Re: Introduction/Duncan
Hi Laura, Welcome to the list. How old is Duncan? If he's young, he has a decent chance of throwing off the virus. We've even seen adult cats do it, so retesting him in a few months might be a good idea. Lysine will be good for him. It's a tasteless amino acid that can be added to wet food. Or pill popped. It's for strengthening the immune system, which is needed in FeLV+ kitties. Keeping Duncan stress free and feeding him a good diet, like Innova Evo or another premium food, are the two best things you can do for him right now. Feel free to ask any other specific questions you might have. :) Wendy Dallas, Tx 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 ~~~ Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097
Re: Introduction/Duncan
Dixie is doing wonderfully on Primal Raw + veggies (high vitamin C and iron types like carrots, green beans, spinach and broccoli). 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: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 1:52 PM Subject: Re: Introduction/Duncan Hi Laura, Welcome to the list. How old is Duncan? If he's young, he has a decent chance of throwing off the virus. We've even seen adult cats do it, so retesting him in a few months might be a good idea. Lysine will be good for him. It's a tasteless amino acid that can be added to wet food. Or pill popped. It's for strengthening the immune system, which is needed in FeLV+ kitties. Keeping Duncan stress free and feeding him a good diet, like Innova Evo or another premium food, are the two best things you can do for him right now. Feel free to ask any other specific questions you might have. :) Wendy Dallas, Tx 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 ~~~ Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097
Re: Introduction
Hi Laura, I'm in Georgia too. Where are you? My positive is 8 years old and going strong right now. tonya Laura Mostello [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all - My name is Laura and I'm new to this list. I'm also new to FeLV, since I've just adopted an infected cat. I work at an animal shelter here in Georgia, and one of my favorite cats tested positive last week. We had planned to take him to an adoption fair but had to run the test first. Well, Duncan was one of the unlucky ones. He has a terrific personality and I'd grown quite attached to him during his 4 months at the shelter, so I adopted him myself rather than let him be euthanized. Duncan visited the vet today, and aside from slightly swollen lymph nodes, the vet says he looks great. He's extremely energetic, friendly and has a great appetite, and so far there are no symptoms of illness. It was a real surprise when the test came back positive. Cats rarely stay healthy for 4 months at the shelter - they usually contract a URI and, since there is no money in the budget for vet care and no medications, most deteriorate quickly and are euthanized. But we never worried about Duncan; he always seemed so strong and he never got sick. Of course at this point the vet can't give me a definite prognosis - we just have to wait and see what happens. I'm hoping to learn a lot from others on this list, especially what you all have done to keep your cats healthy. Thanks! Laura
Re: Introduction
Welcome Laura I am new ( a few weeks) on this list, but have found the people here to be very knowledgeable about FLEV and very kind and willing to share. It sounds as if Duncan is in a very healthy place right now. I would imagine the best advise for you would be to support him with the healthiest diet possible (both the vets I use recommend a raw diet, which has been difficult for a Fancy Feast addict). Again, the people here can give you their recommendations. Also, supplements such as Transfer Factor, Maitake DMG, and Lycine which will boost his immune system would be good. My vet strongly recommended a probiotic called FloriForta (Purina) which has been helping my kitten fight stomatitis. The thing that has been stressed to me is that a loving environment with little/no stress really helps positive cats (and us all). It sounds as if Duncan if off to a good start. Jane On Jun 17, 2007, at 12:06 PM, catatonya wrote: Hi Laura, I'm in Georgia too. Where are you? My positive is 8 years old and going strong right now. tonya Laura Mostello [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all - My name is Laura and I'm new to this list. I'm also new to FeLV, since I've just adopted an infected cat. I work at an animal shelter here in Georgia, and one of my favorite cats tested positive last week. We had planned to take him to an adoption fair but had to run the test first. Well, Duncan was one of the unlucky ones. He has a terrific personality and I'd grown quite attached to him during his 4 months at the shelter, so I adopted him myself rather than let him be euthanized. Duncan visited the vet today, and aside from slightly swollen lymph nodes, the vet says he looks great. He's extremely energetic, friendly and has a great appetite, and so far there are no symptoms of illness. It was a real surprise when the test came back positive. Cats rarely stay healthy for 4 months at the shelter - they usually contract a URI and, since there is no money in the budget for vet care and no medications, most deteriorate quickly and are euthanized. But we never worried about Duncan; he always seemed so strong and he never got sick. Of course at this point the vet can't give me a definite prognosis - we just have to wait and see what happens. I'm hoping to learn a lot from others on this list, especially what you all have done to keep your cats healthy. Thanks! Laura
RE: Introduction
Welcome Laura! You've come to a great group. I don't have a FeLV kitty anymore--he's gone to a sanctuary and was only with me for a couple of months without symptoms, so I don't have any FeLV advice for you. But I will tell you this: Even though I don't have FeLV kitties, I still read and post to this site because there are so many loving and caring people. It's so nice to surround myself with kindred spirits since cat-lovers are few and far between in my area. I just enjoy reaffirming my beliefs and my feelings by reading about others compassion. It can be sad to read about all the poor babies who pass on, but it's so wonderful to have people to talk to and turn to who understand. I hope you enjoy the list, and I hope you find useful information. You've done a wonderful thing taking in Duncan! Congrats! Melissa Is this your only kitty? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Laura Mostello Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2007 5:16 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Introduction Hi all - My name is Laura and I'm new to this list. I'm also new to FeLV, since I've just adopted an infected cat. I work at an animal shelter here in Georgia, and one of my favorite cats tested positive last week. We had planned to take him to an adoption fair but had to run the test first. Well, Duncan was one of the unlucky ones. He has a terrific personality and I'd grown quite attached to him during his 4 months at the shelter, so I adopted him myself rather than let him be euthanized. Duncan visited the vet today, and aside from slightly swollen lymph nodes, the vet says he looks great. He's extremely energetic, friendly and has a great appetite, and so far there are no symptoms of illness. It was a real surprise when the test came back positive. Cats rarely stay healthy for 4 months at the shelter - they usually contract a URI and, since there is no money in the budget for vet care and no medications, most deteriorate quickly and are euthanized. But we never worried about Duncan; he always seemed so strong and he never got sick. Of course at this point the vet can't give me a definite prognosis - we just have to wait and see what happens. I'm hoping to learn a lot from others on this list, especially what you all have done to keep your cats healthy. Thanks! Laura
Re: Introduction
That's wonderful that you took Duncan in! As everybody here can tell you, you can have many happy asymptomatic years with your FeLeuk kitty, and I do wish you the best. Sincerely, Jean Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=listsid=396545433
Re: Introduction
Hi Laura, Welcome to the group. I haven't been a frequent contributor recently, but have been on the list since 2001, when I took in FELV kitties Calawalla Banana BooBoo and Mr. Black Kitty (who were meowing at my door steps every morning). I later was fortunate to have Mittens, a sweet gray tabby. All have passed away. Calawalla and Mittens were both young, and died when about 2.5 to 3 yrs old. Mr. Black Kitty (MBK) was of unknown age, and FELV/FIV positive. He died in November 2003, as I recall, but don't know his age. I've had two die since then, last September 2006 - Houston (black DSH) and Dallas (gray and white DLH), both about 2.5-3 years old. They died after I was gone on vacation, and they didn't get their interferon every day. I now have 4 FELV kitties - Oliver, Felicity, Chloe, and B.B. The first 3 are about 10 years old or more, and B.B. is about 4 years old. They are not on interferon. After my first FELV kitty died, I followed the belief of others on this list, Tally, in giving low dose oral Interferon Alpha daily. Tally's web site is still out there, and she has a page on Boots Story - http://www.geocities.com/heartland/pointe/9352/ Note that it's easy because it's oral and tasteless. Interferon can cost a lot (like $65 for a small bottle) or a little (I get a huge bottle for $15.) So there are 4 - no 5 - approaches that I have encountered - 1) Interferon Alpha, 2) Vitamin C, 3) Immuno Regulin, 4) Interferon Omega, and 5) FELV vaccinations. If I acquired an FELV kitty now, less than 3-4 years old, I'd definitely do daily oral interferon. Just my approach. A 2nd approach - Vitamin C therapy, which has been said to make an FELV pos. kitty go negative. Let's see, the web site is http:// www.geocities.com/heartland/pointe/9352/ And a 3rd approach, is Immunoregulin, for which there are various protocols for injecting it. Then number 4, there's Interferon Omega, which is not easily available in the US, but you can get a special dispensation from the FDA to use it. I add the 5th approach, because I got 3 cats from a vet tech in Oklahoma, a couple of years ago - and these cats are about 10 years old. Her vet treated ALL of them by doing periodic FELV vaccinations - I don't know the protocol, and most folks I mention it to say it shouldn't work. But these cats are 10 years old, so go figure! The other cat I have now, B.B. , has not received anything, but the person he was with before gave him holy water blessed by an Indian teacher/guru. The FELV web site - felineleukemia.org - has a lot of great info out there. Re mixing - I don't mix my FELV and FELV- cats, but have done that, and would if I didn't have fosters for the local cat rescue - and if I was sure it wasn't dangerous for my FIV+ cats. I just don't believe it's that contagious for healthy neutered cats. Sorry, this is a bit long. Hope it helps a bit, and you'll generally find that this is a really terrific group of wonderful people! Gloria in Little Rock On Jun 14, 2007, at 5:16 PM, Laura Mostello wrote: Hi all - My name is Laura and I'm new to this list. I'm also new to FeLV, since I've just adopted an infected cat. I work at an animal shelter here in Georgia, and one of my favorite cats tested positive last week. We had planned to take him to an adoption fair but had to run the test first. Well, Duncan was one of the unlucky ones. He has a terrific personality and I'd grown quite attached to him during his 4 months at the shelter, so I adopted him myself rather than let him be euthanized. Duncan visited the vet today, and aside from slightly swollen lymph nodes, the vet says he looks great. He's extremely energetic, friendly and has a great appetite, and so far there are no symptoms of illness. It was a real surprise when the test came back positive. Cats rarely stay healthy for 4 months at the shelter - they usually contract a URI and, since there is no money in the budget for vet care and no medications, most deteriorate quickly and are euthanized. But we never worried about Duncan; he always seemed so strong and he never got sick. Of course at this point the vet can't give me a definite prognosis - we just have to wait and see what happens. I'm hoping to learn a lot from others on this list, especially what you all have done to keep your cats healthy. Thanks! Laura
