I just got bad news about 1 of my foster kittens

Hi,

You may remember my post a few days ago about coping with the emotional side of adopting out your foster babies. Well, 2 were taken in for neutering and bloodwork last week, and I was just told that Baby J has Feline Leukemia. (I have a litter of 4 foster kittens that are about 6 months old.) My husband and I are heartbroken--we love our cats so much. Luckily, Smudge is o.k, on both FIV and FL tests. We're planning to separate Baby J from the other cats (we have 5 of our own cats, too--but he was quaratined with the 2 other males in his litter). It will be hard for Baby J, as he and Smudge are best buddies. I have to get little Marilyn (their sister) tested tomorrow--the shelter people are concerned that she may also have FL, as she is so tiny for her age. Phoenix will be tested on Wednesday, prior to his neutering.

I don't know what to do. I would like to keep Baby J, as I suppose he won't be adoptable, but am I putting my other cats at risk for Leukemia? Can anyone give me advice on Feline Leukemia? I once had an adult cat, many years ago, when I was a kid, that had it--we found out suddenly, and she went downhill rapidly, enough that we had to have her put to sleep due to her horrible suffering. Apart from that, I know little about the disease. If anyone can post some advice, my husband and I would be grateful. We are so upset right now...

Thanks,

MargeCat

I don't know what to do. I would like to keep Baby J, as I suppose he won't be adoptable, but am I putting my other cats at risk for Leukemia? Can anyone give me advice on Feline Leukemia? I once had an adult cat, many years ago, when I was a kid, that had it--we found out suddenly, and she went downhill rapidly, enough that we had to have her put to sleep due to her horrible suffering. Apart from that, I know little about the disease. If anyone can post some advice, my husband and I would be grateful. We are so upset right now...

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Marge...I would talk to your vet and also do some research online about FELV. Only you can determine if caring for this kitten is right for your family.

http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/FeLV.html

Katie

Oh, I am so sorry. I don't have any advice, but I'm sure someone will. Maybe post on the health forum, too, with Feline Leukemia in the title line.

I am very sorry, as I know these kittens have wormed their way into your heart! I hope the other tests come back neg!

Hi,

Thanks for your best wishes and info. Luckily, the other 3 cats' tests came back negative. We're still considering options for the positive kitten, Hopefully, someone will adopt him, as I don't think it's safe to keep him in the house, as we have other cats. I want to find him a good, loving home.

MargeCat