FeLV tests(ISA) question

As you all know I have several infected cats. The 3(one was put down for being really sick, the positive test made us decide it wasn't worth it to save her, she was 1.8 lbs at 8 weeks and was smaller than Runt) that have been confirmed have all been via ELISA. If I have an ISA test would that say if they really did have it, over a faintly positive ELISA or might it give a false negative if their immune system is able to fight it so it is at constant viral load that hasn't gone to the bone marrow, or they are just carriers(or non-infectious carriers.I mean Maude never got sick but she was also a 10 year old vaccinated cat and I know adults have more natural immunities to it.) I want to know if they are really sick or not. I know they are positive 3 kittens out a litter don't test positive unless they really have it.

I'm having a hard time again accepting that they are sick. I feel bad for the calico having to be contained in a kennel getting little human interaction. I want healthy cats. It breaks my heart having to say they are leukemia positive and I'm afraid to, especially getting them spayed and neutered that they will think me cruel to keep them alive or just plain wrong by letting them live outside.

I also really want a kitten. A pure bred Maine Coon(or Norwegian forest cat) if I ever have the money to get one from someone reputable(so it isn't happening anytime soon.) I will have to wait until both Attitude and Nuts are dead for that to happen with them being sick since no breeders will have positive cats nor would I be able to(nor would I'd be willing to) bring in a non-infected cat, especially a kitten. I'm just looking at the next 20 years not having a healthy cat or a cat I really want.

I know I'm selfish for feeling this way and I should be happy with 2 very happy healthy although FeLV positive cats, but I just sometimes get bummed thinking about it.

Would the ISA test be the determining factor if they are really sick or not? or Might I get a false negative even if they are positive? I can't afford to get it done right now(have to ask the vet how much it would cost as I'm only having 1 done, if one is positive then the other most likely is or it really doesn't matter. If one is negative then I'll have the other done.
Anyone know or should I call the vet and see if they know(they don't have a lot of FeLV cats or kittens so I'm a rarity. I know one did check the most recent vaccine recommendations for positive cats as it has swayed back and forth over the years as to vaccinate them or not. Right now it is normal vaccines at a normal schedule.

I just want a kitten, I can't afford one right now, I couldn't do vet bills even with a 'free' cat right now so I'm thinking about the future. I just want to know for sure and I was wondering if the ISA test will give me a definite yes or no answer.

Taryn

To get a true answer you would have to have the IFA test done twice, I think its six weeks+ apart (in case there is a false positive or negative on the first) so it would not help the calico stray but for knowing exactly what you are up against and not worrying they could become sick etc, it would be worth it for me. The PCR test costs more but the vet usually trusts it on the first test

Did you ever redo the SNAP Elisa test after kittenhood, most false positives are before 6 months of age

To be honest I don't care about the calico and if she is or isn't. I just want her off my porch. Her and her 2 6 month old 'room mates' are all going in for their spays Tues and then I'm done with the calico for good.

I'm asking for Attitude and Nuts. Attitude has been tested twice and Nuts once. Both are very faint positives. I know they really are infected because well both came back as positive. Their last tests were past 6 months old. I know it was neonatal/maternal milk transmission since there is no other way for them to have been infected.

I just know there are no kittens in my future for quite some time if they are positive. Obviously Attitude and Nuts aren't going anywhere since they are mine and will be until they go to the bridge I just wish I knew I could add another cat at some point in the future and if they are positive then that isn't happening.

Taryn

Originally Posted by Taryn

I just wish I knew I could add another cat at some point in the future and if they are positive then that isn't happening.

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We have a member here who takes in Felv+ cats. Some are with her for a while, some only a few months. It's hard on the heart, but she truly does a wonderful thing to make sure they have a good life while they can.

If you're definitely sure yours are positive, and can afford to take in another cat that could have chronic health issues, you could always try that in the future.

I know that but 'dreaming' about having a 'healthy' cat. I know no cat comes with a tag that says how long they'll live, I mean I could have a FeLV+ cat live over 20 years and get a 'healthy' kitten that dies at 6 months old.

Like I said I'd love to have a purebred but they don't come in a leukemia positive
'model.' Trust me I'd love it if leukemia disappeared but iut isn't going to anytime soon. I know I'll end up with more leukemia positive cats until the day I die.

Taryn

Hi I'm the person who takes in FeLV cats

I've been doing it for 10 years now, and like strange wings said, it's very hard on my heart. I'm actually working on getting out of the leukemia business and the very bad year I've had so far is only solidifying my decision I definitely can commiserate with your pain, Taryn

I usually get cats after they've tested positive, so in all honesty, I'm not that knowledgeable about the tests themselves, but I do believe that the IFA tests, the ones they send to a lab as opposed to the ELISA immediate results ones are pretty much 100% accurate, so yes, if you get Attitude and Nuts tested with them and they come back positive it is pretty safe to say they are positives.

Like I said I know that they really are positives since both have come up as positive, plus Micro-kitten(RB) tested positive.

I just know that I'm going to end up with a never ending cycle of FeLV+ cats. I know they need homes and that it is really hard to place the(since almost no one wants only 1 cat, plus one with a terminal condition.)

I know they are healthy and that I'm lucky with Attitude, Nuts, Mama, Biter, Half-tail, Runt and Goldie Jr all being fine.

For some reason it's bugging me at the moment.

Taryn