Re: update: Athena
to the best of my knowledge, there are NO documented cases of a TRUE negative (ie, tested more than once, having enough time for known exposure to be ruled out) cat who was vaccinated having ever turned positive from living with a TRUE positive (see above.) yes, there are cases where cats who tested negative ONCE have turned up positive later on, even tho vaccinated, after they'd lived with a positive: but in every case, it was before any of us (including vets) realized that it can take 120 days for exposure to show up in a test. so a negative test means no more, in reality, than a positive test does, unless we know for SURE with whom any cat has been hanging out--which, in rescue, we rarely do. 70% of adult healthy cats can be exposed and not become persistently infected; the vaccine is 95% effective--and, based on anecdotal evidence from owners who did NOT vaccinate their negatives yet mixed their cats, we aren't even sure if the efficacy rate is for ALL cats, or just for high-risk cats: the chances are very very low that a vaccinated, truly negative cat is going to catch anything from a positive. plus, please remember that an asymptomatic FeLV is just that: asymptomatic. until and if the virus is activated, they are just like normal (?) cats: they are no more or less susceptible to illness than any other cat, and they come with no better or worse warranties than any other. they'll get uris, they'll get utis, they'll get herpes infections, they'll get gingivitis, etc--their FeLV status doesn't necessarily make them any more vulnerable, while the virus is inactive. more vigilance is called for, but these are NOT persistently frail, delicate little blossoms that need to be protected from the world we're talking about here (as most of us can attest to) i'm absolutely ecstatic to read threads where so many vets are saying, hey, we can handle a FeLV, no problem! just talked to someone locally who needs to place two, and she found three local vets--what an incredible change that is! we all make the best decision for our own lives--but hopefully, we can do so with adequare and accurate information. MC On Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 10:29 PM, Lynne [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'd take a healthy FeLV neutered male in a heart beat. Lynne - Original Message - *From:* catatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Tuesday, March 11, 2008 8:26 PM *Subject:* Re: update: Athena Keep us updated. You would be doing a very good deed! Not many people will take positives. tonya *Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED]* wrote: Hi everyone - We have been able to locate an almost 1 year old very healthy FeLV+ neutered male siamese. We will be going to see him in a couple weeks... Do you think that is 'o ld enough'? This is only a potential - we don't have to make a decision quickly. From what I understand, he was exposed as a kitten (last May ) and tested (in June) positive for FeLV. I think she said he would be a year in March (I think) but in the mean time, he hasn't had any health problems at all - even through the rounds of URI in his mates...I don't think that he's been re-tested since. Do you think we should request him to be re-tested before we take him in? I'm excited about the prospects of having another siamese - and as long as he's healthy this could work. I'll keep you all updated - I have to make a trip to Chicago next week or else I would have already probably checked him out. Anyways... hope you all have a good evening. Beth -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: update: Athena
Keep us updated. You would be doing a very good deed! Not many people will take positives. tonya Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi everyone - We have been able to locate an almost 1 year old very healthy FeLV+ neutered male siamese. We will be going to see him in a couple weeks... Do you think that is 'old enough'? This is only a potential - we don't have to make a decision quickly. From what I understand, he was exposed as a kitten (last May ) and tested (in June) positive for FeLV. I think she said he would be a year in March (I think) but in the mean time, he hasn't had any health problems at all - even through the rounds of URI in his mates...I don't think that he's been re-tested since. Do you think we should request him to be re-tested before we take him in? I'm excited about the prospects of having another siamese - and as long as he's healthy this could work. I'll keep you all updated - I have to make a trip to Chicago next week or else I would have already probably checked him out. Anyways... hope you all have a good evening. Beth
Re: update: Athena
I'd take a healthy FeLV neutered male in a heart beat. Lynne - Original Message - From: catatonya To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 8:26 PM Subject: Re: update: Athena Keep us updated. You would be doing a very good deed! Not many people will take positives. tonya Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi everyone - We have been able to locate an almost 1 year old very healthy FeLV+ neutered male siamese. We will be going to see him in a couple weeks... Do you think that is 'o ld enough'? This is only a potential - we don't have to make a decision quickly. From what I understand, he was exposed as a kitten (last May ) and tested (in June) positive for FeLV. I think she said he would be a year in March (I think) but in the mean time, he hasn't had any health problems at all - even through the rounds of URI in his mates...I don't think that he's been re-tested since. Do you think we should request him to be re-tested before we take him in? I'm excited about the prospects of having another siamese - and as long as he's healthy this could work. I'll keep you all updated - I have to make a trip to Chicago next week or else I would have already probably checked him out. Anyways... hope you all have a good evening. Beth