Re: Introduction and new cat question
Leslie... I feel for you. What I've come to realize is that you just know when that certain cat needs to come home with you. Everything else all falls to the side... the test results, the costs, the special needs... none of that really matters. Your heart tells you what your actions should be, all you have to do is listen to it. :) Phaewryn PS, Prozac works wonders for the grieving process, makes life bearable when you lose one. I take it for about 6 months after I lose a baby.. then taper myself off when I can go to sleep without crying every night or breaking down in the middle of a work day for several weeks straight. Antidepressants may not be for everyone, but in my case, I do what I have to do to go on. No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.10.7/410 - Release Date: 8/5/2006
RE: Introduction and new cat question
Title: Message PS, Prozac works wonders for the grieving process, makes life bearable when you lose one. I take it for about 6 months after I lose a baby.. then taper myself off when I can go to sleep without crying every night or breaking down in the middle of a work day for several weeks straight. Antidepressants may not be for everyone, but in my case, I do what I have to do to go on. I'm with you there. Whatever works, to keep functioning. IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer, Brown, Rowe Maw LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then (i) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a person other than Mayer, Brown, Rowe Maw LLP) of that transaction or matter, and (ii) such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
RE: Introduction and new cat question - My experience - sorry guys it's long
Thanks Belinda--I'm keeping this in a special folder for future ref! Kerry -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Belinda Sent: Thursday, August 03, 2006 8:28 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Introduction and new cat question - My experience - sorry guys it's long Leslie, Negative cats can live with positive cats? I'd love to hear more about this from anyone that has/is successfully done it. To answer your question, I have over the course of the last 11 years mixed negatives and positives. Bailey joined us back in 1995, I had 3 cats at that time and they were all vaccinated and negative, when I found Bailey he was 5 months old and tested positive. I had him separated in his own room while I was trying to figure out how to convince hubby we were keeping him. My negatives at that time were Joey, 4 months old, Fred, about 4 years old, and Teenye, about 11 years old, all negative all vaccinated. I came home one day after having Bailey for about 5 months and couldn't find Joey, well the little stinker finally came out from under Bailey's bedroom door, he'd been sneaking in there playing with Bailey all along while I was at work. Well I didn't see any point in keeping them separate anymore, Joey had unknowingly exposed himself and everyone else for the last 5 months. I decided Bailey had found us for a reason and left everything to my faith in a higher power. I just lost Bailey on May 6th, 2006, 5 days after he turned 11 years old, he succumbed to pancreatic cancer which my vet say's mostly likely wasn't even related to his FeLV+ status, he was just unfortunate enough to get this type of cancer. In 11 years nobody ever got it from Bailey, all of my guys, ate, groomed, played, slept and on occasion had spats together. Joey and Bailey were very close and Joey so about 2 or 3 years ago I had him PCR (DNA) tested to be sure he wasn't positive and he wasn't, if anybody would have gotten it would have been him. Every year before vaccinations I had the negatives tested, everyone stayed negative. My vet wasn't in the least bit worried about them all living together, it's a well known fact to anyone that is knowledgeable about FeLV that it isn't as easy to catch as way too many vets who are NOT knowledgeable on FeLV will tell you. A healthy, adult, vaccinated cat has almost zero chance of getting it from a positive, and if they did their own immune system would almost certainly fight it off and they would turn negative. Kittens are alittle more susceptible but in my personal experience back in the 90's before I even know what FeLV was I had 5 cats all indoor, my then vet didn't tell me to vaccinate them for FeLV and being all indoor I wasn't too worried about it. Well long story short, come to find out 4 of my 5 were positive, Buddie whom I got at 8 weeks of age and she wasn't vaccinated for FeLV either at that time because at that time I didn't know I had any positives, she was the only one who tested negative when I did have them all tested. So this 8 week old unvaccinated kitten was around unknown positives all along and never got it. Teenye tested positive but turned negative and the other three I lost in a 15 month period to cancer and anemia. I don't know how many were positive when I got them because being naive back then and having a vet who wasn't very knowledgeable about it I never had any of them tested until one got sick. The current statistics say 1/3 of the positives will fight it off and be negative, I personally think that number is higher, because in my opinion many are never diagnosed, 1/3 will have it and be unsymptomatic for all or most of their lives, many of these in my opinion remain undiagnosed also, so people may have positives and never know it, and 1/3 may be sickly most of their lives and will eventually succumb to an opportunistic disease such as lymphoma, an anemia related illness, or something as simple as a severe URI, chronic herpes, or other viral infection that they just can't fight off. Of the last 1/3 that are sickly many will get it while very young, at birth or soon after birth. But as with anything there are exceptions to this rule also and Bailey is a testament to that, at 5 months he was already positive and who knows when he contracted it. He was healthy all his life until about the last year or so, his first problem was with his teeth, we fixed that and he was fine again until his last 5 months when he turned up anemic which we corrected, but we never could find the cancer we were sure he had. We didn't find it until he past and like I said my vet didn't think his positive status had anything to do with it, it wasn't a cancer that is associated or common with positives. ANY vet who suggests killing a cat simply because they test positive would NOT be touching any of my furkids, if they are that ignorant about
RE: Introduction and new cat question - My experience - sorry guys it's long
1/3 will have it and be unsymptomatic for all or most of their lives, many of these in my opinion remain undiagnosed also, so people may have positives and never know it How very true! Most cats are never tested and if they're never sick, for sure they're not tested. This is not a new virus and has been around forever--if it were all that lethal, there wouldn't be any cats left in this world! I'm afraid that the high mortality rates come from strays who are brought to vets already very sick and young kittens. These are the most vulnerable to begin with. Strays who really live on their own do not have a long life expectancy to begin with... Kittens, well sadly, there are so many things that can happen to them. So, as a 'mixer', I give my 5 guys lots of good food, love, a warm place and keep my fingers crossed that my two pos don't develop some of those cancers that FELV+ cats can be prone to. As for my 3 negs, I don't worry about them catching anything...they were exposed long before I knew that one of my pos was pos and didn't catch anything! Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Belinda Sent: Thursday, August 03, 2006 9:28 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Introduction and new cat question - My experience - sorry guys it's long Leslie, Negative cats can live with positive cats? I'd love to hear more about this from anyone that has/is successfully done it. To answer your question, I have over the course of the last 11 years mixed negatives and positives. Bailey joined us back in 1995, I had 3 cats at that time and they were all vaccinated and negative, when I found Bailey he was 5 months old and tested positive. I had him separated in his own room while I was trying to figure out how to convince hubby we were keeping him. My negatives at that time were Joey, 4 months old, Fred, about 4 years old, and Teenye, about 11 years old, all negative all vaccinated. I came home one day after having Bailey for about 5 months and couldn't find Joey, well the little stinker finally came out from under Bailey's bedroom door, he'd been sneaking in there playing with Bailey all along while I was at work. Well I didn't see any point in keeping them separate anymore, Joey had unknowingly exposed himself and everyone else for the last 5 months. I decided Bailey had found us for a reason and left everything to my faith in a higher power. I just lost Bailey on May 6th, 2006, 5 days after he turned 11 years old, he succumbed to pancreatic cancer which my vet say's mostly likely wasn't even related to his FeLV+ status, he was just unfortunate enough to get this type of cancer. In 11 years nobody ever got it from Bailey, all of my guys, ate, groomed, played, slept and on occasion had spats together. Joey and Bailey were very close and Joey so about 2 or 3 years ago I had him PCR (DNA) tested to be sure he wasn't positive and he wasn't, if anybody would have gotten it would have been him. Every year before vaccinations I had the negatives tested, everyone stayed negative. My vet wasn't in the least bit worried about them all living together, it's a well known fact to anyone that is knowledgeable about FeLV that it isn't as easy to catch as way too many vets who are NOT knowledgeable on FeLV will tell you. A healthy, adult, vaccinated cat has almost zero chance of getting it from a positive, and if they did their own immune system would almost certainly fight it off and they would turn negative. Kittens are alittle more susceptible but in my personal experience back in the 90's before I even know what FeLV was I had 5 cats all indoor, my then vet didn't tell me to vaccinate them for FeLV and being all indoor I wasn't too worried about it. Well long story short, come to find out 4 of my 5 were positive, Buddie whom I got at 8 weeks of age and she wasn't vaccinated for FeLV either at that time because at that time I didn't know I had any positives, she was the only one who tested negative when I did have them all tested. So this 8 week old unvaccinated kitten was around unknown positives all along and never got it. Teenye tested positive but turned negative and the other three I lost in a 15 month period to cancer and anemia. I don't know how many were positive when I got them because being naive back then and having a vet who wasn't very knowledgeable about it I never had any of them tested until one got sick. The current statistics say 1/3 of the positives will fight it off and be negative, I personally think that number is higher, because in my opinion many are never diagnosed, 1/3 will have it and be unsymptomatic for all or most of their lives, many of these in my opinion remain undiagnosed also, so people may have positives and never know it, and 1/3 may be sickly most of their lives and will eventually succumb to an opportunistic disease
To Leslie Re: Introduction and new cat question
Hey Leslie, You're right, the FeLV vaccinations aren't 100% effective. I think it's more like 80% or so; not sure. But the vaccinations, coupled with the fact that FeLV is NOT easy to spread, makes for a good combination when mixing pos's and neg's. My cats (3; one very geriatric) lived with my Cricket for four years, and I didn't know he had FeLV for the first two years, so they weren't vaccinated then. None of the 3 have FeLV now, and Cricket has been gone for 9 months. Many people here mix too. So I am big believer in mixing. :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Introduction and new cat question - My experience - sorry guys it's l...
