I've started a Group for those interested in sharing knowledge or experience about cats with the Leukemia virus.
My first, and so far only, experience of caring for a FeLV victim began in late June of 2010.
A lonely, lost cat started coming around our house for food. I tried to discourage him because we were already caring for 7 other cats - 4 of which were stray and feral-born. We had just managed to bring the 4 of them all inside after about 2 years of working with them.
I gave in and fed him, he was starving. The next night I put the food down and he came to me, laid on his back exposing his tummy to me. That DID IT. Inside he came! It was instant love for me and my husband.
He hadn't been neutered, so off to the vets - and testing. He tested positive with both tests.
He did become very ill after the surgery and one of the vets that had some experience with FeLV was brought in to help diagnose the situation. She recommended I put him to rest.
I just couldn't let go of him so my vet gave him more antibiotics and steroids - with me bringing him home to prepare to say goodbye within that week. That was July, 2010. Today is March 21, 2012 - and he is thriving. Every day could be our last day, I live with this dread.
I keep his stress levels very low. He has a room all to himself. He is fed non-grain, quality food, and I have given him 2-3 hours of my undivided time each evening - hugging, playing, and massaging.
There are still so many unanswered questions about this disease and my vet has admitted to the lack of knowledge. That's why I thought it would be good to have a focused group about the caring of cats with FeLV. If you are so inclined, please join the group to help share the knowledge and experience that you have with others.
Link: http://www.thecatsite.com/groups/show/152/caring-for-cats-with-the-feline-leukemia-virus
My first, and so far only, experience of caring for a FeLV victim began in late June of 2010.
A lonely, lost cat started coming around our house for food. I tried to discourage him because we were already caring for 7 other cats - 4 of which were stray and feral-born. We had just managed to bring the 4 of them all inside after about 2 years of working with them.
I gave in and fed him, he was starving. The next night I put the food down and he came to me, laid on his back exposing his tummy to me. That DID IT. Inside he came! It was instant love for me and my husband.
He hadn't been neutered, so off to the vets - and testing. He tested positive with both tests.
He did become very ill after the surgery and one of the vets that had some experience with FeLV was brought in to help diagnose the situation. She recommended I put him to rest.
I just couldn't let go of him so my vet gave him more antibiotics and steroids - with me bringing him home to prepare to say goodbye within that week. That was July, 2010. Today is March 21, 2012 - and he is thriving. Every day could be our last day, I live with this dread.
I keep his stress levels very low. He has a room all to himself. He is fed non-grain, quality food, and I have given him 2-3 hours of my undivided time each evening - hugging, playing, and massaging.
There are still so many unanswered questions about this disease and my vet has admitted to the lack of knowledge. That's why I thought it would be good to have a focused group about the caring of cats with FeLV. If you are so inclined, please join the group to help share the knowledge and experience that you have with others.
Link: http://www.thecatsite.com/groups/show/152/caring-for-cats-with-the-feline-leukemia-virus