Re: update: Athena
i think adopting the other kitty would be neat since they are both around the same age. they will probably give you a lot of laughs playing! :) wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, March 6, 2008 8:47:56 AM Subject: Re: update: Athena to clarify that: She was probably BORN early August or late July. sorry. Beth On Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 8:47 AM, Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Wendy Our positive is around 8 months old. We aren't sure of her exact age - she was probably early August/late July.\ Beth On Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 8:33 AM, wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hey Beth, How old is your existing FeLV+? Thanks, Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, March 5, 2008 10:26:15 PM Subject: Re: update: Athena Hi everyone - We have been able to locate an almost 1 year old very healthy FeLV+ neutered male siamese. We will be going to see him in a couple weeks... Do you think that is 'old enough'? This is only a potential - we don't have to make a decision quickly. From what I understand, he was exposed as a kitten (last May ) and tested (in June) positive for FeLV. I think she said he would be a year in March (I think) but in the mean time, he hasn't had any health problems at all - even through the rounds of URI in his mates...I don't think that he's been re-tested since. Do you think we should request him to be re-tested before we take him in? I'm excited about the prospects of having another siamese - and as long as he's healthy this could work. I'll keep you all updated - I have to make a trip to Chicago next week or else I would have already probably checked him out. Anyways... hope you all have a good evening. Beth Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage. -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!! -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!! Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
Re: update: Athena
When we adopted Ki, his mother and all sibs were neg. It wasn't until he developed swollen nodes un his neck that we had him tested. He was always a weak pos. We then vaccinated all of our other cats. I did a lot of research and it seems as though the healthy vaccinated adult cats are the safest to have a pos cat with. We haven't had any problems since Ki's death last June. I still have his brother, and he is healthy as a horse...looks and eats like one too! Good luck on your decision. I am not sure I would ever get a pos cat again. Between the felv and the fip, and losing him anyway...it almost killed me. However, I would never euth a cat that I had already owned because of the felv. I fall in love too quickly. I think i would tke a very agressive approach if this ever happens to me again. Good luck on your decision. Dede --- Lynne [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Beth, I can understand how frustrated and disheartened you are but I would agree about bringing in another vaccinated adult cat if any. My Lennie has lived a single life for 19 years and when we discovered Boo had Felv we weren't concerned because they did not want anything to do with each other. Until Boo came along, we never had more than one cat and he likes having us all to ourselves. I honestly don't think they care about companions all that much if you give them all the attention. If you really think Athena needs a friend then the vaccinated adult would probably be the best bet. I am still so heartbroken at this point I could not put myself through what I just went through with losing BooBoo again, not this soon anyway. But that may change. If I were to be offered a vet checked cat that tested positive and was really healthy, not like my baby, I would probably consider taking it if I knew no one else would. In my case it was the horrible shock of not knowing anything about this disease until it was far too late. I still have hope for these cats. Lynne - Original Message - From: catatonya To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 9:32 PM Subject: Re: update: Athena I've bought in both. And never had any transfer of the virus. I think the important thing is to bring in another vaccinated adult, or healthy positive adult. t Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all So Athena just re-tested on ELISA a weak positive. This is 9 weeks from the first testing that we did when we lost Orion to FeLV.nbs p; I guess I'm just disheartened... I had REALLY hoped (for her sake) that she would be negative - she seems so healthy...no major problems or anything... and we really wanted to get another cat for a companion for her. My husband and I have talked and we just can't bring closure to ourselves to intentionally get another