[Felvtalk] Rainbow Bridge: Athena
Athena, our almost 3 year old buff manx, lost her battle with lymphosarcoma/FeLV today around 5:30pm. She went peacefully and isn't in pain anymore. She will be missed dearly. RIP sweet girl Thank you for all of your support - we're still holding out for Ajax, our almost 3 years old FeLV+ but happy/healthy siamese boy. -- Beth Gouldin beth.goul...@gmail.com 940.395.5393 God Bless!!! ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] New to group
I have heard that Coenzym Q-10 can be very helpful with gum problems and heart problems.. I give to my kitties on a weekly basis (I take it myself as well) and also making sure that they get to chew on some raw bones (like thigh bones or wings or backs/necks) will help floss/brush those teeth too. My two are entirely raw-fed and they have great teeth - one came to us with plaque and red gums and has since cleared up. Also - on another note - the more variety in a raw diet the better (meaty bones, muscle meat and organs from different types of animals) to make sure that they are getting all the essential vitamins and aminos they need. if they don't eat bones they need to get calcium from another source and if chicken is all they get they may need supplemental taurine too.There's a great raw yahoo group that I'm a member of - rawcats or there's also rawfedcats.org which has lots of great info on it. Rescue Remedy is AMAZING stuff This group (felv) is a fantastic place for information, ideas, encouragement and ultimately comfort when dealing with this disease. welcome. Beth (Orion + = RIP, Athena +, Ajax +) On Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 8:58 PM, Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Try Rescue Remedy on her long before you take her to the vet. I am a fan of PetzLife's products. A couple of us have listed holistic vets who will consult by phone if you don;t have one locally. Do not fixate on what may happen. Focus on the present and the wonderful little friend you have. The future is no guaranteed to any of us. Blessings to you and to her. On Oct 18, 2008, at 8:22 PM, Tracey wrote: Hello, I have to say this is a very enlightening forum. I have learned so much from you all! I found a stray 2 months ago at work who was in terrible condition, near death, starving, fleas, worms, etc. She had a 'tipped' ear and I found out later she was an Indy Feral cat who was in the TNR program. Don't know whether she was actually 'feral' though, but I doubt it because she has become quite lovable. Had her tested at a low cost clinic and was +. The vet there said her teeth didn't look so good and that was typical in feral cats. When I took her to my regular vet, he somehow neglected to even look in her mouth and he said as a + she'd live a couple months to a year, giving a very grim diagnosis. I tried not to prod at her too much at first since she was in such a delicate condition, but about a week after the vet appt, I noticed she was missing all of her tiny teeth on the top and all but one of the little ones on the bottom. I was horrified and it was then realized that my vet hadn't even looked in her mouth. After nursing her back to health, she has become very healthy except for some sneezing spells every now and then. This does worry me because sometimes mucus comes out. She had extreme uncontrollable diarrhea when I first got her, which after using fortiflora for a month helped a lot, but did not cure it completely. For the last week I have been feeding her a raw chicken diet (I have been feeding my other 3 cats this diet since February with amazing results) and her diarrhea is completely gone. So she's been in my bathroom isolated from my other cats this entire time, and she really does seem to be happy there but I hate to keep them separated. I am getting ready to take her to the vet again to have her teeth checked out because her breath is really terrible (seeing a different vet there though). I am worried about stressing her out by taking her to the vet and I know they will recommend a cleaning which will probably stress her even more, but having an unhealthy mouth would be worse on her than the experience of a cleaning. Right? I have 3 other (negative) cats, 2 are adults and one is about 1 year and 5 months (I guess you'd call her an adult, she did just have her 2nd dose of the felv vax) These 2 vets say they would absolutely NOT mix. My question to all of you who mix is: Have any of your negatives become + ?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Tracey ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!! ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: I must be nuts!
