feline leukemia is there hope?

I suppose everything in the balance of my life tipped sideways the day the vet said Skunk had Feline Leukemia..I was scared, and even now years later when they claim that he's in remission and will be ok...is he going to be? he's healthier since then and rushes around the yard chasing rabbits like everything never happened.

Anyone else here been in my shoes like this? it's not a happy thought, this is one of those things I don't like to think of..what if he comes out of it? he's an old kitty....it's scary ya know?

So hug your kitty close! ^_^

Did you say "years later"? If so, you have been blessed, in my opinion. I had a 6 year old cat diagnosed with leukemia in 1985, and he made it three weeks. At that time, there was apparently nothing we could do for this wretched disease.

But you are absolutely correct about hugging your kitties close. Anything (and it has been proven by the posters on this site) can happen in a moment's notice. Really scary.

There are those on this site who are very familiar with this disease; perhaps they will be along soon with some real advice. Meanwhile, many vibes and good wishes for you and your kitty. (who really does resemble a skunk - what a pretty kitty!)

Sorry to hear that your kitty has leukemia. Be glad that you've had so long with him since his diagnosis, and that he's feeling well right now. Most cats will die within two years.

Cornell has a good write up on FeLV. http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/felv.html

What does your vet say about this? Have you ever had your cat re-tested?

From what I've read, some cats are able to "kick" the virus after that initial exposure (the Cornell brochure touches on this). I don't know if your cat is in that group, but as another poster mentioned, it's a good sign that your guy is still around after such a long time.

Just to complicate matters further, false positives are possible when testing. I've heard different opinions on how *often* this happens, but it does.

A couple of members here are very knowledgeable about FeLV - I'm sure one of them will be able to shed some light.

Originally Posted by motoko9

What does your vet say about this? Have you ever had your cat re-tested?

From what I've read, some cats are able to "kick" the virus after that initial exposure (the Cornell brochure touches on this). I don't know if your cat is in that group, but as another poster mentioned, it's a good sign that your guy is still around after such a long time.

Just to complicate matters further, false positives are possible when testing. I've heard different opinions on how *often* this happens, but it does.

A couple of members here are very knowledgeable about FeLV - I'm sure one of them will be able to shed some light.

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this exactly what I was wondering has Skunk been re-tested since he initially tested positive? there is a very good chance that he is now negative. It is theorized that adult cats can fight off the initial infection. That cornell link is very informative, their info is the info I trust the most. All 14 of my cats are leukemia positive...well, one is not but that's a very long story and I am very lucky if I have a kitty reach their 5th birthday but I love them with all my heart just the same If you ever have any concerns or questions, send me a PM!

Originally Posted by katiemae1277

this exactly what I was wondering

has Skunk been re-tested since he initially tested positive? there is a very good chance that he is now negative. It is theorized that adult cats can fight off the initial infection. That cornell link is very informative, their info is the info I trust the most. All 14 of my cats are leukemia positive...well, one is not but that's a very long story

and I am very lucky if I have a kitty reach their 5th birthday

but I love them with all my heart just the same

If you ever have any concerns or questions, send me a PM!

Click to expand...

I have a cat right now that is living with FeLV - we are doing our best to support her immune with supplements and raw meat diet. I welcome any questions.

Take Care.