FeLV + cat... which means pretty much she's gonna stay a single cat. I don't know, in my mind it just seems that it would be a perpetually bleak cycle (and I know that it's not true simply because of the joy they bring..but this is my bummed out- ness coming through) to have 'sick' cats that can just die any time. Do any of you have experiences bringing in another cat? Do you always elect to get another FeLV +? How do kittens generally fare? Our vet suggested bringing in a FeLV negative vaccinated adult...but I don't want even the SLIGHTEST risk of exposing another cat to this. Any feedback would help me out... I'm so frustrated with this whole thing. Thanks for listening :} -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!! When you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God Mosiah 2:17 Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Re: update: Athena
Hey Beth, How old is your existing FeLV+? Thanks, Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, March 5, 2008 10:26:15 PM Subject: Re: update: Athena Hi everyone - We have been able to locate an almost 1 year old very healthy FeLV+ neutered male siamese. We will be going to see him in a couple weeks... Do you think that is 'old enough'? This is only a potential - we don't have to make a decision quickly. From what I understand, he was exposed as a kitten (last May ) and tested (in June) positive for FeLV. I think she said he would be a year in March (I think) but in the mean time, he hasn't had any health problems at all - even through the rounds of URI in his mates...I don't think that he's been re-tested since. Do you think we should request him to be re-tested before we take him in? I'm excited about the prospects of having another siamese - and as long as he's healthy this could work. I'll keep you all updated - I have to make a trip to Chicago next week or else I would have already probably checked him out. Anyways... hope you all have a good evening. Beth Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Re: update: Athena
Wendy Our positive is around 8 months old. We aren't sure of her exact age - she was probably early August/late July.\ Beth On Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 8:33 AM, wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hey Beth, How old is your existing FeLV+? Thanks, Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, March 5, 2008 10:26:15 PM Subject: Re: update: Athena Hi everyone - We have been able to locate an almost 1 year old very healthy FeLV+ neutered male siamese. We will be going to see him in a couple weeks... Do you think that is 'old enough'? This is only a potential - we don't have to make a decision quickly. From what I understand, he was exposed as a kitten (last May ) and tested (in June) positive for FeLV. I think she said he would be a year in March (I think) but in the mean time, he hasn't had any health problems at all - even through the rounds of URI in his mates...I don't think that he's been re-tested since. Do you think we should request him to be re-tested before we take him in? I'm excited about the prospects of having another siamese - and as long as he's healthy this could work. I'll keep you all updated - I have to make a trip to Chicago next week or else I would have already probably checked him out. Anyways... hope you all have a good evening. Beth -- Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=51438/*http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
Re: update: Athena
I've bought in both. And never had any transfer of the virus. I think the important thing is to bring in another vaccinated adult, or healthy positive adult. t Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all So Athena just re-tested on ELISA a weak positive. This is 9 weeks from the first testing that we did when we lost Orion to FeLV. I guess I'm just disheartened... I had REALLY hoped (for her sake) that she would be negative - she seems so healthy...no major problems or anything... and we really wanted to get another cat for a companion for her. My husband and I have talked and we just can't bring closure to ourselves to intentionally get another FeLV + cat... which means pretty much she's gonna stay a single cat. I don't know, in my mind it just seems that it would be a perpetually bleak cycle (and I know that it's not true simply because of the joy they bring..but this is my bummed out- ness coming through) to have 'sick' cats that can just die any time. Do any of you have experiences bringing in another cat? Do you always elect to get another FeLV +? How do kittens generally fare? Our vet suggested bringing in a FeLV negative vaccinated adult...but I don't want even the SLIGHTEST risk of exposing another cat to this. Any feedback would help me out...I'm so frustrated with this whole thing. Thanks for listening :} -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
Re: update: Athena