Sue -I adore Siamese - there is something very different about them then any other cat I've had (I'm sure that people would say that about alot of different breeds but I really do think Meezers are special!) We are on our second (we lost our first one to FeLV - he's basically why we got the second one) and there are traits that they have both shared, but they have so much personality it's incredible!!! Enjoy every minute you have!! Beth On Thu, Jun 26, 2008 at 8:31 AM, Sue Koren [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: To tell the real truth, I don't feel nuts at all, I am just so happy to have him! He is such a gentleman and such an armful! (16#) I have never had a siamese before and never heard of flame point siamese. I can tell that he has never had a real home before. There are things he is afraid of that any cat that had had a home would know about. I can't wait to see what his personality is like in 6 months or so when he has had a good chance to settle in. If I have this boy for weeks or years the time will be so worth it because he is so very special! Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: = AMEN On Jun 24, 2008, at 10:44 AM, Barb Moermond wrote: I'm so happy for you two! We never know how long our little friends are going to be with us, so I don't think you're nuts. Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile. - Anonymous - Original Message From: Sue Koren [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: FeLV Talk felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 8:06:59 AM Subject: I must be nuts! Hi Everyone! Saturday I went to a local cat rescue home and adopted a beautiful 16lb. flame point siamese boy. He is 10 years old and FeLV+. I have been missing my cuddler, Tucker, so much that I just wanted another loveable lap cat kitty. There were over 200 cats in that home but when I picked up Orlando it was all over. He just snuggled right in. His previous owner passed away in January. She had a lot of acreage, a couple of barns and a shop where she made signs. She had 17 cats who roamed the place and were never let inside or given vet care. When she passed away her husband brought all the cats to this rescue and several were FeLV+. Ironically, that was about the time Buzz was diagnosed and I was still trying to find a home for him. When I called this rescue they told me that they had just taken in several positives and did not have room. If someone had told me then that I would be taking one of the positives I never would have believed them. Anyway, Orlando is a very special sweetheart of a cat. He is even getting along fairly well with the other 5. Yesterday I had him to the vets and they found that he had once had a broken leg that was never taken care of and healed wrong. (I knew his back right leg was stiff). Time will tell if that is something to take care of now or not. They also re-confirmed the FeLV+. Anyway I am getting way too long winded. Thanks for listening to me ramble, Sue ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!! ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: Hobbs, May 4, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear of Hobb's passing. I have two, one year old FeLV+ cats and my heart breaks a little every time I hear of the loss of one of these precious babies. Beth - Original Message - *From:* Heather Wienker [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Monday, May 05, 2008 12:47 PM *Subject:* Hobbs, May 4, 2008 I am very sad to let everyone know that Hobbs passed away Sunday afternoon at 12:48 p.m. His caregiver, Jann, woke up Saturday and dashed around to replenish suppliesbut when she got home he was clearly declining. She felt he was suffering and made the decision on Sunday to cease force feedings as he was obviously in pain. She did keep his mouth moist and tried to keep him warm, mostly just allowing him to do whatever he wanted or could. She took a sleeping bag in her spare room slept with him Saturday night, and spent Sunday morning in her yard with him in the sun, petting and consoling him. We had been trying to find a vet to come to her home, but he ended up passing on his own...which we are grateful for, though she fears she allowed him to suffer. I think had we not tried the treatments of this last week, we would be wondering if he might have had more time. Please add Hobbs to the Candle Light Service, and keep Jann and his sister Sissy in your prayers, they were two little peas in a pod, as Jann would say. Hobbs was a year old. I am very thankful to Jann for giving Hobbs Sissy the chance to live the life of love that all kitties deserve, regardless of what is in their blood. We found them when, after 20 years in the same building on a busy university campus, I moved to a new office on the other side of campus. I was very nervous about this decision and kept telling everyone I wished that I'd get a sign from God. Upon moving, I had 2 injured feral cats colonies in the first two weeks, and also was approached by a new coworker regarding an injured cat, who was Hobbs' and Sissy's Mom. She had an eye ear injury and my heart immediately told me I had to help her; we did not know she was a nursing Mom. I had been told she was declawed, and that they'd caught her 6 months prior along with a kitten of hers (negative), she also was not injured then. Why she was put back out unspayed, I will never know unless it was because they thought she might have more kittens. When I trapped her, she was not declawed but was positive for FELV, FIV, and a nursing Mom. I really feel that Mama, Sissy, Hobbs, Mickey Sebastian were that sign from God I'd sought, as they would either still be out there reproducing and likely ill, or would have been put down due to testing positive for Leukemia had someone else trapped them. I set out to find/trap the kittens and found out that 2 ladies had already found 2 of them, I had to give them the news of the Mom' testing status. Both of their kittens were weak double+, but did clear the FIV. Initially Sissy and Hobbs were only FIV+, but they retested positive for Leukemia a month later, confirmed by retesting twice. I was so upset by all that this Mom kitty had been through, and knowing that much of it--including this litter of kittens with leukemia, could have been prevented had she been spayed...there was no way I could not give them their chance. However, being in a small condo with 10 cats, I didn't even have room for another negative cat. It is Hobbs' caretaker, Jann, who gave Hobbs and Sissy the chance for life and love that they deserved, and I know they could not have had a more loving home. I am very grateful for Jann, and know she is hurting badly right now. I want to thank everyone for their kindness, support, advice and prayers. Hobbs was a very special boy, when I first took them to Jann's as kittens she said she felt an instant connection, she has always told me this. His illness and loss has been very hard for her and she has been very appreciative of the support. Thank you all for giving these special kitties love for the time that they have here, it means everything in the world for them. In Loving Memory of Hobbs, Heather -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
Re: test
I also got the bounced message - said that it would de-activate my account if I didn't sign in, etc. On Fri, Apr 18, 2008 at 6:07 PM, MaryChristine [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: maybe spring has sprung? (got the same message earlier today) On Fri, Apr 18, 2008 at 7:03 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I got it toosays I'm bouncing! *TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTS SIAMESE COLLIE RESCUE http://tazzys.org/ http://tazzys.org/index.html * http://www.hurricanepetsrescue.org/*** Terrie Mohr-Forker * -- Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp0030002851. -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892 -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
Re: New FELV Positive- questions
From what I understand, the virus in transmitted through body fluid contact... I might be wrong, but unless they are mutual grooming and sharing food/litter boxes isn't the chances of her being exposed to the virus more limited? I personally would isolate the unrelated cat until either she receives the rest of the booster and tests negative after 1-3months or (hopefully not) she tests positive from the exposure at which point there's not much that separating them will do except cause more anxiety, or after 8-12 weeks you re-test the kitten for a negative result. On Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 4:39 PM, laurieskatz [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My concern is for the *unrelated *cat who only just had her first (of the 2 feleuk vaccinations) *after* the kitten tested positive. We don't know how long they have been in the same room. Maybe only days. That's why I would separate the unrelated cat, even if only until the kitten is retested and tests negative ~ because the unrelated cat isn't fully vaccinated and because of the possibility of limited prior exposure (if this is the case) reducing her chances of infection. - Original Message - *From:* MaryChristine [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Saturday, March 29, 2008 1:05 PM *Subject:* Re: New FELV Positive- questions i was specifically looking at the fact that this was ONE kitten of two, where the mom and the other kitten were negative--while we don't know about the other cat, we have a pretty good idea how long mom and kids have been together remember that it requires a first shot, then a booster two to three weeks later (depending on the vaccine) for full immunity to take effect; so while mom and sibkit and companion kitty have been vaccinated once, they haven't had the full therapeutic dosage yet. as for the other adult cat: if she's just recently come into contact with this family, the chances that the exposure amounts to, prolonged, persistent contact is slim; if she's healthy, her chances of maintaining a viremic status despite exposure are low; and without a second test on the kitten, who knows if there's any danger at all. we don't know that anyone has been exposed to anything at this point. MC On Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 9:39 AM, laurieskatz [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yes but the non-related cat was NOT vaccinated before exposure. It's one thing if everyone was already vaccinated AND the person is going to keep all of them but another if she is planning to adopt out the negatives. I would not want to adopt a cat who'd I knew had been exposed. I think it's different if they are all your own, the negatives have been vaccinated before exposure, the cats have lived together a long time already (not just days or weeks) and you are keeping them all. Laurie - Original Message - *From:* [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Friday, March 28, 2008 10:17 PM *Subject:* Re: New FELV Positive- questions *I totally agree with Gloria.