblings. one sibling died within a couple of weeks from something unrelated. the other kitten is sitting here on my lap and except for her runny eyes which one vet said was feline herpes, she is fine and still tests negative. She and her brother were inseparable adn always cleaning each other and biting while playing. no idea what retrovir is--hopefully someone more knowledgeable than me will come along to help. the info on the net is tremendous and overwhelming. just remember to enjoy the time you have with your cats. sorry you had this virus hit your family. what did the other kittens you mentioned die from? i would recommend you get your cats on supplements to boost their immune system. filtered water is also good. try to stay away from grocery store cat food and feed your cats a better diet-wellness, Petguard, Merrick's, Eagle brand are good names. as for the animal shelter, i'd say, channel your energy into postive and focus on your cats. many rescue shelters are understaffed and overworked and trying to deal with public that refuses to neuter/spay their animals and the sad eyes of the animals the rescue staff must walk past as they make life and death decisions about which animals to rescue from the kill pounds. also have you gone to the www.holisticat.com site and searched thru their archives for info. take care barbara - Original Message - From: Mrs. Kulak To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2005 12:55 PM Subject: New To This I have just found out that my two kittens are positive for feline leukemia. I adopted a kitten from an animal shelter in Wisconsin that originally tested negative. But since then he has become positive and has infected one of my older cats, who in the meantime has become quite sick. It is devastating to me. BUT, I am trying to remain optimistic. Therefore, I am trying to find out all I can. First of all, I have three other cats, all of which tested negative. I have to keep them separated now from my two "sick" ones. Even though the little kitten I adopted in November has the virus, he acts totally normal. The older kitten which is actually a year old now, is sick. I've been giving the older one 3cc of Retrovir in the morning and in the evening. I don't know what the side effects are to cats. I only received the side effects for humans when I picked up the medicine at the pharmacy. Is there any place you can recommend to me to find out more about the side effects to cats? The side effects to humans don't look so good, so I'm a bit worried about this medicine. Second, as I have stated, I have to keep my cats all separated. This is EXTREMELY hard. We were one big happy family. All of my cats got along, cuddled, took care of the little ones, played together, cleaned each other, and now I've had to tear up the family. The older ones in the basement are wondering what's going on. I go down there to sit with them and they just stare at me. It's kind of creepy. But they do thrive on the attention oncewe get past the awkward moment. The kittens I keep upstairs so that I can monitor them. The littlest one is constantly crying at the door that separates them all. I've even caught the older one clawing at the door today. It's really hard. Therefore, I was wondering, if after the incubation period is over and the other older cats get retested and if they still prove to be negative, then get their shots, could I put the family back together again? Or is it better for me to find a new home for the ill cats? I will die if I have to lose them. They are my babies. This will be the third and fourth kittens I have lost in three years. But I need to do what's best. I'd rather take care of the ill kittens myself than have the cost burden and the stress go to someone else. I know I have a home for the three older cats providing they stay negative. I just really want to try to keep the family together. So, how effective are the shots? Third and final, the animal shelter that I received the kitten from is trying to deny that it was their kitten. In a sense, they told me that my vet tested incorrectly. Now I know that the
Re: Please add Bethany Cat (BC) to the CLS
Danielle, I'm so sorry for your loss of BC. tonyaDanielle [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: We had to say "goodbye".DanielleWhen our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle ofcreation is completed,Inside us, the doors of our souls fly open and love steps forth to healeverything in sight."-Michael BridgeDo you want to foster or adopt a Border Collie?http://bcrescue.dogsaver.org/
Re: New To This
i just did a google on retrovir and found some info. rather than rephrase it, i suggest you do that also. just go to www.google.com and as I did, type in retrovir side effects cats. most of the info deals with treating fiv cats however the side effects would be the same(liver problems). sorry, i've had a really really long day of driving so can't even see straight to stay online tonight. barbara - Original Message - From: catatonya To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2005 7:45 PM Subject: Re: New To This Hi Kristina, I'm sorry you had to find us. The list is slow on weekends, but you'll get lots of good info. As per your questions, I've never heard of retrovir, so I'm no help there. It sounds like your cat that tested negative and then positive had just not had time to test positive yet after exposure. You are right, that the shelter should be more responsible, but I doubt they could even go back and trace the cats/kittens that were together for that period of time. Typically if anyone in a group held together tests positive they euthanize everyone who had contact with the positive, so in my opinion, I would let it go. Hopefully any other cats that turn up positive will go to good homes such as yours. Others on the list know more about the time involved from exposure until a test result will show positive. Also, though, your cats testing positive could just be positive because they've been exposed and still 'throw off' the virus and end up negative. Many people on the list mix cats following the vaccination protocol someone (I think Chere) discussed. I've had 2 positives mixed with my negatives for around 7 years. I lost one of my positives, but none of my negatives have caught the virus. The positives were positive when I brought them in. In general, people on the list have found the shots to be effective. If all of these cats have already been mixed, then my opinion is that whatever damage there might be is already done. I would still booster my negatives though before mixing. I hope this helps some. As I said, others will contact you as well. tonya"Mrs. Kulak" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote First of all, I have three other cats, all of which tested negative. I have to keep them separated now from my two "sick" ones. Even though the little kitten I adopted in November has the virus, he acts totally normal. The older kitten which is actually a year old now, is sick. I've been giving the older one 3cc of Retrovir in the morning and in the evening. I don't know what the side effects are to cats. I only received the side effects for humans when I picked up the medicine at the pharmacy. Is there any place you can recommend to me to find out more about the side effects to cats? The side effects to humans don't look so good, so I'm a bit worried about this medicine. Second, as I have stated, I have to keep my cats all separated. This is EXTREMELY hard. We were one big happy family. All of my cats got along, cuddled, took care of the little ones, played together, cleaned each other, and now I've had to tear up the family. The older ones in the basement are wondering what's going on. I go down there to sit with them and they just stare at me. It's kind of creepy. But they do thrive on the attention oncewe get past the awkward moment. The kittens I keep upstairs so that I can monitor them. The littlest one is constantly crying at the door that separates them all. I've even caught the older one clawing at the door today. It's really hard. Therefore, I was wondering, if after the incubation period is over and the other older cats get retested and if they still prove to be negative, then get their shots, could I put the family back together again? Or is it better for me to find a new home for the ill cats? I will die if I have to lose them. They are my babies. This will be the third and fourth kittens I have lost in three years. But I need to do what's best. I'd rather take care of the ill kittens myself than have the cost burden and the stress go to someone else. I know I have a home for the three older cats providing they stay negative. I just really want to try to keep the family together. So, how effective are the shots? Third and final, the animal shelter that I received the kitten from is trying to deny that it was their kitten. In a sense, they told me that my vet tested incorrectly. Now I know that the shelter is trying to do a good thing, but I feel they have a responsibility to tell the other people who have adopted kittens or cats from the same group and time period. They aren't listening to me. I've researched about the incubation period and that maybe they
Re: New To This
Thanks s much for checking. I just can't believe hopw many people seem to care sooo much. It is making me feel so touched. I've heard from s many people since I wrote that this afternoon. I will do just that. Thank you again.Barbara Lowe [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: i just did a google on retrovir and found some info. rather than rephrase it, i suggest you do that also. just go to www.google.com and as I did, type in retrovir side effects cats. most of the info deals with treating fiv cats however the side effects would be the same(liver problems). sorry, i've had a really really long day of driving so can't even see straight to stay online tonight. barbara - Original Message - From: catatonya To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2005 7:45 PM Subject: Re: New To This Hi Kristina, I'm sorry you had to find us. The list is slow on weekends, but you'll get lots of good info. As per your questions, I've never heard of retrovir, so I'm no help there. It sounds like your cat that tested negative and then positive had just not had time to test positive yet after exposure. You are right, that the shelter should be more responsible, but I doubt they could even go back and trace the cats/kittens that were together for that period of time. Typically if anyone in a group held together tests positive they euthanize everyone who had contact with the positive, so in my opinion, I would let it go. Hopefully any other cats that turn up positive will go to good homes such as yours. Others on the list know more about the time involved from exposure until a test result will show positive. Also, though, your cats testing positive could just be positive because they've been exposed and still 'throw off' the virus and end up negative. Many people on the list mix cats following the vaccination protocol someone (I think Chere) discussed. I've had 2 positives mixed with my negatives for around 7 years. I lost one of my positives, but none of my negatives have caught the virus. The positives were positive when I brought them in. In general, people on the list have found the shots to be effective. If all of these cats have already been mixed, then my opinion is that whatever damage there might be is already done. I would still booster my negatives though before mixing. I hope this helps some. As I said, others will contact you as well. tonya"Mrs. Kulak" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote First of all, I have three other cats, all of which tested negative. I have to keep them separated now from my two "sick" ones. Even though the little kitten I adopted in November has the virus, he acts totally normal. The older kitten which is actually a year old now, is sick. I've been giving the older one 3cc of Retrovir in the morning and in the evening. I don't know what the side effects are to cats. I only received the side effects for humans when I picked up the medicine at the pharmacy. Is there any place you can recommend to me to find out more about the side effects to cats? The side effects to humans don't look so good, so I'm a bit worried about this medicine. Second, as I have stated, I have to keep my cats all separated. This is EXTREMELY hard. We were one big happy family. All of my cats got along, cuddled, took care of the little ones, played together, cleaned each other, and now I've had to tear up the family. The older ones in the basement are wondering what's going on. I go down there to sit with them and they just stare at me. It's kind of creepy. But they do thrive on the attention oncewe get past the