Beth, I can understand how frustrated and disheartened you are but I would agree about bringing in another vaccinated adult cat if any. My Lennie has lived a single life for 19 years and when we discovered Boo had Felv we weren't concerned because they did not want anything to do with each other. Until Boo came along, we never had more than one cat and he likes having us all to ourselves. I honestly don't think they care about companions all that much if you give them all the attention. If you really think Athena needs a friend then the vaccinated adult would probably be the best bet. I am still so heartbroken at this point I could not put myself through what I just went through with losing BooBoo again, not this soon anyway. But that may change. If I were to be offered a vet checked cat that tested positive and was really healthy, not like my baby, I would probably consider taking it if I knew no one else would. In my case it was the horrible shock of not knowing anything about this disease until it was far too late. I still have hope for these cats. Lynne - Original Message - From: catatonya To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 9:32 PM Subject: Re: update: Athena I've bought in both. And never had any transfer of the virus. I think the important thing is to bring in another vaccinated adult, or healthy positive adult. t Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all So Athena just re-tested on ELISA a weak positive. This is 9 weeks from the first testing that we did when we lost Orion to FeLV.nbs p; I guess I'm just disheartened... I had REALLY hoped (for her sake) that she would be negative - she seems so healthy...no major problems or anything... and we really wanted to get another cat for a companion for her. My husband and I have talked and we just can't bring closure to ourselves to intentionally get another FeLV + cat... which means pretty much she's gonna stay a single cat. I don't know, in my mind it just seems that it would be a perpetually bleak cycle (and I know that it's not true simply because of the joy they bring..but this is my bummed out- ness coming through) to have 'sick' cats that can just die any time. Do any of you have experiences bringing in another cat? Do you always elect to get another FeLV +? How do kittens generally fare? Our vet suggested bringing in a FeLV negative vaccinated adult...but I don't want even the SLIGHTEST risk of exposing another cat to this. Any feedback would help me out... I'm so frustrated with this whole thing. Thanks for listening :} -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
Re: update: Athena
Hi everyone - We have been able to locate an almost 1 year old very healthy FeLV+ neutered male siamese. We will be going to see him in a couple weeks... Do you think that is 'old enough'? This is only a potential - we don't have to make a decision quickly. From what I understand, he was exposed as a kitten (last May ) and tested (in June) positive for FeLV. I think she said he would be a year in March (I think) but in the mean time, he hasn't had any health problems at all - even through the rounds of URI in his mates...I don't think that he's been re-tested since. Do you think we should request him to be re-tested before we take him in? I'm excited about the prospects of having another siamese - and as long as he's healthy this could work. I'll keep you all updated - I have to make a trip to Chicago next week or else I would have already probably checked him out. Anyways... hope you all have a good evening. Beth
Re: update: Athena
Thank you all so much for your notesthey have really helped. David (my hubby) and I are still discussing things. After a few days of really watching Athena and trying to figure out her behavior (she's pretty quirky) I have again come to the same conclusion that she would really benefit from another cat. I think that it will have to be a perfect situation for us to make the decision to bring another cat into the house, but as of the last few days - it doesn't break my heart to think about. We are going to just keep our options open and see what happens. Thanks for the support - this network has really saved my sanity - I can't imaging the last couple of months with out everyone's letters - even the sad ones. Beth On Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 10:47 PM, Dorothy Noble [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have to agree with Laurie. When Armond was left as the last cat standing, I just couldn't bear for him to be alone. (I think that cats can be solitary but I *know* how much Armond LOVES to have a friend. Someone to groom and sleep with and wrestle with...) So, I set out on a long search to find him another positive kitty friend. And, I found one - he is Preston and he is such a doll. I could not bear the thought of infecting another cat by bringing in one who was negative, when there are so many positive cats who are unadoptable out there. Preston's first family had to give him up when he tested positive due to their other cats - it was so wonderful to be able to tell them that we had rescued Preston and that he had a happy home. The sanctuary where Preston was living has an entire room (old church building) with about 40 positive kitties. No one had ever adopted a cat from there - not ever, until we got Preston. Even though his life may not be as long as other cats, I know that his life will be good and so will Armond's and so will mine! Good luck with your decision... *laurieskatz [EMAIL PROTECTED]* wrote: I'd be as worried about Athena catching something from the FeLV negative cat as the negative cat getting FeLV. My understanding is the virus is shed via body fluids ~ saliva, nasal discharge, etc. A friend had a negative cat living with a group of positives for 5 or 6 years and he never got sick (and tested negative for FeLV