Posted on 09/26/2016 6:26:30 AM PDT by Hot Tabasco
I recently lost my cat and have been thinking of getting another one. My niece, who is a vet, works with a cat rescue group that has a one year old female kitty with feline leukemia that they have been trying to find a home for and are even willing to waive the adoption fee in order to place her.
So my question is directed to anyone here who has ever had a cat with feline leukemia. How long did your cat live with the disease, how was its quality of life, did you have to administer medication on a regular basis, and what kind of vet medical expenses did you incur on behalf of your cat?
And there you have it — answers all over the place.
IMHO, the thing that matters the most is that you’ll have a cat in quarantine for the rest of its life. No kitty sleepovers, etc.
Do you plan on a multi-cat household, or just this one kitty?
While there is some confusion between two deadly diseases a few decades back, Feline Leukemia is not the same as Feline Aids(or FIV).
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_information/brochure_fiv.cfm We now know these cats, with proper care, can live very long and normal lives. Even being put together with non-FIV cats as the virus is spread through deep bite wounds.
Feline Leukemia Virus;http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/brochure_felv.cfm Although related, FeLV and FIV differ in many ways, including their shape: FeLV is more circular while FIV is elongated. The two viruses are also quite different genetically, and their protein constituents are dissimlar in size and composition. Although many of the diseases caused by FeLV and FIV are similar, the specific ways in which they are caused differs.
I have an FIV positive cat and anticipate he will live a long and happy life. He shares his home with several female cats who are not infected.
That said, if a cat that was FeLV positive were available for adoption, I would have to pass as the FeLV is EASILY transmissible to other cats as the FIV is not easily transmitted.
**If the FeLV cat is to be an indoor only cat and the only cat in the home an adoption might be doable. Although adopting one such cat is to take on a host of future health issues. Also if the cat does escape the home, they could potentially spread the disease very easily.
Here is what she said to me as a professional:
"Gypsy is a 1 year old female cat who was diagnosed with feline leukemia. Because of this she is hard to place in a home because it is a contagious disease. She would always need to be in a one cat household, remain indoors only. Feline leukemia is a viral disease that can predispose to illnesses later in life but they can live a very long normal life as well. She is extremely affectionate and social. I have dealt with many Felv positive cats and many live a very long healthy life."
That's the advice from my niece but it's always good to hear from people who have actually lived and dealt with cats with the disease...........
Feline Leukemia Virus;http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/brochure_felv.cfm
A cat showed up at our house that was less than a year and we all fell in love. Once we decided to keep him we took it to vet and was told he had FIV. They suggested euthanasia but we decided to keep him. He lived for 14 years with very little health complications. A few times he had some dental issues but nothing life threatening. He brought us much joy. So I would say yes but it would be best if he was an inside cat and the only one. Our cat had already lived around our other cats for a few months before we discovered the FIV so there was not much we could do.. Neither of the other cats got it and they all lived for over 12 years. For us, we are so happy we made the decision to keep him
Squeek, my recently passed cat was an indoor cat only and there were no other animals nor will there be with the next one.
The I’d say, meet the cat & see if you have a connection. If so, and you’re okay with it being an only cat for the years to come, then give her a home & love.
So, with that attitude, I guess you’d never adopt a senior animal either
We had many cats infected with feline leukemia many years ago when a stray cat who was a darling brought it to them. They were barn cats. It was awful. Poor babies. I’m not sure about recent advancements in treatment.
There is a major difference between a cat having full blown Feline Leukemia, and a positive blood test for FeL markers, without manifesting other symptoms. So first, pin down which situation describes this cat.
FeLv tests often yield false positives. Young cats that test positive can go through long lives without FeL symptoms. Sometimes a retest after a year or two comes out negative.
An actual case of Feline Leukemia usually manifests as a long decline with wasting away due loss of appetite and battling secondary infections. The end stage is awful, and euthanasia becomes the merciful course. If the cat actually has Feline Leukemia, you should consider whether you can provide hospice care (the vet could estimate for how long), and you will need to watch carefully to decide when the cat is suffering.
I doubt the vet would ask you to adopt an actively dying animal, at least without making it clear that was what you were getting into. If it tested positive but has no symptoms, there’s a risk the cat will develop FeL later. It could be soon, it could be years. Wishing you all the best with this.
Put me in the no column. Have been through it. Expensive and heart wrenching.
Leukemia and Lymphoma will soon become curable diseases in humans, thanks to CAR-T therapy. Not sure when the technology will trickle down to the feline population.
will your niece take care of the cats medical care for free?
Idk your finances, but that can run into $$.
Thanks for replying.
As others have stated, if you only plan on having a One Cat Only household, then this kitty could be considered for adoption. With care, and know that your new kitty should not be in contact with other felines. Your niece is the best source of information on that.
Every cat case is different, there is no right-wrong answer to whether to adopt this kitty or not. If you are able to give the love and care for this special case kitty, the rewards is (almost always) worthwhile. Most of my cats return the love two (five) fold.
p/s: I said most, because I’m still working on one of mine, who absolutely HATES being man-handled. After close to nine years in my care, now I can pat her on the back and just recently I can smack her forehead during feeding time. And I so look forward to the days when she finally will curl up in my lap, maybe in another nine years!
Don’t worry, it won’t live long.
It will start howling non stop, then just lay down and not get up again.
Leukemia or not, it isn’t only up to humans; cats or dogs choose too.
Actually, in my experience, cats, in particular, have a tremendous instinct and choose their human companion - for a cat, it’s all about a natural & instinctive connection.
Pinging myself to read later.
OMG!!
I lurk from home on the weekends and post while at work.
Yes, I’m the one....LOL
I read this over the weekend and wanted to tell you.
IF it is the only cat in the house it is OK.
You will have to have it monitored a lot.
There are a ton of cats that need homes that are healthy.
I had a stray become part of our 9 cat family(back in 2001) and when I took him to get him neutered, they found the lukemia....I had him put down. My choice.
I had to have the other 8 brought in for testing and PHEW! everyone was ok no problem....nutshellin’ it for you...
Let us know what you end up doing....ferels with this disease suffer terrible in the wild.
Our MISO will never ever be forgotten. We loved him. It was terrible to let him go but necessary.
Freeps
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