Feral FELV + Situation

I just had my first TNR experience this past weekend. I successfully trapped 6 cats. 2 adults cats (1 tomcat, 1 female) and 4 kittens. Unfortunately, only 5 out of 6 cats were returned.

I received a phone call a few hours later with a vet suggesting that I have the tomcat tested for FIV. They said that he had several bite marks and scarring. I allowed the testing. The test for FIV came out negative while the test for FELV came out positive. The vet then suggested that the cat be euthanized to protect the entire colony from contracting FELV and to keep the cat from suffering from any FELV symptoms in the future. I asked the vet several questions about the cat and if there was really nothing else I could do to help the cat. Keeping the cat indoors until I could get it tested again was not an option because I live with someone who is allergic to cats. The vet seemed pretty sold that the only way to take care of the situation was to euthanize the cat rather than return it. This was an extremely hard and emotional decision for me to make. Of course, since I am not a vet, I figured that the vet knows best & that I should just go with the vetâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s advice.

It is hard to tell whether or not euthanizing the cat was the best option.
Itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s often a guessing game based on what is or is not likely to happen. After the cat was euthanized, I felt desperate to learn more about FIV & FeLV. I found on Alley Cat Allies website that they do not promote testing of FIV and FeLV.
http://www.alleycat.org/Page.aspx?pid=457
http://www.alleycat.org/Page.aspx?pid=458

So my question is, what should I do the next time I trap a cat and the clinic suggests that I test it? What if the vet says the cat seems very ill or has bite marks, and testing it is necessary? Should I always say no to testing no matter what or does it really depend on the condition of the cat?

Now, I am feeling guilty and heartbroken. HELP me- I really need peoples' opinion so I know what to do next time I take feral cats to the clinic.
Thank you everyone- I know that this was lengthy.

It is the common practice in the TNR game to euthanize any cat that tests positive for FELV or FIV. It prevents them from spreading the disease, and it prevents them from suffering a horrible death later if they succumb to the disease where you can't help them out.

You helped 6 cats. Five you helped to a better life, and one you helped protect from a much worse death. Yes, you'll feel bad about it. I would, too. But that doesn't mean you didn't do the right thing.

Buck up, buddy, and be glad you're the hero you are.

Thanks for your feedback mrblanche. It's reassuring to hear.

I tend to follow ACA's advice on the subject. If I did test, I wouldn't put down a cat that only tested positive for FIV only, as the chances of him spreading it are much decreased now that he's neutered. FeLV is much more easily transmitted and there's really no good answer. Was the cat sick? If so, the chances of a FeLV+ cat recovering from an illness are slim to none.

I totally understand because the first time I took a batch of cats to the low-cost place for TNR, one tom tested positive for both FIV and FeLV and they put him down. I was traumatized.

Originally Posted by Willowy

I tend to follow ACA's advice on the subject. If I did test, I wouldn't put down a cat that only tested positive for FIV only, as the chances of him spreading it are much decreased now that he's neutered. FeLV is much more easily transmitted and there's really no good answer. Was the cat sick? If so, the chances of a FeLV+ cat recovering from an illness are slim to none.

I totally understand because the first time I took a batch of cats to the low-cost place for TNR, one tom tested positive for both FIV and FeLV and they put him down. I was traumatized.

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I don't think that the tomcat was sick, but I couldn't really tell. When I'd watch him from my window a few weeks before trapping, he would eat and socialize with the other cats. He did look very scruffy and had a poor coat but I figured that was typical for a tomcat. The vet mentioned that he had some bite wounds and that it is likely for him to spread FELV b/c of cat fights.

There's another tomcat that I see around a lot and I hope that when I trap him, it won't have to be the same outcome.

to you for the loss of this cat. But you did right thing by this kitty. He would have suffered a terrible death down the road, most likely and also would be spreading the disease. FeLK is a cruel disease for the feral cat population. Most TNR orgs. don't routinely test a cat coming in. But if they are tested and are positive for FeLK, they are euthanized. FIV, no. That can only be spread by deep bite wounds. Still a risk, but a much smaller scale than FeLK. Be happy for the cats you did get done. You have saved many lives by doing so and I thank you for making this effort

Thanks feralvr

All of these helpful comments are helping me cope with this. Now I can be more confident for my next TNR mission. I'm so happy to have found this wonderful support system!

AW hun, you are welcome. I felt the same way when I joined. Also, because of wanting TNR support. This is the place for that . Hope you are feeling a wee bit better , brighter days ahead !!!!

Originally Posted by mrblanche

It is the common practice in the TNR game to euthanize any cat that tests positive for FELV or FIV. It prevents them from spreading the disease, and it prevents them from suffering a horrible death later if they succumb to the disease where you can't help them out.

You helped 6 cats. Five you helped to a better life, and one you helped protect from a much worse death. Yes, you'll feel bad about it. I would, too. But that doesn't mean you didn't do the right thing.

Buck up, buddy, and be glad you're the hero you are.

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I agree with Mr Blanche. You absolutely did the right thing.

These cats SHOULD be tested. Is it better to allow one cat, who will ultimately spread the illness to all the others, go free only to die a slow terrible death after he's passed on his disease? You saved him from suffering and you saved countless others from facing the same fate.

FeLV+ cat should NEVER be returned to feral colonies, in my opinion. The disease is just too highly contagious. Since there was one though, there may be more. Start looking around for rescues who specialize in cats with FeLV (and FIV) so you have a resource if it happens again.

You're an Angel.