Very well said! In a message dated 8/3/2006 6:30:29 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Leslie, Negative cats can live with positive cats? I'd love to hear more about this from anyone that has/is successfully done it.To answer your question, I have over the course of the last 11 years mixed negatives and positives. Bailey joined us back in 1995, I had 3 cats at that time and they were all vaccinated and negative, when I found Bailey he was 5 months old and tested positive. I had him separated in his own room while I was trying to figure out how to convince hubby we were keeping him. My negatives at that time were Joey, 4 months old, Fred, about 4 years old, and Teenye, about 11 years old, all negative all vaccinated. I came home one day after having Bailey for about 5 months and couldn't find Joey, well the little stinker finally came out from under Bailey's bedroom door, he'd been sneaking in there playing with Bailey all along while I was at work. Well I didn't see any point in keeping them separate anymore, Joey had unknowingly exposed himself and everyone else for the last 5 months. I decided Bailey had found us for a reason and left everything to my faith in a higher power.I just lost Bailey on May 6th, 2006, 5 days after he turned 11 years old, he succumbed to pancreatic cancer which my vet say's mostly likely wasn't even related to his FeLV+ status, he was just unfortunate enough to get this type of cancer. In 11 years nobody ever got it from Bailey, all of my guys, ate, groomed, played, slept and on occasion had spats together. Joey and Bailey were very close and Joey so about 2 or 3 years ago I had him PCR (DNA) tested to be sure he wasn't positive and he wasn't, if anybody would have gotten it would have been him. Every year before vaccinations I had the negatives tested, everyone stayed negative. My vet wasn't in the least bit worried about them all living together, it's a well known fact to anyone that is knowledgeable about FeLV that it isn't as easy to catch as way too many vets who are NOT knowledgeable on FeLV will tell you. A healthy, adult, vaccinated cat has almost zero chance of getting it from a positive, and if they did their own immune system would almost certainly fight it off and they would turn negative.Kittens are alittle more susceptible but in my personal experience back in the 90's before I even know what FeLV was I had 5 cats all indoor, my then vet didn't tell me to vaccinate them for FeLV and being all indoor I wasn't too worried about it. Well long story short, come to find out 4 of my 5 were positive, Buddie whom I got at 8 weeks of age and she wasn't vaccinated for FeLV either at that time because at that time I didn't know I had any positives, she was the only one who tested negative when I did have them all tested. So this 8 week old unvaccinated kitten was around unknown positives all along and never got it. Teenye tested positive but turned negative and the other three I lost in a 15 month period to cancer and anemia. I don't know how many were positive when I got them because being naive back then and having a vet who wasn't very knowledgeable about it I never had any of them tested until one got sick.The current statistics say 1/3 of the positives will fight it off and be negative, I personally think that number is higher, because in my opinion many are never diagnosed, 1/3 will have it and be unsymptomatic for all or most of their lives, many of these in my opinion remain undiagnosed also, so people may have positives and never know it, and 1/3 may be sickly most of their lives and will eventually succumb to an opportunistic disease such as lymphoma, an anemia related illness, or something as simple as a severe URI, chronic herpes, or other viral infection that they just can't fight off. Of the last 1/3 that are sickly many will get it while very young, at birth or soon after birth.But as with anything there are exceptions to this rule also and Bailey is a testament to that, at 5 months he was already positive and who knows when he contracted it. He was healthy all his life until about the last year or so, his first problem was with his teeth, we fixed that and he was fine again until his last 5 months when he turned up anemic which we corrected, but we never could find the cancer we were sure he had. We didn't find it until he past and like I said my vet didn't think his positive status had anything to do with it, it wasn't a cancer that is associated or common with positives.ANY vet who suggests killing a cat simply because they test positive would NOT be touching any of my furkids, if they are that ignorant about the virus, who knows how ignorant they are about other things??-- Belindahappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kittieshttp://bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candlelight Servicehttp://bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web
Re: Introduction and new cat question
Hey Leslie, Not a weird question at all. I think if you can handle the stress yourself if you lost any more and you know Satchmo would love another friend, then adopting would be right. Only you can know if you can keep giving of yourself. I have about 9 negatives, so adopting a positive right now is not in the cards, but in the future I don't think I'd be opposed to it if I had less negatives, no immune compromised (I have 2 right now), and no geriatrics (have 3). What a wonderful person you are to help these babies!!! :) Wendy Dallas, TX __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
RE: Introduction and new cat question
Title: Message Leslie, I just looked atyour pic---you are right---Trixie is extremely cute---completely adorable! I have a Trixie too (usually called Trixie Pixie). ReWhat I wonder is, if I lost Satch, would I adopt another FeLV+ cat?I can totally see why you're asking yourself the question--I would, too--but of course there's no way to answer it now.We can't knownow what we'd do in the future, and that's if the question is still valid then anyway. (I began the process of looking for another young positive when all Mickey's siblings passed; then it occurred to me--what if by some miracle he tests negative? Which of course he did!) Something else to consider: vaccinating your negatives, and integrating all, something many far-more-experienced-than-mefolks on the list do without repercussion. I always held back because of the associated sarcoma risk of the FeLV vaccine. However there is now a new, reportedly safer vaccine by Merial. In May, there was a week's interval between Mickey and then Momcat's re-test. During that time, I decided that if by some horrible twist of fate the previously negative Momcat (she shared everything with all the postives) had become pos, I was now going to vaccinate all my other, neg, cats and integrate her anyway. As she has remained neg, I haven't had to do that. Just another avenue to consider! No, I did nothing special for Mickey that the others did not get. They all got the supplements recommended by Anitra Frazier, filtered water, human Interferon (tho because they're feral not possible to administer it the way it shouldbe done), high quality food (Petguard/Wellness) and medical intervention when required. I guess it was the luck of the draw that he threw it off while the others could not. Keep us posted on your decision! Kerry From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of LeslieSent: Tuesday, August 01, 2006 6:32 PMTo: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: RE: Introduction and new cat question Kerry, Thank you so much for your thoughts. You are right, to have a support group would make a big difference. What I wonder is, if I lost Satch, would I adopt another FeLV+ cat? I like taking in the hard-to-adopt animals, because it does feel so good, so I think that I might, but I'm not sure - a support system would be a big change in this.My Humane Society is no kill, so I don't feel like I need to rescue this kitten, which is nice, they do an excellent job of finding homes for their animals. But just take a look at her: http://www.oregonhumane.org/cats/detail.asp?animalID=45154 What a cutie! :) Andhow wonderful about the retest, Kerry!!! Did you follow a course of treatment toobtain this result? If you've already discussed publicly, please send me the archived conversation, I'd love to read it. As I've said privatelyin thanking those others who've responded, I'm really thrilled to have found this group! Leslie --Message: 2Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 16:25:10 -0500From: "MacKenzie, Kerry N." [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: RE: Introduction and new cat questionTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"Welcome Leslie! It's good to have you on board, although I'm sorry forthe reason you've had to find us.I think you just answered your own question. I think the capacity for heartbreak and pain that often accompanies acommitment to our little FeLV souls varies according to the individual(I say "often", by the way, because quite a few members have FeLV positives that are a ripe old age, and happily still going strong). Ihave been humbled and amazed and inspired in turn by the sheerdedication of so many of the wonderful people on this list to thewelfare of cats in need. Many--most?--of them have suffered heartbreak over and over again but somehow gather the strength to keep going, to dowhatever they can for cats in need. I know I could not have got throughlosing so many---4 sweet positives, 2 of whom I lost one after another on the same awful day, and months later, a darling CRF cat, who I had"fostered-for-life" in the meantime--without the support of the group. Iknow that I'll lose more (unless I go first!); but I feel I'll get through it. Knowing I can perhaps do a little to help improve thequality of life of a cat that is totally dependent on me has so faroutweighed any inclination I may have had to protect myself from furthergrief. But, I have to add that for me, at any rate, it would have been much, much harder without the tremendous support of this group.We'll be here for you, too.My positives all enjoyed each other's company for the short time (18months - 2 years) that they had, and I know that having each other added to their quality of life. I have scores of photos of them playing andcuddling up together which make me smile now, even though they're
Re: Introduction and new cat question
Hi, Maggie, when you suggest getting an older cat, I am on board with that, that is a good idea. I know that kittens are more susceptible, but you always hope, don't you? :) So Trixie now has a littermate with her at the Humane Society, one that show that they have Manx in them, because she has just a little puff where there would normally be a tail. I went and visited them today and they are so cute and active, go, go, go the whole time. That is something that I want for Satch because he is so rambunctious. But now that there are two of these girls, I really hope that they can get adopted together. Maybe I'll wait and see if they can find them a home together and if not, I'll rescue the one that wasn't chosen. I like adopting adult cats anyway, because their personalities are more formed. And Kerry, that is fascinating what you suggest. Negative cats can live with positive cats?I'd love to hear more about this from anyone that has/is successfully done it. I know that leukemia vaccinations exist, butI didn't think that they were that strong. I'll ask my vet about both Interferon and Merial, I see her next Wednesday.That's really fascinating. Thank you so much for your input, Leslie
Re: Introduction and new cat question