after that time ~ she mistakenly thought he tested positive in the beginning or he was a false positive). SO, if you get another kitty who is not positive, you might want to make sure that kitty is healthy when you bring it home. Also, it is important that they get along so Athena isn't stressed out. You know, we really have no guarantees. I had 2 FeLv positive cats who lived very long lives ~ 16 and 22 years. Squeaky was a carrier. He was never sick. Stripes was sick on and off. I was devastated when they died. So, I adopted 3 (unrelated) cats from the shelter at once. Insurance, you know. Keisha was age unknown and the other 2 were about 6 months. Teddy, one of the young ones died 6 years later, of cancer. He got sick with IBD and asthma within the first year after I adopted him and was sick his entire life. Coco, the other young'un is still with me but has had 2 instances where I nearly lost her. Frankie (a rescued feral kitten with asthma) lost most of his vision a year ago at age 9 and was diagnosed with pancreatitis which it seems he has conquered. Keisha died last summer, completely unexpectedly, of congestive heart failure. I guess I am giving examples of how we just never know. With my newest group (which grew to 7), I was sure Keihsa would die first because she was oldestnot so. If it were me, I'd probably adopt another FeLV or no one. But that is just me and by no means the right answer! Athena may never have a symptom. Squeaky didn't. He outlived Stripes by another 7 years. I didn't adopt another cat only because he was already older when Stripes died and he was so upset when Stripes died. I never considered Squeaky sick since he never was. Take care of yourselves...let your heart lead you. Laurie - Original Message - *From:* Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Monday, February 25, 2008 6:06 PM *Subject:* update: Athena Hi all So Athena just re-tested on ELISA a weak positive. This is 9 weeks from the first testing that we did when we lost Orion to FeLV. I guess I'm just disheartened... I had REALLY hoped (for her sake) that she would be negative - she seems so healthy...no major problems or anything... and we really wanted to get another cat for a companion for her. My husband and I have talked and we just can't bring closure to ourselves to intentionally get another FeLV + cat... which means pretty much she's gonna stay a single cat. I don't know, in my mind it just seems that it would be a perpetually bleak cycle (and I know that it's not true simply because of the joy they bring..but this is my bummed out- ness coming through) to have
Re: update: Athena
I have to agree with Laurie. When Armond was left as the last cat standing, I just couldn't bear for him to be alone. (I think that cats can be solitary but I know how much Armond LOVES to have a friend. Someone to groom and sleep with and wrestle with...) So, I set out on a long search to find him another positive kitty friend. And, I found one - he is Preston and he is such a doll. I could not bear the thought of infecting another cat by bringing in one who was negative, when there are so many positive cats who are unadoptable out there. Preston's first family had to give him up when he tested positive due to their other cats - it was so wonderful to be able to tell them that we had rescued Preston and that he had a happy home. The sanctuary where Preston was living has an entire room (old church building) with about 40 positive kitties. No one had ever adopted a cat from there - not ever, until we got Preston. Even though his life may not be as long as other cats, I know that his life will be good and so will Armond's and so will mine! Good luck with your decision... laurieskatz [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'd be as worried about Athena catching something from the FeLV negative cat as the negative cat getting FeLV. My understanding is the virus is shed via body fluids ~ saliva, nasal discharge, etc. A friend had a negative cat living with a group of positives for 5 or 6 years and he never got sick (and tested negative for FeLV after that time ~ she mistakenly thought he tested positive in the beginning or he was a false positive). SO, if you get another kitty who is not positive, you might want to make sure that kitty is healthy when you bring it home. Also, it is important that they get along so Athena isn't stressed out. You know, we really have no guarantees. I had 2 FeLv positive cats who lived very long lives ~ 16 and 22 years. Squeaky was a carrier. He was never sick. Stripes was sick on and off. I was devastated when they died. So, I adopted 3 (unrelated) cats from the shelter at once. Insurance, you know. Keisha was age unknown and the other 2 were about 6 months. Teddy, one of the young ones died 6 years later, of cancer. He got sick with IBD and asthma within the first year after I adopted him and was sick his entire life. Coco, the other young'un is still with me but has had 2 instances where I nearly lost her. Frankie (a rescued feral kitten with asthma) lost most of his vision a year ago at age 9 and was diagnosed with pancreatitis which it seems he has conquered. Keisha died last summer, completely unexpectedly, of congestive heart failure. I guess I am giving examples of how we just never know. With my newest group (which grew to 7), I was sure Keihsa would die first because she was oldestnot so. If it were me, I'd probably adopt another FeLV or no one. But that is just me and by no means the right answer! Athena may never have a symptom. Squeaky didn't. He outlived Stripes by another 7 years. I didn't adopt another cat only because he was already older when Stripes died and he was so upset when Stripes died. I never considered Squeaky sick since he never was. Take care of yourselves...let your heart lead you. Laurie - Original Message - From: Beth Gouldin To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 6:06 PM Subject: update: Athena Hi all So Athena just re-tested on ELISA a weak positive. This is 9 weeks from the first testing that we did when we lost Orion to FeLV. I guess I'm just disheartened... I had REALLY hoped (for her sake) that she would be negative - she seems so healthy...no major problems or anything... and we really wanted to get another cat for a companion for her. My husband and I have talked and we just can't bring closure to ourselves to intentionally get another FeLV + cat... which means pretty much she's gonna stay a single cat. I don't know, in my mind it just seems that it would be a perpetually bleak cycle (and I know that it's not true simply because of the joy they bring..but this is my bummed out- ness coming through) to have 'sick' cats that can just die any time. Do any of you have experiences bringing in another cat? Do you always elect to get another FeLV +? How do kittens generally fare? Our vet suggested bringing in a FeLV negative vaccinated adult...but I don't want even the SLIGHTEST risk of exposing another cat to this. Any feedback would help me out...I'm so frustrated with this whole thing. Thanks for listening :} -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!! - Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
Re: update: Athena
Beth, I can understand how dissapointed you must feel that Athena re-tested positive. I was so bummed when Buzz tested positive. He will re-test in April and I am afraid I am just hopeing too much for him to test negative, if the outcome is not what I am praying for it will really be hard. I have five other cats and he is living in a room all by himself. He hates being shut away from all that is going on in the rest of the house but the risk to the others is just too great. I agree with you about not getting another one. It just seems like it could become a viscous cycle. What do you do if you lose one, keep replaceing them? It is all so heartbreaking. So my Buzz will live out his life in a room away from the others unless he receives the miracle of a negative test. He is treated like a king in that room, though. I just got him a cat condo this past weekend and he LOVES it. I also spend as much time as I can with him. At first I was even trying to find another home for him but I really can't imagine ever giving him up. He is such a great cat, but if a situation ever came up where he would have a really great home, I would let him go for his happieness. Good luck to you no matter what you decide to do. Sue Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: = Hi all So Athena just re-tested on ELISA a weak positive. This is 9 weeks from the first testing that we did when we lost Orion to FeLV. I guess I'm just disheartened... I had REALLY hoped (for her sake) that she would be negative - she seems so healthy...no major problems or anything... and we really wanted to get another cat for a companion for her. My husband and I have talked and we just can't bring closure to ourselves to intentionally get another FeLV + cat... which means pretty much she's gonna stay a single cat. I don't know, in my mind it just seems that it would be a perpetually bleak cycle (and I know that it's not true simply because of the joy they bring..but this is my bummed out- ness coming through) to have 'sick' cats that can just die any time. Do any of you have experiences bringing in another cat? Do you always elect to get another FeLV +? How do kittens generally fare? Our vet suggested bringing in a FeLV negative vaccinated adult...but I don't want even the SLIGHTEST risk of exposing another cat to this. Any feedback would help me out...I'm so frustrated with this whole thing. Thanks for listening :} -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
Re: update: Athena
A thought: how about an adult vaccinated cat from a local kill shelter? Yes, there is a chance he/she will develop FeLV. That chance appears to exist with any adopted cat. However, the chances of an adult cat in a kill shelter dying is very, very high. Everyone wants kittens and the kill rate for most shelters is very high even for kittens. A thought. You will have to weigh your own values. If I were a cat in a kill shelter or on the streets alone I would take my chances with the FeV exposure. Right now Dixie has a wonderful Tom cat calling on her. He started coming around several months ago. PC is fully grown, on his own and appears very healthy. I let them together at times for short periods of time and my concerns are that he will bring in a disease to her, not visa versa. We live on a rural farm. I suspect PC has been exposed to everything he ever will be exposed to. If he continues to hang around and continues to come in peacefully I plan to try to take him to a vet for a checkup. This is not very easy for a number of reasons and there are real questions about