* *Everyone has been exposed too late on separating them.* *There is no such thing as a light positive.* *It is either positive or negative.* *I can honestly say that I had positives and negatives live together for years.* *I vaccinated the negatives every year.* *Not one of the negatives died from FELV they died of other Feline illnesses.* In a message dated 3/28/2008 9:08:57 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: but tho i didn't specifically answer this before, i of course agree with gloria and everyone: by now, everyone's been exposed and separating them is pointless MC *TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTS SIAMESE COLLIE RESCUE Terrie Mohr-Forker *http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/* * http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescue* * http://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.html* * http://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.html* * http://www.felineleukemia.org/* * http://www.petloss.com/*** TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTS *https://www.paypal.com/ -- Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Homehttp://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15ncid=aolhom000301 . -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892 -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
Starting again
Hi everyone! Well, we are 36 hours into a two week trial adoption of a young siamese FeLV+ male. His name right now is Dusty (it might change, he doesn't really answer to anything) and he's 11 months old, seal point with icy blue eyes and a funny little trill instead of a meow. He's precious and is immediate purrs and headbutts. He's still a little unsure of his surroundings and tends to still slink places - but I did get to see him in a confident moment and he's really beautiful. He's slightly overweight so a little more pear then cat right now but hopefully the activity of both cats will help keep off the extra weight. Athena thinks she likes him so far - she has her hissy moments but she is very interested in touching him - it's really quite amusing to see. He'll sit on the floor and she'll be on the couch above him, reaching down with her paw (no claws) to just touch his back or his head tentatively!! almost as if she doesn't know if he's real. He looks a good bit like Orion who we lost but I don't think that she could be connecting them visually. We'll see how it goes - I think he's missing his friends now (he lived with 4 other positives in a foster home) -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
Re: update: Athena
Wendy Our positive is around 8 months old. We aren't sure of her exact age - she was probably early August/late July.\ Beth On Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 8:33 AM, wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hey Beth, How old is your existing FeLV+? Thanks, Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, March 5, 2008 10:26:15 PM Subject: Re: update: Athena Hi everyone - We have been able to locate an almost 1 year old very healthy FeLV+ neutered male siamese. We will be going to see him in a couple weeks... Do you think that is 'old enough'? This is only a potential - we don't have to make a decision quickly. From what I understand, he was exposed as a kitten (last May ) and tested (in June) positive for FeLV. I think she said he would be a year in March (I think) but in the mean time, he hasn't had any health problems at all - even through the rounds of URI in his mates...I don't think that he's been re-tested since. Do you think we should request him to be re-tested before we take him in? I'm excited about the prospects of having another siamese - and as long as he's healthy this could work. I'll keep you all updated - I have to make a trip to Chicago next week or else I would have already probably checked him out. Anyways... hope you all have a good evening. Beth -- Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=51438/*http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
Re: update: Athena
Hi everyone - We have been able to locate an almost 1 year old very healthy FeLV+ neutered male siamese. We will be going to see him in a couple weeks... Do you think that is 'old enough'? This is only a potential - we don't have to make a decision quickly. From what I understand, he was exposed as a kitten (last May ) and tested (in June) positive for FeLV. I think she said he would be a year in March (I think) but in the mean time, he hasn't had any health problems at all - even through the rounds of URI in his mates...I don't think that he's been re-tested since. Do you think we should request him to be re-tested before we take him in? I'm excited about the prospects of having another siamese - and as long as he's healthy this could work. I'll keep you all updated - I have to make a trip to Chicago next week or else I would have already probably checked him out. Anyways... hope you all have a good evening. Beth
Re: BooBoo left us
Oh Lynn - I'm so sorry - I've been keeping up quietly with the Boo Boo saga - and praying for the very best I know that he did have the very best when he found you *hugs* Beth On Sun, Mar 2, 2008 at 9:09 PM, Sally Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Lynn You are so wonderful to have given BooBoo kindness that he would have never known at the hands of his previous owner. He gift to you was unconditional love. For the short time you had him he was touched your life forever. He is now whole and free of pain with all our angels at the Rainbows bridge. Hugs Sally -- Sally, Eric (not a cat),Junior, Speedy, Grey and White, Ittle Bitty, Little Black, Lily, Daisy, Pewter, Junior Junior (newest) , Silver, and Spike Please Visit my Message board for some pictures. You are welcome to sign up. http://www.k6az.com/ki4spk/index.php?sid=c57c00cf5804ef13853ed6e77a68eed3 -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
Re: update: Athena
Thank you all so much for your notesthey have really helped. David (my hubby) and I are still discussing things. After a few days of really watching Athena and trying to figure out her behavior (she's pretty quirky) I have again come to the same conclusion that she would really benefit from another cat. I think that it will have to be a perfect situation for us to make the decision to bring another cat into the house, but as of the last few days - it doesn't break my heart to think about. We are going to just keep our options open and see what happens. Thanks for the support - this network has really saved my sanity - I can't imaging the last couple of months with out everyone's letters - even the sad ones. Beth On Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 10:47 PM, Dorothy Noble [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have to agree with Laurie. When Armond was left as the last cat standing, I just couldn't bear for him to be alone. (I think that cats can be solitary but I *know* how much Armond LOVES to have a friend. Someone to groom and sleep with and wrestle with...) So, I set out on a long search to find him another positive kitty friend. And, I found one - he is Preston and he is such a doll. I could not bear the thought of infecting another cat by bringing in one who was negative, when there are so many positive cats who are unadoptable out there. Preston's first family had to give him up when he tested positive due to their other cats - it was so wonderful to be able to tell them that we had rescued Preston and that he had a happy home. The sanctuary where Preston was living has an entire room (old church building) with about 40 positive kitties. No one had ever adopted a cat from there - not ever, until we got Preston. Even though his life may not be as long as other cats, I know that his life will be good and so will Armond's and so will mine! Good luck with your decision... *laurieskatz [EMAIL PROTECTED]* wrote: I'd be as worried about Athena catching something from the FeLV negative cat as the negative cat getting FeLV. My understanding is the virus is shed via body fluids ~ saliva, nasal discharge, etc. A friend had a negative cat living with a group of positives for 5 or 6 years and he never got sick (and tested negative for FeLV after that time ~ she mistakenly thought he tested positive in the beginning or he was a false positive). SO, if you get another kitty who is not positive, you might want to make sure that kitty is healthy when you bring it home. Also, it is important that they get along so Athena isn't stressed out. You know, we really have no guarantees. I had 2 FeLv positive cats who lived very long lives ~ 16 and 22 years. Squeaky was a carrier. He was never sick. Stripes was sick on and off. I was devastated when they died. So, I adopted 3 (unrelated) cats from the shelter at once. Insurance, you know. Keisha was age unknown and the other 2 were about 6 months. Teddy, one of the young ones died 6 years later, of cancer. He got sick with IBD and asthma within the first year after I adopted him and was sick his entire life. Coco, the other young'un is still with me but has had 2 instances where I nearly lost her. Frankie (a rescued feral kitten with asthma) lost most of his vision a year ago at age 9 and was diagnosed with pancreatitis which it seems he has conquered. Keisha died last summer, completely unexpectedly, of congestive heart failure. I guess I am giving examples of how we just never know. With my newest group (which grew to 7), I was sure Keihsa would die first because she was oldestnot so. If it were me, I'd probably adopt another FeLV or no one. But that is just me and by no means the right answer! Athena may never have a symptom. Squeaky didn't. He outlived Stripes by another 7 years. I didn't adopt another cat only because he was already older when Stripes died and he was so upset when Stripes died. I never considered Squeaky sick since he never was. Take care of yourselves...let your heart lead you. Laurie - Original Message - *From:* Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Monday, February 25, 2008 6:06 PM *Subject:* update: Athena Hi all So Athena just re-tested on ELISA a weak positive. This is 9 weeks from the first testing that we did when we lost Orion to FeLV. I guess I'm just disheartened... I had REALLY hoped (for her sake) that she would be negative - she seems so healthy...no major problems or anything... and we really wanted to get another cat for a companion for her. My husband and I have talked and we just can't bring closure to ourselves to intentionally get another FeLV + cat... which means pretty much she's gonna stay a single cat. I don't know, in my mind it just seems that it would be a perpetually bleak cycle (and I know that it's not true simply because of the joy they bring..but this is my bummed out- ness coming through) to have