If I could financially afford it then yes, I would take another. Welcome to the group!tonyaLeslie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Hello, My name is Leslie. My cat's name is Satchmo. He's 6 years old, I adopted him at 5 years old knowing that he had feline leukemia. My question is about adopting him a friend.Now the background. Four years ago I adopted Sushi, a 2 yr old DSH that had been rescued from a house full of cats. She had been tested for everything in the shelter and came back negative. A month after having her, she got lethargic, I took her to the vet, she was retested and the test came back positive for FeLV. I was devastated, but she already had my heart so completely that returning her wasn't even considered, and she was doing great, actually. Great coat, very spunky, I started researching how to keep her around as long as possible. And on this optimistic vein, I decided to adopt another FeLV+ cat to keep her company, Hepburn, a 10-month old kitten that had had some health issues, but had been nursed back to health by the vet. Eight months after adopting Hepburn, Sushi passed on from a myocardial infarction, the vet guessed. I was heartbroken.Four months later, I adopted Hepburn a friend.Where Sushi was mischeivious, Hepburn was sweet. She was a cat that rewarded you for being quiet and giving her time. The new addition, Satchmo, was a five year old brown tabbywith the mannersof a dumptruck, but the charm to make you laugh instead of scream. Again, a few months later, Hep took a turn for the worse, appetite gone, the vet not being able to pin it on a specific infection. We'd fought this off once before, but this time instead of getting better, she jaundiced and her belly swelled up. She was diagnosed with FIP. Again, I was just crushed to lose her.Now, nearly ayear later, I have this wonderful cat, Satch,who loves other animals and has so much life in him. Hegets sneezy every few months, but fights it back. He is on a vet-approved raw diet and Feline Immune Support. His coat is beautiful, his eyes clear, he's a very happy guy. I really do believe that cats benefit from being in pairs, but I'm soscared to getanother just to lose the first. I volunteer at the Humane Society here in Portland (a really fantastic organization) and there is a 2 month old kitten who is FeLV+. She's in good health so far...and I've been tempted to adopt more at this point than before in the year since Hep passed. What do you all think? Do youadopt another? Can you keep giving of yourselves? This is a weird question, I know, but any advice you might have would be appreciated. Thank you, Leslie
Re: Introduction and new cat question
It's great to have you on this group! Best group of people around as you will find out in time. I'm in WA. myself. The Humane Society you volunteer at is one of the few I have respect for because they genuinely care about the animals. I have worked with them in the past on Siamese at the shelter. Well, only you can make the decision on whether you want ot bring another furbaby into your home. Personally, I would.it's the chance you have to take whether they are healthy or not. I would hope they give you a discount or for free on the kitten since she did test Felv+ that in time your going to have extra expenses for special meds to increase the quality of life for her. There aren't many rescues in OR that will take a positive baby. I'm not aware of any at this time that are taking any. No, it's not a weird question to ask! In a message dated 8/1/2006 1:27:37 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I volunteer at the Humane Society here in Portland (a really fantastic organization) and there is a 2 month old kitten who is FeLV+. She's in good health so far...and I've been tempted to adopt more at this point than before in the year since Hep passed. What do you all think? Do youadopt another? Can you keep giving of yourselves? This is a weird question, I know, but any advice you might have would be appreciated. Thank you, Leslie Terrie Mohr-ForkerTAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTSSIAMESE COLLIE RESCUEOwner/DriverCheck sites for available Siameses for adoption!http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/Click Here to Join WASHINGTON SIAMESE RESCUE Yahoo Group!http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescuehttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/SNOHOMISH_COUNTY_PETS_in_WAhttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.htmlhttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.htmlPetfinder.comAdopt a Homeless Pet!http://www.petfinder.com/http://www.felineleukemia.org/http://www.petloss.com/TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTShttps://www.paypal.com/http://www.frappr.com/wasiameserescue
Re: Introduction and new cat question
Oh Leslie, have you ever found the right group of people!! We so get the my heart expands until it feels like it's going to explode thing! What can I tell you that you don't already know? Adopting these angels, giving them a chance at life and love in a caring environment, isn't that what it's all about? Yes, it hurts when their time comes, yes we think we'll never recover, but somehow we do. Somehow we realize that loving them and losing them, no matter how heart wrenching that is, is worth it for the joy and happiness they bring. It's all the same coin, my dear. No one can tell you how much your heart can bear, but I know mine just keeps expanding, it hasn't exploded yet! Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be the right decision for you and for Satchmo, (and if you go get that baby, it will definitely be the right one for her!). Welcome to the list, you sure do sound like one of us! Nina Leslie wrote: Hello, My name is Leslie. My cat's name is Satchmo. He's 6 years old, I adopted him at 5 years old knowing that he had feline leukemia. My question is about adopting him a friend. Now the background. Four years ago I adopted Sushi, a 2 yr old DSH that had been rescued from a house full of cats. She had been tested for everything in the shelter and came back negative. A month after having her, she got lethargic, I took her to the vet, she was retested and the test came back positive for FeLV. I was devastated, but she already had my heart so completely that returning her wasn't even considered, and she was doing great, actually. Great coat, very spunky, I started researching how to keep her around as long as possible. And on this optimistic vein, I decided to adopt another FeLV+ cat to keep her company, Hepburn, a 10-month old kitten that had had some health issues, but had been nursed back to health by the vet. Eight months after adopting Hepburn, Sushi passed on from a myocardial infarction, the vet guessed. I was heartbroken. Four months later, I adopted Hepburn a friend. Where Sushi was mischeivious, Hepburn was sweet. She was a cat that rewarded you for being quiet and giving her time. The new addition, Satchmo, was a five year old brown tabby with the manners of a dumptruck, but the charm to make you laugh instead of scream. Again, a few months later, Hep took a turn for the worse, appetite gone, the vet not being able to pin it on a specific infection. We'd fought this off once before, but this time instead of getting better, she jaundiced and her belly swelled up. She was diagnosed with FIP. Again, I was just crushed to lose her. Now, nearly a year later, I have this wonderful cat, Satch, who loves other animals and has so much life in him. He gets sneezy every few months, but fights it back. He is on a vet-approved raw diet and Feline Immune Support. His coat is beautiful, his eyes clear, he's a very happy guy. I really do believe that cats benefit from being in pairs, but I'm so scared to get another just to lose the first. I volunteer at the Humane Society here in Portland (a really fantastic organization) and there is a 2 month old kitten who is FeLV+. She's in good health so far...and I've been tempted to adopt more at this point than before in the year since Hep passed. What do you all think? Do you adopt another? Can you keep giving of yourselves? This is a weird question, I know, but any advice you might have would be appreciated. Thank you, Leslie
RE: Introduction and new cat question
Title: Message Welcome Leslie! It's good to have you on board, although I'm sorry for the reason you've had to find us. I think you just answered your own question. I think the capacity for heartbreak and pain that often accompanies a commitment to our little FeLV souls varies accordingto the individual(I say "often", by the way, because quite a few members have FeLVpositives that are a ripe old age, and happily still going strong). I have been humbled and amazed and inspired in turn by the sheer dedication of so many of the wonderful people on this list to the welfare of cats in need. Many--most?--ofthem have suffered heartbreak over and over again but somehow gather the strength to keep going, to do whatever they can for cats in need. I know I could not have got through losing so many---4 sweet positives, 2 of whom I lost one after another on the same awful day, and months later,a darling CRF cat, who I had "fostered-for-life" in the meantime--without the support of the group. I know that I'll lose more (unless I go first!); but I feel I'll get through it. Knowing I can perhaps do a little to help improve the quality of life of a cat that is totally dependent on me has so far outweighed any inclination I may have hadto protect myself from further grief. But, I have to add that for me, at any rate, it would have been much, muchharder without the tremendous support of this group. We'll be here for you, too. My positives all enjoyed each other's company for the short time (18 months - 2 years) that they had, and I know that having each other added to their quality of life. I have scores ofphotos of them playing and cuddling up together which make me smile now, even though they're no longer physically with me. I'd say, go for it! And welcome again! Kerry PS On an even happier note, when I retested the 5th (and only remaining) kitten of the original colony of 6, he tested negative---he's thrown off the virus. Yes, that can happen too. I didn't really believe it until I saw it for myself. -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of LeslieSent: Tuesday, August 01, 2006 3:26 PMTo: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Introduction and new cat question Hello, My name is Leslie. My cat's name is Satchmo. He's 6 years old, I adopted him at 5 years old knowing that he had feline leukemia. My question is about adopting him a friend. Now the background. Four years ago I adopted Sushi, a 2 yr old DSH that had been rescued from a house full of cats. She had been tested for everything in the shelter and came back negative. A month after having her, she got lethargic, I took her to the vet, she was retested and the test came back positive for FeLV. I was devastated, but she already had my heart so completely that returning her wasn't even considered, and she was doing great, actually. Great coat, very spunky, I started researching how to keep her around as long as possible. And on this optimistic vein, I decided to adopt another FeLV+ cat to keep her company, Hepburn, a 10-month old kitten that had had some health issues, but had been nursed back to health by the vet. Eight months after adopting Hepburn, Sushi passed on from a myocardial infarction, the vet guessed. I was heartbroken. Four months later, I adopted Hepburn a friend.Where Sushi was mischeivious, Hepburn was sweet. She was a cat that rewarded you for being quiet and giving her time. The new addition, Satchmo, was a five year old brown tabbywith the mannersof a dumptruck, but the charm to make you laugh instead of scream. Again, a few months later, Hep took a turn for the worse, appetite gone, the vet not being able to pin it on a specific infection. We'd fought this off once before, but this time instead of getting better, she jaundiced and her belly swelled up. She was diagnosed with FIP. Again, I was just crushed to lose her. Now, nearly ayear later, I have this wonderful cat, Satch,who loves other animals and has so much life in him. Hegets sneezy every few months, but fights it back. He is on a vet-approved raw diet and Feline Immune Support. His coat is beautiful, his eyes clear, he's a very happy guy. I really do believe that cats benefit from being in pairs, but I'm soscared to getanother just to lose the first. I volunteer at the Humane Society here in Portland (a really fantastic organization) and there is a 2 month old kitten who is FeLV+. She's in good health so far...and I've been tempted to adopt more at this point than before in the year since Hep passed. What do you all think? Do youadopt another? Can you keep giving of yourselves? This is a weird question, I know, but any advice you might have would be appreciated. Thank you, Leslie IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer, Brown, Rowe Maw LLP to be used and cannot be used by
Re: Introduction and new cat question
Kerry that was very well said! That's great news about the final kitten! In a message dated 8/1/2006 2:26:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Welcome Leslie! It's good to have you on board, although I'm sorry for the reason you've had to find us. I think you just answered your own question. I think the capacity for heartbreak and pain that often accompanies a commitment to our little FeLV souls varies accordingto the individual(I say "often", by the way, because quite a few members have FeLVpositives that are a ripe old age, and happily still going strong). I have been humbled and amazed and inspired in turn by the sheer dedication of so many of the wonderful people on this list to the welfare of cats in need. Many--most?--ofthem have suffered heartbreak over and over again but somehow gather the strength to keep going, to do whatever they can for cats in need. I know I could not have got through losing so many---4 sweet positives, 2 of whom I lost one after another on the same awful day, and months later,a darling CRF cat, who I had "fostered-for-life" in the meantime--without the support of the group. I know that I'll lose more (unless I go first!); but I feel I'll get through it. Knowing I can perhaps do a little to help improve the quality of life of a cat that is totally dependent on me has so far outweighed any inclination I may have hadto protect myself from further grief. But, I have to add that for me, at any rate, it would have been much, muchharder without the tremendous support of this group. We'll be here for you, too. My positives all enjoyed each other's company for the short time (18 months - 2 years) that they had, and I know that having each other added to their quality of life. I have scores ofphotos of them playing and cuddling up together which make me smile now, even though they're no longer physically with me. I'd say, go for it! And welcome again! Kerry PS On an even happier note, when I retested the 5th (and only remaining) kitten of the original colony of 6, he tested negative---he's thrown off the virus. Yes, that can happen too. I didn't really believe it until I saw it for myself. Terrie Mohr-ForkerTAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTSSIAMESE COLLIE RESCUEOwner/DriverCheck sites for available Siameses for adoption!http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/Click Here to Join WASHINGTON SIAMESE RESCUE Yahoo Group!http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescuehttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/SNOHOMISH_COUNTY_PETS_in_WAhttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.htmlhttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.htmlPetfinder.comAdopt a Homeless Pet!http://www.petfinder.com/http://www.felineleukemia.org/http://www.petloss.com/TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTShttps://www.paypal.com/http://www.frappr.com/wasiameserescue
Re: Introduction and new cat question
Amen to that, Nina! Welcome Leslie! And welcome to all the other new members I missed this past week! Craziness here for me! Terri in NJ =^..^= Terri, Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, Travis, Dori and 6 furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth, Alec Salome' =^..^= Cool Catholic Stuff! Click Here -- www.TotallyCatholic.com/Theresa Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350Come check me out on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/terricrazycatlady - Original Message - From: Nina To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2006 4:57 PM Subject: Re: Introduction and new cat question Oh Leslie, have you ever found the right group of people!! We so get the "my heart expands until it feels like it's going to explode" thing! What can I tell you that you don't already know? Adopting these angels, giving them a chance at life and love in a caring environment, isn't that what it's all about? Yes, it hurts when their time comes, yes we think we'll never recover, but somehow we do. Somehow we realize that loving them and losing them, no matter how heart wrenching that is, is worth it for the joy and happiness they bring. It's all the same coin, my dear. No one can tell you how much your heart can bear, but I know mine just keeps expanding, it hasn't exploded yet! Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be the right decision for you and for Satchmo, (and if you go get that baby, it will definitely be the right one for her!). Welcome to the list, you sure do sound like one of us!NinaLeslie wrote: Hello, My name is Leslie. My cat's name is Satchmo. He's 6 years old, I adopted him at 5 years old knowing that he had feline leukemia. My question is about adopting him a friend. Now the background. Four years ago I adopted Sushi, a 2 yr old DSH that had been rescued from a house full of cats. She had been tested for everything in the shelter and came back negative. A month after having her, she got lethargic, I took her to the vet, she was retested and the test came back positive for FeLV. I was devastated, but she already had my heart so completely that returning her wasn't even considered, and she was doing great, actually. Great coat, very spunky, I started researching how to keep her around as long as possible. And on this optimistic vein, I decided to adopt another FeLV+ cat to keep her company, Hepburn, a 10-month old kitten that had had some health issues, but had been nursed back to health by the vet. Eight months after adopting Hepburn, Sushi passed on from a myocardial infarction, the vet guessed. I was heartbroken. Four months later, I adopted Hepburn a friend. Where Sushi was mischeivious, Hepburn was sweet. She was a cat that rewarded you for being quiet and giving her time. The new addition, Satchmo, was a five year old brown tabby with the manners of a dumptruck, but the charm to make you laugh instead of scream. Again, a few months later, Hep took a turn for the worse, appetite gone, the vet not being able to pin it on a specific infection. We'd fought this off once before, but this time instead of getting better, she jaundiced and her belly swelled up. She was diagnosed with FIP. Again, I was just crushed to lose her. Now, nearly a year later, I have this wonderful cat, Satch, who loves other animals and has so much life in him. He gets sneezy every few months, but fights it back. He is on a vet-approved raw diet and Feline Immune Support. His coat is beautiful, his eyes clear, he's a very happy guy. I really do believe that cats benefit from being in pairs, but I'm so scared to get another just to lose the first. I volunteer at the Humane Society here in Portland (a really fantastic organization) and there is a 2 month old kitten who is FeLV+. She's in good health so far...and I've been tempted to adopt more at this point than before in the year since Hep passed. What do you all think? Do you adopt another? Can you keep giving of yourselves? This is a weird question, I know, but any advice you might have would be appreciated. Thank you, Leslie
RE: Introduction and new cat question
Kerry, Thank you so much for your thoughts. You are right, to have a support group would make a big difference. What I wonder is, if I lost Satch, would I adopt another FeLV+ cat? I like taking in the hard-to-adopt animals, because it does feel so good, so I think that I might, but I'm not sure - a support system would be a big change in this.My Humane Society is no kill, so I don't feel like I need to rescue this kitten, which is nice, they do an excellent job of finding homes for their animals. But just take a look at her: http://www.oregonhumane.org/cats/detail.asp?animalID=45154 What a cutie! :) Andhow wonderful about the retest, Kerry!!! Did you follow a course of treatment toobtain this result? If you've already discussed publicly, please send me the archived conversation, I'd love to read it. As I've said privatelyin thanking those others who've responded, I'm really thrilled to have found this group! Leslie --Message: 2Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 16:25:10 -0500From: MacKenzie, Kerry N. [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: RE: Introduction and new cat questionTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-asciiWelcome Leslie! It's good to have you on board, although I'm sorry forthe reason you've had to find us.I think you just answered your own question. I think the capacity for heartbreak and pain that often accompanies acommitment to our little FeLV souls varies according to the individual(I say often, by the way, because quite a few members have FeLV positives that are a ripe old age, and happily still going strong). Ihave been humbled and amazed and inspired in turn by the sheerdedication of so many of the wonderful people on this list to thewelfare of cats in need. Many--most?--of them have suffered heartbreak over and over again but somehow gather the strength to keep going, to dowhatever they can for cats in need. I know I could not have got throughlosing so many---4 sweet positives, 2 of whom I lost one after another on the same awful day, and months later, a darling CRF cat, who I hadfostered-for-life in the meantime--without the support of the group. Iknow that I'll lose more (unless I go first!); but I feel I'll get through it. Knowing I can perhaps do a little to help improve thequality of life of a cat that is totally dependent on me has so faroutweighed any inclination I may have had to protect myself from furthergrief. But, I have to add that for me, at any rate, it would have been much, much harder without the tremendous support of this group.We'll be here for you, too.My positives all enjoyed each other's company for the short time (18months - 2 years) that they had, and I know that having each other added to their quality of life. I have scores of photos of them playing andcuddling up together which make me smile now, even though they're nolonger physically with me.I'd say, go for it!And welcome again! Kerry PS On an even happier note, when I retested the 5th (and onlyremaining) kitten of the original colony of 6, he tested negative---he'sthrown off the virus. Yes, that can happen too. I didn't really believe it until I saw it for myself.
Re: Introduction and new cat question
Yes, she is a doll! She looks like my Torti named "Buggy" if you like to see a photo of her let me know I can send a photo to you or anyone. She was a rescue too at the age of 5 weeks old. I've had her for 4 yrs now. Terrie Mohr-ForkerTAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTSSIAMESE COLLIE RESCUEOwner/DriverCheck sites for available Siameses for adoption!http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/Click Here to Join WASHINGTON SIAMESE RESCUE Yahoo Group!http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescuehttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/SNOHOMISH_COUNTY_PETS_in_WAhttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.htmlhttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.htmlPetfinder.comAdopt a Homeless Pet!http://www.petfinder.com/http://www.felineleukemia.org/http://www.petloss.com/TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTShttps://www.paypal.com/http://www.frappr.com/wasiameserescue
Re: Introduction
Hello and welcome to the group! Always nice to meet someone who is rescuing the special positive babies. Where are you located? -- 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: Introduction
Welcome Presto and Everett! Could you tell us a little more about the way your kitties live? When you say "introduced to the colony" instead of "cattery" or "sanctuary" it conjures visions of more of a free roaming society set-up. Are the all the cats confined to some sort of habitat? Do they live with you in your home? Do you have any neg as well as the pos? I'm just curious about how the day to day lives of your charges work. I'm very pleased to hear that you've changed your custom of immediate euthanasia when encountering pos. What changed your mind on this protocol? I'm not asking merely to be nosy, any information on altering the perceptions of other rescuers in regard to pos is valuable in the fight to enlighten people about the worth of these wonderful cats. Bless you for your open hearts, all your hard work and the contribution you make, Nina Presto wrote: Greetings. We are Presto and Everett. We operate a private, at-home sanctuary for cats who have either Felv or FIV. In addition, we have several ferals who could not be TNR'd to their original locations. They are isolated and fully vaccinated before being introduced to the colony. It's not an ideal combination, but death was the only alternative for all the cats we have. I've done rescue work for twenty years, in HI, WA, CA,MA,and briefly in the Congo and Venezuela. My husband and I met fourteen years ago. He is as dedicated as I am toour work with cats. When working as a foster home, ithad been our custom to havepositive-testing newcomers euthanized. Four years ago, we decided to cease fosteringand to becomea positive-testers' sanctuary. We've cared for thirty positives.We currently have fifteen. Our death rate isthree to four per year. We are our veterinary clinic's top client, and average eight-thousand a year in payments to them. We also use Tufts Univ. Veterinary Hospital when needed. We are always keen to hear insights on cat care, especially pertaining to the positives. Likewise, we've learned a lot and are glad to share. Presto
Re: Introduction
Presto, Hi again. I just re-read your post. I was confused because you wrote "death was the only alternative for all the cats we have". Did you mean that you release the ferals back to their own "wild" colony and do not take them into your sanctuary? Nina Nina wrote: Welcome Presto and Everett! Could you tell us a little more about the way your kitties live? When you say "introduced to the colony" instead of "cattery" or "sanctuary" it conjures visions of more of a free roaming society set-up. Are the all the cats confined to some sort of habitat? Do they live with you in your home? Do you have any neg as well as the pos? I'm just curious about how the day to day lives of your charges work. I'm very pleased to hear that you've changed your custom of immediate euthanasia when encountering pos. What changed your mind on this protocol? I'm not asking merely to be nosy, any information on altering the perceptions of other rescuers in regard to pos is valuable in the fight to enlighten people about the worth of these wonderful cats. Bless you for your open hearts, all your hard work and the contribution you make, Nina Presto wrote: Greetings. We are Presto and Everett. We operate a private, at-home sanctuary for cats who have either Felv or FIV. In addition, we have several ferals who could not be TNR'd to their original locations. They are isolated and fully vaccinated before being introduced to the colony. It's not an ideal combination, but death was the only alternative for all the cats we have. I've done rescue work for twenty years, in HI, WA, CA,MA,and briefly in the Congo and Venezuela. My husband and I met fourteen years ago. He is as dedicated as I am toour work with cats. When working as a foster home, ithad been our custom to havepositive-testing newcomers euthanized. Four years ago, we decided to cease fosteringand to becomea positive-testers' sanctuary. We've cared for thirty positives.We currently have fifteen. Our death rate isthree to four per year. We are our veterinary clinic's top client, and average eight-thousand a year in payments to them. We also use Tufts Univ. Veterinary Hospital when needed. We are always keen to hear insights on cat care, especially pertaining to the positives. Likewise, we've learned a lot and are glad to share. Presto
Re: Introduction
That's great.Where are you located, and do you have a website? 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: 267.13.12/192 - Release Date: 12/5/2005
Re: Introduction
I have good news to report, Jake has regained his appetite and his personality as well. I am so relieved! I don't know what it was, but I stopped the vitamin C and the meds and he slowly came back. He still is having diarrhea though.I will try the Diarsanyl, hopefully that will help. I am giving him Interferon -- what are some other things you all use to supplement? Sorry for all the questions, but I am new to this and want to do what's best for my kitty! Marissa On 12/2/05, Hideyo Yamamoto [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I actually had to force feed my Ginger for over 3 months. She is also FelK positive, her appetites runs like a roller coaster sometimes, all of sudden, she stops eating as if she forgets to eat.. but she never acts sick or not feeling well at all, she just refuses food.. it happened about three times for the past year that I have had her.. but now, she is eating like a little piggy girl (thanks to my baby angel, Garfunkle).. you have to make sure though you give enough food to complement a day supplement for a kitty, if it's too much to do at a time, you might have to give 6 servings or so to make it up.. a kitty needs 36cc food at least, I was told.. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of MarissaSent: Friday, December 02, 2005 9:29 AMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Introduction Thanks for the tips! The vet did suggest Pepsid so I have been doing that. I am mainly concerned about his lack of appetitie, and general him not being himself. I mean how long can I force feed him? It's frustrating because I wish he could just tell me what is wrong and I could fix it! Marissa On 12/2/05, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Also, I would order an over-the-counter diarrhea medicine for cats called Diarsanyl, which I have found really good for curing simple diarrhea. And slippery elm can help a lot with both nausea and diarrhea. Michelle
Re: Introduction
And I forgot to say how great it is that his appetite is back!! Michelle In a message dated 12/5/2005 2:21:23 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have good news to report, Jake has regained his appetite and his personality as well. I am so relieved! I don't know what it was, but I stopped the vitamin C and the meds and he slowly came back. He still is having diarrhea though.I will try the Diarsanyl, hopefully that will help. I am giving him Interferon -- what are some other things you all use to supplement? Sorry for all the questions, but I am new to this and want to do what's best for my kitty! Marissa
Re: Introduction
Marissa, Besides the Diarsanyl, I would give him some probiotics, which are good bacteria for his gut. The Baytril probably wiped them all out. The same companies that sell Diarsanyl online usually have probiotics made for animals, like Benebac, but you can also just give him plain yogurt (1/4 teaspoon a day for a few days) or buy acidophilus at a health food store. The only supplement I might give him at this point is slippery elm, which soothes the GI system and is supposed to increase immunity also. I would not start on any other supplements until his diarrhea clears up. You want to keep what is going into him as simple as possible to help clear that up. You may want to ask your vet about giving him W/D or I/D Hills prescription food for a few days to see if it resolves the diarrhea. Michelle In a message dated 12/5/2005 2:21:23 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have good news to report, Jake has regained his appetite and his personality as well. I am so relieved! I don't know what it was, but I stopped the vitamin C and the meds and he slowly came back. He still is having diarrhea though.I will try the Diarsanyl, hopefully that will help. I am giving him Interferon -- what are some other things you all use to supplement? Sorry for all the questions, but I am new to this and want to do what's best for my kitty! Marissa
Re: Introduction
Also, I would order an over-the-counter diarrhea medicine for cats called Diarsanyl, which I have found really good for curing simple diarrhea. And slippery elm can help a lot with both nausea and diarrhea. Michelle
Re: Introduction
Thanks for the tips! The vet did suggest Pepsid so I have been doing that. I am mainly concerned about his lack of appetitie, and general him not being himself. I mean how long can I force feed him? It's frustrating because I wish he could just tell me what is wrong and I could fix it! Marissa On 12/2/05, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Also, I would order an over-the-counter diarrhea medicine for cats called Diarsanyl, which I have found really good for curing simple diarrhea. And slippery elm can help a lot with both nausea and diarrhea. Michelle
Re: Introduction
First of all, you can force feed for months, so don't worry about that aspect right now. lack of appetite can be caused by GI problems from antibiotics, and/or from the URI itself (is he stuffy-nosed? If they can't smell their food they often will not eat). The fact that he is not lethargic is good. It is really important that you get enough calories per day into him. How much do you syringe him per day, and what are you syringing? Does he hold it down? Have you talked to the vet about syringing W/D or I/D for a while to try to soothe his digestive tract? Michelle In a message dated 12/2/2005 11:29:45 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Thanks for the tips! The vet did suggest Pepsid so I have been doing that. I am mainly concerned about his lack of appetitie, and general him not being "himself." I mean how long can I force feed him? It's frustrating because I wish he could just tell me what is wrong and I could fix it! Marissa
Re: Introduction
Marissa, I agree with everything Michelle has said, (bless her). There is a group for assist feeding, I suggest you poke your head in there for some advice. You can assist feed for months, but you want to make sure that Jake is getting as balanced a diet as you can. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-Assisted-Feeding/ I have never heard about dehydration from interferon either. The drawback from daily interferon is the potential "immunity" of it's benefits. I've heard, and I don't know if this is true, that if you give small doses, (.5 to 1cc) daily, there isn't as much concern about that. Look in the archives for discussions on Feline interferon, you may be interested in that as well. Cats won't eat what they can't smell. Sometimes slightly warming the food will bring out the aroma and encourage them to eat. Usually they will lap at food when they won't chew. You could try warming some goat's milk for him, or adding a couple of drops of salmon oil, (if he likes salmon) to make it good and smelly. My guys eat better when I pet and cajole them, every cat is different and I can't tell you how many hours I've spent crawling after someone on my hands and knees with a bowl of something yummy in my hand. Oh, that reminds me, try switching from a bowl to a plate and only putting tiny bits of food down at a time. The slippery elm is a good, safe suggestion for nausea. Something that helped my Gypsy was a prescription called Metoclopramide syrup. It helps with the spasms and doesn't taste bad, (at least not in my opinion :) ). Welcome to the group, I'm so sorry Jake is not feeling well, but I'm glad you found us. Hang in there, you're not alone. Prayers for Jake's quick recovery, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Marissa, Hi and welcome, and BLESS YOU for adopting a cat with FeLV! My suggestion is this: if he is still on Baytril, take him off it. Cats are not meant to be on Baytril that long-- it is a very strong drug. My Lucy was on it for a month for bladder infection when she had a stone two months ago, and she is still having diarrhea from it even though she has been off it for weeks-- she never had diarrhea before, but it really screwed up her system. So take him off it and give him acidophilus, which is good bacteria for the gut to replace all the good bacteria that has been killed off by the Baytril. Also, take him off the Vitamin C, which can also cause diarrhea. There are other ways to make URI's better. Give him Lysine, which you can get in health food stores, which supports the immune system and is anti-viral. Also 6 drops of echinacea tincture each day (get the kind without alcohol). And read the archived posts and the articles on this group's web page about Immuno-Regulin, which has really helped a few of our cats kick hard-to-beat URI's. And if he really does need antibiotics, try Clavamox or, less traditional for URI's but very effective we have found, Doxicycline. Also, at this point he probably has an upset stomach, so I would give him 1/4 ofa Pepcid (the kind that is all famotidine with no other ingredients) once or twice a day. If his symptoms are from URI and too much antibiotics, this course should help. You should realize though that there are other things that cats with FeLV are vulnerable to that could cause the GI symptoms, like intestinal lymphoma. That can be controlled with steroids and chemo, but has to be diagnosed. For now, though, I think I would assume that the problems are from the exceedingly long course of Baytril and the Vitamin C, because that could definitely do this, I think. Good luck and please keep us updated.
RE: Introduction
I would personally suggest you stop Metronidazale for now. I am not sure why he needs to take it. Just so that you know what your kitty has is viral and not bacterial and antibiotics will not treat that URIs which are viral related. Often times, you need to let it run its course antibiotics may suppress some of the symptoms on the surface level and, but the symptoms will reoccur until the viral run its course.. The reason the kitty has diarrhea may something to do with the dosage of V-C- how much were you giving to him? You NEED to give him subQ fluid every day if he is not eating on his own.. force feeding food and water will not give enough for survival sometimes,, and you will need to give him some vitamin or other nutritional supplement as the baby food will not complete the need for a cat you really dont need to stop V-C as it is antioxidant and its good for him, but make the dosage smaller and make sure that you give enough fluid so that he is not dehydrated (you can ask your vet to show you how to do it).. but try to stop Metronidale for now I dont think its doing anything to him.. antibiotics really cure the very problem, only suppress the symptoms on the surface.. and you need to be careful with any immune compromised kitties like FIV or FeLV what you give them as their immune system is already very compromised. I rarely treat my animals with antibiotics.. (I have lost one of my 6 months old baby from Baytril and ever since then, I am very careful as to what I give him) I follow holistic approach for all my cats for the most of the time, and have been really satisfied with it Again, dont worry too much if the URIs symptoms last for a couple of weeks, thats what the viral infection does.. the meantime, you need to give him fluid and force feeding as a support therapy.. If his nose it stuffed, that may have something to do with not having an appetite Does he have a fever? What other conditions does he have? You might want to have your vet run the complete blood work done to make sure there is nothing else going on. Again, whenever before you give a drug to your kitty, you might want to research on line any side effect or post messages here so that you can pay pre-cautions. I am very conservative when coming to western drugs.. but again, I have reason to be due to the past experience. I hope he will feel better soon (you might want to give V-B complex and V-B 12 injection to him every few days, too) Also, you might want to give Liver shake (ask for a recipe on the list if you want) its very good for FeLK kitties.. humidifier might help. I have 4 kittens who have URIs for a few months now but as long as they are eating and playing, I dont worry too much about it.. I lost my Henry because he was having light URIs for a long time, but he was still playing and eating and very happy.. then, the vet prescribed baytrill and he died within 72 hours I wish I had never given it to him.. but its a very bitter lesson for me to learn Hideyo From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Marissa Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2005 7:17 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Introduction Hello! I am so happy to have found this mailing list. My name is Marissa and I wanted to introduce my little guy, Jake. I adopted Jake only a couple months ago from a rescue group that I had been fostering for. I was moving to a new city and decided I wanted to take a cat with me, and since FeLV cats are so hard to adopt out, and little Jake was just too cute for words, I decided he deserved to not be in a cage for the rest of his life so I adopted him. He is such a great cat. So playful, affectionate, silly, sweet. Just a good little guy. Soon after I adopted him he started coughing and sneezing and had a fever. Probably something he caught when he was surrounded by other cats in the rescue shelter. He was on Baytril and the vet kept him on it because he seemed to get better with it, and every time I would take him off of it he would start sneezing or coughing. The vet also gave me vitamin C to give to him as a supplement. Then about a week ago he started to have diarrhea. Vet put him on Metronidazale. Then a couple days ago he stopped having an appetite. The vet thinks it may be the vitamin C upsetting his stomach, so I stopped that, and have been force feeding him baby food and water. He still has no appetite (only stopped the C about 36 hours ago) and isn't quite himself, although he isn't totally lethargic either. I just hope that this isn't the beginning of the end. Jake is about 2.5 years old and I don't know much about his history other than his previous owner surrendered him at the beginning of the year. I would appreciate any advice from others experienced with FeLV cats as well as any tips on force feeding. I hate to do it but I don't see any other option. The vet says if hes not better he wants to run a bunch of tests on him, which
RE: Introduction
I actually had to force feed my Ginger for over 3 months. She is also FelK positive, her appetites runs like a roller coaster sometimes, all of sudden, she stops eating as if she forgets to eat.. but she never acts sick or not feeling well at all, she just refuses food.. it happened about three times for the past year that I have had her.. but now, she is eating like a little piggy girl (thanks to my baby angel, Garfunkle).. you have to make sure though you give enough food to complement a day supplement for a kitty, if its too much to do at a time, you might have to give 6 servings or so to make it up.. a kitty needs 36cc food at least, I was told.. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Marissa Sent: Friday, December 02, 2005 9:29 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Introduction Thanks for the tips! The vet did suggest Pepsid so I have been doing that. I am mainly concerned about his lack of appetitie, and general him not being himself. I mean how long can I force feed him? It's frustrating because I wish he could just tell me what is wrong and I could fix it! Marissa On 12/2/05, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Also, I would order an over-the-counter diarrhea medicine for cats called Diarsanyl, which I have found really good for curing simple diarrhea. And slippery elm can help a lot with both nausea and diarrhea. Michelle
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
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
If Cricket previously tested positive, and on retest is negative (WE HOPE SO!), NO I would NOT booster her with the FELV vaccine, as it will put excess strain on her already over-worked immune system, and could UNDO her effective natural immune response to the virus. If she had it, and then doesn't have it on retest, then she will likely be naturally immune (or at least it proves her body is WORKING on the immune response). You should repeat the tests in 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months, and then once a year after that, to be sure her result stays the same, or to know if it changes. Some cats have gone on and off with their results, being first positive, then negative, then positive, then negative. What you should do is keep giving her the Interferon-A (the oral kind available in the USA), and keep her as stress-free and healthy as possible. Stress is a big factor in proper immune responses and fighting the FELV. Limit vet visits and other stressors as much as possible, if she doesn't get along with the other cats, or seems stressed at home, get a feliway comfort zone diffuser, it releases cat pheromones that induce calmness and reduce stress in cats. Some people swear by an oral homeopathic remedy called rescue remedy, you can find that at most health food stores or natural foods co-ops. I believe you just add a few drops to the water bowl (someone will correct me if I am wrong there). And of course, switch slowly over to a good premium food, but don't do it too quickly, add a little of the new food to the old one day at a time, until two weeks later, you've made the switch completely. In addition... if possible, you should contact the caretaker of the feral colony that Kuma was hanging out with, and let him/her know that a FELV positive cat was known to be socializing with the colony. That person deserves to know, and will be able to keep a closer eye out for symptoms in the colony, and possibly to reduce some suffering in the colony. Most feral caretakers do not routinely test for FELV and FIV, but if you tell them it's likely to be there, some will want to test and remove the positives. It's certainly something that person should be notified of, so he/she can make that judgment call him/herself. I would be more than happy to speak to this person via email if they need or want more info. (I have feral and FELV experience, luckily not both at the same time, my ferals are negative) Jenn http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from UCAT rescue: http://ucat.us/adopt.html Adopt a FIV+ cat: http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/ Saving one animal won't make a difference in the world, but it will make a world of difference for that one animal. ~~~ I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life. Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula! PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please email me for the NEW address to send them to! -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.12.8/161 - Release Date: 11/3/2005
Re: Introduction
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: Introduction
Were your cats ever tested for FELV before this other cat came into your home? I know you said they all had the FELV vaccine two years ago, but did your vet do the test, or just give the vaccine without testing them? To your own benefit, every 3 years IS now the recommended schedule for most feline vaccines, so you are NOT technically behind on anything. I ask, because it is possible that you cat that tested positive already had FELV before these other two ever entered your home. Not that any of that matters now, but it might give you a little peace of mind knowing that the new cats were not responsible for all of this happening. Kittens with FELV usually don't live very long lives, though some do, the average lifespan of a kitten born with FELV is under 2 years. I'm not saying you shouldn't try to treat him, you definitely should, but just don't expect to have him for years to come, as he likely wont survive many years. Your young adult cat that tested positive could very likely fight off the virus, and test negative at a later date. You should definitely begin Interferon A orally to boost her immune system. (you'll need it for the kitten too) One thing I don't think anyone mentioned yet, is diet. You need to feed a premium diet to help the immune system be as strong as it can be. The first ingredient in your cat food should always be a form of meat (not by-product meal), and it should never contain any ground corn. Wellness, Innova, California Natural, and other super premium brands are what you need. Expect to pay close $30 or more for a 15-16 pound bag. Contrary to what others have suggested, I do not think it is immediately a need to boost the FELV vaccines on the two that are still negative, and it is definitely NOT necessary to re-boost them again in 3 weeks time! It is well known (by those of us with personal experience, though most vets are ignorant of the fact) that older adult healthy cats develop NATURAL immunity against FELV, and the only cats that generally catch it are those under a year of age or ones that are otherwise ill or immune-compromised. How old is your younger cat that tested positive? The fact that the two older ones have not caught it speaks for itself... they are immune already, quite likely. Giving more vaccines just increases their chance of developing Vaccine Associated Sarcomas (VAS), a form of cancer caused by vaccines in cats, the FELV vaccine being the one MOST likely to result in this type of cancer (VAS rates are published as being as high as 1 in every 1000 for certain FELV vaccines). More info of VAS here: http://www.catcaresociety.org/tumors.htm and here: http://www.vas-awareness.org/ If you do choose to get the FELV vaccines, be SURE that they are given as LOW as possible on the outside of a REAR leg, and be prepared (emotionally and financially) to possibly amputate your cat's leg if a sarcoma develops. More info on vaccine sites here: http://www.avma.org/vafstf/sitercmnd.asp and here: http://www.tahealth.net/vas.html There is a new non-ajuvanted vaccine for FELV on the market now, if your vet can get it, use it, as it's less likely to cause VAS. http://merialusa.naccvp.com/view.php?prodnum=108 (FELV) http://merialusa.naccvp.com/view.php?prodnum=058 (rabies) http://merialusa.naccvp.com/view.php?prodnum=099 (3-way respiratory) 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
Sandy, my baby C God rest his soul never grew to adult size. He stayed tiny he was born positive and lived to be 2 1/2.