neutering him given his life style. Forcing him to live inside is not an option and, unlike the colony at my mother's, monitoring him is also questionable. However, back on topic, a cat whose destiny is death might well welcome a nice home. I certainly would. I would also point out that Dixie tested positive 3 years ago and is and has been extremely healthy and happy since she was tested. Had I not taken her to be spayed I would never know her status. Feed Athena the best foods you can and give her the best supplements and forget her status whether you get a companion for her or not. Just be vigilant re any problems..as you should for anyone without words. If you dwell on the status you will loose so very much. On Feb 25, 2008, at 6:06 PM, Beth Gouldin wrote: Hi all So Athena just re-tested on ELISA a weak positive. This is 9 weeks from the first testing that we did when we lost Orion to FeLV. I guess I'm just disheartened... I had REALLY hoped (for her sake) that she would be negative - she seems so healthy...no major problems or anything... and we really wanted to get another cat for a companion for her. My husband and I have talked and we just can't bring closure to ourselves to intentionally get another FeLV + cat... which means pretty much she's gonna stay a single cat. I don't know, in my mind it just seems that it would be a perpetually bleak cycle (and I know that it's not true simply because of the joy they bring..but this is my bummed out- ness coming through) to have 'sick' cats that can just die any time. Do any of you have experiences bringing in another cat? Do you always elect to get another FeLV +? How do kittens generally fare? Our vet suggested bringing in a FeLV negative vaccinated adult...but I don't want even the SLIGHTEST risk of exposing another cat to this. Any feedback would help me out...I'm so frustrated with this whole thing. Thanks for listening :} -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
Re: update: Athena
I'd be as worried about Athena catching something from the FeLV negative cat as the negative cat getting FeLV. My understanding is the virus is shed via body fluids ~ saliva, nasal discharge, etc. A friend had a negative cat living with a group of positives for 5 or 6 years and he never got sick (and tested negative for FeLV after that time ~ she mistakenly thought he tested positive in the beginning or he was a false positive). SO, if you get another kitty who is not positive, you might want to make sure that kitty is healthy when you bring it home. Also, it is important that they get along so Athena isn't stressed out. You know, we really have no guarantees. I had 2 FeLv positive cats who lived very long lives ~ 16 and 22 years. Squeaky was a carrier. He was never sick. Stripes was sick on and off. I was devastated when they died. So, I adopted 3 (unrelated) cats from the shelter at once. Insurance, you know. Keisha was age unknown and the other 2 were about 6 months. Teddy, one of the young ones died 6 years later, of cancer. He got sick with IBD and asthma within the first year after I adopted him and was sick his entire life. Coco, the other young'un is still with me but has had 2 instances where I nearly lost her. Frankie (a rescued feral kitten with asthma) lost most of his vision a year ago at age 9 and was diagnosed with pancreatitis which it seems he has conquered. Keisha died last summer, completely unexpectedly, of congestive heart failure. I guess I am giving examples of how we just never know. With my newest group (which grew to 7), I was sure Keihsa would die first because she was oldestnot so. If it were me, I'd probably adopt another FeLV or no one. But that is just me and by no means the right answer! Athena may never have a symptom. Squeaky didn't. He outlived Stripes by another 7 years. I didn't adopt another cat only because he was already older when Stripes died and he was so upset when Stripes died. I never considered Squeaky sick since he never was. Take care of yourselves...let your heart lead you. Laurie - Original Message - From: Beth Gouldin To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 6:06 PM Subject: update: Athena Hi all So Athena just re-tested on ELISA a weak positive. This is 9 weeks from the first testing that we did when we lost Orion to FeLV. I guess I'm just disheartened... I had REALLY hoped (for her sake) that she would be negative - she seems so healthy...no major problems or anything... and we really wanted to get another cat for a companion for her. My husband and I have talked and we just can't bring closure to ourselves to intentionally get another FeLV + cat... which means pretty much she's gonna stay a single cat. I don't know, in my mind it just seems that it would be a perpetually bleak cycle (and I know that it's not true simply because of the joy they bring..but this is my bummed out- ness coming through) to have 'sick' cats that can just die any time. Do any of you have experiences bringing in another cat? Do you always elect to get another FeLV +? How do kittens generally fare? Our vet suggested bringing in a FeLV negative vaccinated adult...but I don't want even the SLIGHTEST risk of exposing another cat to this. Any feedback would help me out...I'm so frustrated with this whole thing. Thanks for listening :} -- Beth Gouldin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 940.395.5393 God Bless!!!