l-lysine
I've been looking into l-lysine to start giving to Athena - from what I've read, it would help. She's periodically got slightly runny eyes (like just eye boogers, nothing more) that the vet says could be allergy related but some sites I have read said if it clears up with the l-lysine it's something else. If we are even considering bringing another cat into the household I want o have her as healthy as physically possible. Anyone use l-lysine and what form do you use? I've seen tablets (which I would HATE to have to administer) and powder forms... also, any specific type/brand to go for that is OK for felines ? Generally, what other supplements/therapies do you give consistently to non-symptomatic felv+ cats? -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
update: Athena
Hi all So Athena just re-tested on ELISA a weak positive. This is 9 weeks from the first testing that we did when we lost Orion to FeLV. I guess I'm just disheartened... I had REALLY hoped (for her sake) that she would be negative - she seems so healthy...no major problems or anything... and we really wanted to get another cat for a companion for her. My husband and I have talked and we just can't bring closure to ourselves to intentionally get another FeLV + cat... which means pretty much she's gonna stay a single cat. I don't know, in my mind it just seems that it would be a perpetually bleak cycle (and I know that it's not true simply because of the joy they bring..but this is my bummed out- ness coming through) to have 'sick' cats that can just die any time. Do any of you have experiences bringing in another cat? Do you always elect to get another FeLV +? How do kittens generally fare? Our vet suggested bringing in a FeLV negative vaccinated adult...but I don't want even the SLIGHTEST risk of exposing another cat to this. Any feedback would help me out...I'm so frustrated with this whole thing. Thanks for listening :} -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
Re: CLS
Hi Wendy I just saw on your last post that you are in Dallas - I'm in Denton. I just joined this group about a month ago after the loss of one of our babies to FeLV and now we are dealing with it in our almost 7 month old female manx. It's nice to know someone is near by - is there a particular vet that you would recommend in the area (or possibly/hopefully closer to Denton) ? The vet we used has not been extremely helpful or informative, simply because I don't think that they have seen many cases that have positive outcomes (their first advice for a symptomatic cat was to PTS) So far, she is asymptomatic - save for the occasional runny nose/eyes which I'm thinking is allergy related because it generally gets worse the same time MY allergies flare up. Anyway - best wishes Beth
Re: new cat
Dear Lynne I have to say that I absorbed much of the encouragement that was meant for you in those emails for myself! I have recently also joined this list looking for hope against FeLV and everytime someone else joins I am further encouraged. Diet does seem to make a difference in all the reading that I have done it mentions the highest possible quality high protein diet. Well, I'm a firm believer in the Prey Model Diet (otherwise known as Raw feeding or BARF) as it fully suits those qualifications. Since BooBoo is already more interested in human food - tuna/salmon, now might be a good time to try to transition him to Raw. It's a process but some cats take to it better than others. Someone else mentioned Raw feeding - there are many really wonderful websites like: www.rawfedcats.org that have all the information needed to get started in Raw Feeding. Our Athena is entirely raw fed , whole prey (we use Rodent Pro.com) basically initially by her own doing. Time will tell (as much as it really can with this situation) as far as how beneficial the raw feeding is for them but I really think that overall (even if she weren't sick) there would never be any better food plan. Anyway - off my soap box but think about it. Good luck and warm wishes:) Beth Gouldin RIP Orion (to FELV) Good Luck Athena (FELV +)
Re: Panting
my 6 month old FELV + manx kitten does the same. So did our 9 month old Siamese mix who we had to PTS because of a serious bout with FELV over Christmas. It was normally after careening around the house together but it never really seemed normal. The manx is a loud breather anyway - sometimes on the verge of 'labored' breathing periodically during rest - but more generally just a noisy nose. When she was cked over by our vet other than the FELV+ she was really in good condition considering the odds (she has a partial prolapsed anus that doesn't seem to bother her - we were trying to take care of it when the FELV issue presented itself in the other cat... then we tested her...) We go back in 3 weeks for re-test - we are crossing our fingers ... I googled it (panting) as well and got the same generalized answer which really didn't help - so I'm interested in the answer to Susan's Q. - Beth Gouldin