Re: Introduction
Hi Sandy, I hope this post finds you in better spirits than yesterday. I first want to say hello to a fellow Texan. I lived in Houston for a few years and my parents and brothers have lived there for years until recently. The great thing about living in the big city of Houston is that you shouldn't have any trouble finding a different vet. That's the second thing: I think you need to find a vet that is willing to work with you regarding your little furballs, not one that immediately recommends euthanasia. This will do wonders to give you hope. Find one you are comfortable with by calling and actually asking to speak to the vet. Tell him your situation and see what he says. I have learned these past few weeks that you can tell a lot about a vet that way. Thirdly, I practically drove myself crazy these past few weeks learning about FeLV and trying to decipher on the Internet what is good info. and what isn't. Not to mention deciphering what the vets say. There are so many different opinions. We all read just about everywhere that FeLV can be passed via saliva/grooming/food and water dishes/and litter boxes. But one of my vets told me last week that that has never been proved by the veterinary community, which I was shocked to hear him say. He said the only way they know for sure is through blood, kind of like the AIDS virus, which would mean a cat fight or birth. My Cricket got it from his mother at birth I believe, because she died of it and she was only two years old. Cricket is almost 4 1/2. So I don't know what to think about a lot of the information that is out there. But one thing is for sure: if you let it, it can be OVERWHELMING, depending on your personality. If you're an information seeker like me, don't stress yourself out too much doing research, because a lot of it is negative. I was convinced Cricket was doomed and getting VERY depressed myself, but come to find out yesterday, things may not be so bleak, at least for right now. So yes, educate and encourage yourself, and the people here are wonderful in helping with that, but take it easy. Like Nina says, we do all we can do, and the rest is up to our little furballs and the powers that be. Also, please don't beat yourself up with guilt. Anytime I get angry about anything, I have to ask myself if what was done was intentional. 99% of the time it's not, and therefore, I adjust my thinking accordingly. You would NEVER intentionally hurt your kitties, and probably would go into practically a murderous rage like the rest of us here if you saw someone who was. So cut yourself some slack, and fight off that guilt (which by the way is a good way for the devil to get his little fingers into your life and try to make things harder than they already are). Also, a lot of vets don't recommend vaccinations for FeLV for totally indoor cats so you weren't wrong there. I hadn't vaccinated mine because they've lived indoors all their lives. It never dawned on me that a kitten could be born with it. Hope this info. helps. Email me anytime you need to talk. :) Wendy __ Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click. http://farechase.yahoo.com
Re: Introduction
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 sameinformation that was available to us back then is still circulating on the internet as current and many vets are still giving caregiversthe test results with a death sentence for the cat. Thankfully, there are some vets who are listening to their clients and clients who are refusing to take pts as the only option (and we are sharing information on lists like these), so many more cats are getting a chance for a longer life. Sadly, in our 20 years we have lost very young kittens, but we have also had many who lived 10 or more years. I think it is wonderful that youare one of the ones who didn't listentothe vet and are willing to do all you can for Cotton. Feeding himthe best food you can afford and adding the various supplements mentioned, will go a long ways towards giving him what he needs to become strong and healthy. -- /mari (SpiritCat)Until there are none, adopt one.SpiritCat and the Mooseheart Mumpkeesof southeastern Texas[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Introduction
Hi Sandy, I'm sorry for your loss, and I'm sorry you had to find us. I don't have time for a long reply right now, but you were right not to let your vet euthanize your cat. My opinion is the first thing you need to do is go ahead and vaccinate your negative cat. Quarantine it and booster in 3 weeks. Most importantly of all, you need to find a good vet who knows what he's talking about and is willing to work with you with your positive cats. Positive cats can just be carriers and never get sick at all! There is no reason to euthanize and I would not trust a vet recommending that! I'm sure you'll get lots more advice. This is a wonderful group. We've had positive cats on this list over 10 years old and some die as kittens. There are many different variables involved and it sounds like your vet has not researched this disease. TonyaDudes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello everyone,I am new to the list and wanted to introduce myself and tell about why I amhere. 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 likefuzzy children. I have a stepdaughter who moved home this summer for a fewweeks, and brought with her an orange kitten she had adopted from someoneshe 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, andwithin just a day or so of showing symptoms, had to be euthanized. Heexperienced multi-organ failure. The vet diagnosed FeLV.So we took the orange kitten Cotton to the vet as soon as we could, since weknew so little about him. Cotton also tested positive for FeLV. Mystepdaughter has neither the desire nor the means to care for him, so sheleft him. The vet recommended immediate euthanasia, and wouldn't even checkhis little orange ears for ear mites or intestinal parasites or suggest anymore blood work. Just FeLV positive = death. That was hard to swallow, butin the meantime, I gathered up my three established cats to be tested, andunfortunately my younger female has also tested positive. The other twoolder cats were negative.I am heartbroken and distraught. I've tried to read and learn as much as Ican 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 feelany worse than I do. It had been about 2 years since my cats had the FeLVvaccine, becuase they are 100% indoors, and I was worried aboutovervaccinating them.Now I feel that I need to look ahead and address this head-on, and I amhoping for some sound, rational advice. My vet seemed totally negative andI do intend to get a second opinion and confirmatory blood tests. The twocats that are negative got a vaccine, even though I know it may not do muchgood. They also have boosters scheduled in 3 weeks.I fear that even though Kuma (stepduaghter's cat who died) was sequesteredduring his illness, everyone was exposed before we realized what we weredealing with. I now have a household of 4 cats, two of whom are FeLVnegative, and two who are positive, one of whom is symptomatic, as Cottonthe orange kitten now has swollen glands and diarrhea.Any words of wisdom would be totally appreciated.Thank you,Sandy C.Houston, Texas area
Re: Introduction
Sandy, Sorry for the FeLV+ status of your kitties, it is scary at first, and heartbreaking. They can live good lives even though they may not be as long as we'd like. Go ahead and vaccinate your negatives for FeLV+. If you can separate the + fm the - it is recommended although many on the list do not keep theirs separate. My Effie lived three years, she was diagnosed + at 3 months when I found her. She was healthy and full of energy until she developed lymphoma at 2-1/2, did well with chemo and then the cancer came back and she really only had one bad month. InitiallyEffie did have a coupleshort bouts of fever andswollen lymph nodes and most kittens have a case or two of diarrhea. Daily Lysine (OTC)helps keep down the viral load, as doesinterferon (prescription). You will learn a lot from the experiences of others on this list - it is a lifesaver, emotionally for you and physically for your kitties. God bless you for keeping Cotton.Whatever his/her lifespan, it will be better with your love and care. Also, find a different vet who is at least willing to work with you. Del - Original Message - From: Dudes To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, October 31, 2005 8:30 PM Subject: Introduction Hello everyone,I am new to the list and wanted to introduce myself and tell about why I amhere. 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 likefuzzy children. I have a stepdaughter who moved home this summer for a fewweeks, and brought with her an orange kitten she had adopted from someoneshe 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, andwithin just a day or so of showing symptoms, had to be euthanized. Heexperienced multi-organ failure. The vet diagnosed FeLV.So we took the orange kitten Cotton to the vet as soon as we could, since weknew so little about him. Cotton also tested positive for FeLV. Mystepdaughter has neither the desire nor the means to care for him, so sheleft him. The vet recommended immediate euthanasia, and wouldn't even checkhis little orange ears for ear mites or intestinal parasites or suggest anymore blood work. Just FeLV positive = death. That was hard to swallow, butin the meantime, I gathered up my three established cats to be tested, andunfortunately my younger female has also tested positive. The other twoolder cats were negative.I am heartbroken and distraught. I've tried to read and learn as much as Ican 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 feelany worse than I do. It had been about 2 years since my cats had the FeLVvaccine, becuase they are 100% indoors, and I was worried aboutovervaccinating them.Now I feel that I need to look ahead and address this head-on, and I amhoping for some sound, rational advice. My vet seemed totally negative andI do intend to get a second opinion and confirmatory blood tests. The twocats that are negative got a vaccine, even though I know it may not do muchgood. They also have boosters scheduled in 3 weeks.I fear that even though Kuma (stepduaghter's cat who died) was sequesteredduring his illness, everyone was exposed before we realized what we weredealing with. I now have a household of 4 cats, two of whom are FeLVnegative, and two who are positive, one of whom is symptomatic, as Cottonthe orange kitten now has swollen glands and diarrhea.Any words of wisdom would be totally appreciated.Thank you,Sandy C.Houston, Texas area
Re: Introduction
Hi Sandy! It's always a little bittersweet welcoming new members to the list, FeLV is such a devastating disease...but you won't find a more knowledgable, more caring group of people!! :) I'm also in the Houston area (Seabrook, to be exact), so if there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to get ahold of me!! I wouldn't beat yourself up at all over what has happened...given that it's actually quite difficult for a healthy, adult cat to contract the virus (even if he or she has not been vaccinated--and I believe your guys are still covered from their vaccination a few years ago...new research indicates that vaccines are effective way beyond their seemingly arbitrary 1 year expiration date)...and the fact that kittens are the most susceptible to the virus because of their immature immune systems...it's my hunch that Kuma and your little girl actually had the virus all along (the virus can remain sequestered in the bone marrow causing a false negative on an in-house test...this happened to one of our girls). The more likely scenerio is that Kuma passed the virus on to the little orange guy whose immune system wasn't up to fighting off the virus. As for what to do now, you will get alot of advice about treating diarrhea from the list! I would start by making sure everyone is getting a good, quality diet (human-grade ingredients with meat being listed as the first ingredient)! Some good brands are Wellness, Innova, Eagle Pack...Also, try starting him out on L-lysine (you can find tablets at your local grocery store)...just crush up a 500 mg tablet and mix into canned food twice a day. Another medication that you might want to try is Interferon...it helps boost the immune system...if your vet won't get it for you, let me know and I'll get some from my vet and get it to you!! That's all I can think of for now...this is a wonderful list, you'll get alot of great advice, so don't be afraid to ask about anything at all! And like I said, please let me know if you need anything at all! 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: Monday, October 31, 2005 8:30 pm Subject: 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 someoneshe 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 sequesteredduring 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
Re: Introduction--addendum
Sorry, it's getting past my bed-time...hard to form a thought! What I meant for the lysine dosage: 500 mg per day split between two meals (250 mg per meal)! 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: Monday, October 31, 2005 8:30 pm Subject: 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 someoneshe 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 sequesteredduring 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 Cottonthe orange kitten now has swollen glands and diarrhea. Any words of wisdom would be totally appreciated. Thank you, Sandy C. Houston, Texas area
Re: Introduction
Guys, couldn't her adult cats be showing a false positive just from being exposed and then pull a negative later? Your right the disease isnt that easy spread. especially in healthy adults with history of being vaccinated
Re: Introduction
Hi Sandy, Take a deep breath, you're doing fine. You cared enough to know that euthanasia is not the answer and you researched well enough to find us. I would strongly suggest finding a different vet. It's a real hot button with me how many people who should know better suggest pts at the first sign of felv. It's backward and shows a lack of education. Look for a board certified Internist. You'll usually find them at specialty vet hospitals and clinics. Your not so great vet should be able to recommend someone that he sends patients to that are beyond his capabilities. Tonya is right that adult cats that have been exposed test positive while they are in the process of clearing the virus. Take heart, there is great reason to hope. Get your babies on immune support supplements and ask the vet about Interferon A. Please don't blame yourself for any of this. I'm one of those that mixes, or at least I did before I lost my Angels, none of my negatives ever became positive. Most healthy adult cats, (whether they're up to date on their shots, or not), do not succumb to felv. Nina Dudes wrote: 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