awkward moment. The kittens I keep upstairs so that I can monitor them. The littlest one is constantly crying at the door that separates them all. I've even caught the older one clawing at the door today. It's really hard. Therefore, I was wondering, if after the incubation period is over and the other older cats get retested and if they still prove to be negative, then get their shots, could I put the family back together again? Or is it better for me to find a new home for the ill cats? I will die if I have to lose them. They are my babies. This will be the third and fourth kittens I have lost in three years. But I need to do what's best. I'd rather take care of the ill kittens myself than have the cost burden and the stress go to someone else. I know I have a home for the three older cats providing they stay negative. I just really want to try to keep the family together. So, how effective are the shots? Third and final, the animal shelter that I received the kitten from is trying to deny that it was their kitten. In a sense, they told me that my vet tested incorrectly. Now I know that the shelter is trying to do a good thing, but I feel they have a responsibility to tell the other people who have adopted kittens or cats from the same group and time period. They aren't listening to me. I've researched about the incubation period and that maybe they should have held onto all the cats and
Re: New To This
Thanks again for your response. It is s much needed. They are my babies! catatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Kristina, I'm sorry you had to find us. The list is slow on weekends, but you'll get lots of good info. As per your questions, I've never heard of retrovir, so I'm no help there. It sounds like your cat that tested negative and then positive had just not had time to test positive yet after exposure. You are right, that the shelter should be more responsible, but I doubt they could even go back and trace the cats/kittens that were together for that period of time. Typically if anyone in a group held together tests positive they euthanize everyone who had contact with the positive, so in my opinion, I would let it go. Hopefully any other cats that turn up positive will go to good homes such as yours. Others on the list know more about the time involved from exposure until a test result will show positive. Also, though, your cats testing positive could just be positive because they've been exposed and still 'throw off' the virus and end up negative. Many people on the list mix cats following the vaccination protocol someone (I think Chere) discussed. I've had 2 positives mixed with my negatives for around 7 years. I lost one of my positives, but none of my negatives have caught the virus. The positives were positive when I brought them in. In general, people on the list have found the shots to be effective. If all of these cats have already been mixed, then my opinion is that whatever damage there might be is already done. I would still booster my negatives though before mixing. I hope this helps some. As I said, others will contact you as well. tonya"Mrs. Kulak" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote First of all, I have three other cats, all of which tested negative. I have to keep them separated now from my two "sick" ones. Even though the little kitten I adopted in November has the virus, he acts totally normal. The older kitten which is actually a year old now, is sick. I've been giving the older one 3cc of Retrovir in the morning and in the evening. I don't know what the side effects are to cats. I only received the side effects for humans when I picked up the medicine at the pharmacy. Is there any place you can recommend to me to find out more about the side effects to cats? The side effects to humans don't look so good, so I'm a bit worried about this medicine. Second, as I have stated, I have to keep my cats all separated. This is EXTREMELY hard. We were one big happy family. All of my cats got along, cuddled, took care of the little ones, played together, cleaned each other, and now I've had to tear up the family. The older ones in the basement are wondering what's going on. I go down there to sit with them and they just stare at me. It's kind of creepy. But they do thrive on the attention oncewe get past the awkward moment. The kittens I keep upstairs so that I can monitor them. The littlest one is constantly crying at the door that separates them all. I've even caught the older one clawing at the door today. It's really hard. Therefore, I was wondering, if after the incubation period is over and the other older cats get retested and if they still prove to be negative, then get their shots, could I put the family back together again? Or is it better for me to find a new home for the ill cats? I will die if I have to lose them. They are my babies. This will be the third and fourth kittens I have lost in three years. But I need to do what's best. I'd rather take care of the ill kittens myself than have the cost burden and the stress go to someone else. I know I have a home for the three older cats providing they stay negative. I just really want to try to keep the family together. So, how effective are the shots? Third and final, the animal shelter that I received the kitten from is trying to deny that it was their kitten. In a sense, they told me that my vet tested incorrectly. Now I know that the shelter is trying to do a good thing, but I feel they have a responsibility to tell the other people who have adopted kittens or cats from the same group and time period. They aren't listening to me. I've researched about the incubation period and that maybe they should have held onto all the cats and kittens for a few more weeks because it could sit dormant. They kept insisting that the kitten tested negative; and I told them I know that, but..." We got no where. Now what do I do? All my other cats have been tested twice a year for everything. (I take them to the vet for even the slightest sniffle - I'm a little protective). I need to know what do I do to get them to contact the other people. I'm concerned that there are more Feline Leukemia cats out there, more than that, I am sure of it and I think those people have a right to know. So, what do I do? I was thinking about taking out a full page ad in the Milwaukee Journal or contacting the Better Business Bureau. I need to do something.
