Stray cat with FeLV, FIV and scabies :(

If those tests were accurate, almost every shelter and vet would want to euthanize the poor thing.  Those two together would ensure she had very little resistance to most diseases and infections.

The only problem would be whether the tests were accurate, properly administered, and strongly positive.

That is a tough decision.  I would do some reading up on these diseases.  I do know if a cat has Feline Leukemia, it can also have underlying diseases, especially Feline Infectious Peritonitis.  I think the FIP noneffusive type can have inflammation of the eye.   Reading in my Cornell Book of Cats about FIP, that cats with primary ocular involvement may survive for as long as a year or more (page 263).  There is still no test for FIP, only biopsy can determine if a cat has this.  One of my cats died of it last year.  He had diarrhea, a rotund belly, and a somewhat voracious appetite.   

I am sorry that the poor kitty did not fare better but I feel you did the right thing. There are many more cars that need a loving home.

I think you did the right thing. Poor thing was miserable, sick, scared and hurting and you saved her. You cared for her and showed her a love she has probably never known. You made the hard decision for her, you did what so many others turned a blind eye to and walked away from. It sounds like she was a house pet at some point and either got out or was thrown away. 

Treating her would have cost a lot of money and time and if you have other cats you would have potentially put them at risk. 

Rest easy tonight knowing she is at peace, finally. 

Did she have a name?

mrblanche said:

If those tests were accurate, almost every shelter and vet would want to euthanize the poor thing.  Those two together would ensure she had very little resistance to most diseases and infections.

The only problem would be whether the tests were accurate, properly administered, and strongly positive.

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RAFM said:

I think you did the right thing. Poor thing was miserable, sick, scared and hurting and you saved her. You cared for her and showed her a love she has probably never known. You made the hard decision for her, you did what so many others turned a blind eye to and walked away from. It sounds like she was a house pet at some point and either got out or was thrown away. 

Treating her would have cost a lot of money and time and if you have other cats you would have potentially put them at risk. 

Rest easy tonight knowing she is at peace, finally. 

Did she have a name?

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I know people that rescue FeLV kitties, and we have an FIV+ kitty - many do - but I don't think I know anyone with a kitty with both. FeLV does reduce their life expectancy. I don't know anything about scabies, but clearly this poor girl was already very ill.

Just for your future knowledge, the SNAP tests done at vets offices for FeLV and FIV are not always accurate. In fact, they provide false positives about 30% of the time. BUT it is very expensive to have the definitive tests done. For FeLV, I do not know what that test is. For FIV, it is called the Western Blot, and it costs about $165, and takes about a week to get the results.

I doubt there's a shelter that would have taken her, and her treatment would have been a serious undertaking, requiring a lot of time and money - and likely for a greatly reduced life span. :heart2:

I'm sorry she was so poorly. But life on the streets can be quite rough. You did right by this girl. :nod: Most importantly, you cared. :heart2: :heart2: :heart2: And thank you for that.

Rest in peace, stray girl.

AW hun :shame: Welcome to TCS first off and sorry under these circumstances. BUT we support you and your efforts in every way. I hate to think of the slow, torturous death this kitty would have suffered on the streets and she surely would have died very soon on her own. You saved her from that suffering and you should be commended for giving her a peaceful, humane passing. When we rescue strays and we put our hearts on the line for them - the outcomes are never always positive, unfortunately. I am glad this kitty is not suffering any longer. Fly freely sweet little stray :heart2: