URGENT: Adopting Abandoned Kittens UPDATE

Quite honestly, if the shelter couldn't even sex them correctly, I'm not sure they could test them correctly.  At 5 mos it's kinda hard not to mess up sexing a kitten.  I really hope you end up keeping them as they seem to have already taken to you and vice versa.

Just to clarify, the "SNAP" test we refer to is the ELISA test. It is likely that the IFA test is what the shelter plans on using to recheck them.

Check out this link for a full explanation:

http://www.healthcommunities.com/feline-leukemia-virus/diagnosis.shtml

CatPack said:

Just to clarify, the "SNAP" test we refer to is the ELISA test. It is likely that the IFA test is what the shelter plans on using to recheck them.

Check out this link for a full explanation:

http://www.healthcommunities.com/feline-leukemia-virus/diagnosis.shtml

Click to expand...

Exactly, and usually shelters will retest using the snap test again, since the IFA test is sent out and much more costly.

The SNAP/ELISA test shows felv exposure/contraction, but the IFA will show if it is present in the bone marrow.

Which is why to confirm a positive result they both must match, as positive or negative.

Commonly if the snap test shows positive in an adult cat they must retest in 6 months to allow time for the cat to fight off and be rid of the virus, which the majority will and do.

Kittens who test positive are likely pos from their moms, and won't be able to fight the virus, resulting in a positive IFA test as well.

As for kitten exposure, it can happen yes, in my opinion it is highly unlikely, unless they were sharing food dishes, and were together daily interacting and playing, etc.

The saliva from one kitten gets on the other kitten, who grooms himself very shortly afterwards, and consumes the saliva.

So it would depend on how often and for how long I suppose, to determine how high the chances are of others getting it.

The more often the exposure, the better chance of course.

CatPack said:

Just to clarify, the "SNAP" test we refer to is the ELISA test. It is likely that the IFA test is what the shelter plans on using to recheck them.

Check out this link for a full explanation:

http://www.healthcommunities.com/feline-leukemia-virus/diagnosis.shtml

Click to expand...

Thanks for the link! It says, "Kittens that test positive by ELISA should be retested when they're older than 16 weeks. Uninfected kittens can test positive, if they are carrying their mother's antigens to FeLV. By 16 weeks of age, the mother's antigens should be out of a kitten's system." They were around 12ish weeks when they were tested the first time. They're now 5 or 6 months, so MAYBE...

They are beautiful babies. I know how quickly they can get into your heart.

I understand all sides and it would be easy to say yes keep them and be with them through this, but only you know what you can handle and what you can't. I've never had a cat with FeLV but I have dealt with the loss of too many knowing I didn't have the knowledge or finances to give them the care they needed.

I will pray they are healthy and it is negative, but do what is best for them, even if it means giving them to the lady that has the ability to take care of them. You know how strong you will be and it is going to hurt no matter what choice you make. Look into their eyes and trust that the decision you make if for what's best for them...not you.

  T.

I have an appointment with my vet tonight to get them re-tested. The vet said that since we're just testing for FeLV (since they both tested negative for FIV) the IFA test with the slides will actually be cheaper than the ELISA test (since the snap test tests for both FIV & FeLV.) 

So we're doing the IFA. I should know the results in a couple days. I think that should be more accurate as well? 

Please send good vibes and prayers for these precious kitties. They have found their way into my heart [and my lap] even though I'm trying to hold off until I know for sure they are healthy.



Bath Time 

Good luck!  They're so adorable I would keep them either way!! Lol

My heart goes out to you, they are so precious! I'll send prayers, vibes, and many good thoughts their way! 

Sending  

I just got a call from the rescue, they DO NOT test for FIV anymore because of the expense (I assumed they had been tested,) so I'm going to do the Snap test with both FeLV, and FIV. I should know the results tonight around 6pm Central. I'll post as soon as I know anything. Thanks for the well wishes!

ETA: The rescue is insisting that we do the serum version of the Elisa test, as opposed to the blood test. I understand it can be done using blood, serum, or plasma. Does anyone know how the serum is done (or what the "serum" is?) Apparently the serum version has a lesser chance of false positives than the blood version.

I think the vet usually just does the blood version. Is the vet going to know what I'm talking about when I say the "serum version?" Is a different kit used to test serum instead of whole blood?

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_resources/CW_FeLV.cfm  

"When a few drops of a cat's blood, serum, or plasma are put on the paper, either a change in the color of the various dots-or no change at all-will indicate whether or not the animal is harboring one or both of the viruses."

Paiger816 said:

 
I just got a call from the rescue, they DO NOT test for FIV anymore because of the expense (I assumed they had been tested,) so I'm going to do the Snap test with both FeLV, and FIV. I should know the results tonight around 6pm Central. I'll post as soon as I know anything. Thanks for the well wishes!

ETA: The rescue is insisting that we do the serum version of the Elisa test, as opposed to the blood test. I understand it can be done using blood, serum, or plasma. Does anyone know how the serum is done (or what the "serum" is?) Apparently the serum version has a lesser chance of false positives than the blood version.

I think the vet usually just does the blood version. Is the vet going to know what I'm talking about when I say the "serum version?" Is a different kit used to test serum instead of whole blood?

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_resources/CW_FeLV.cfm  

"When a few drops of a cat's blood, serum, or plasma are put on the paper, either a change in the color of the various dots-or no change at all-will indicate whether or not the animal is harboring one or both of the viruses."

Click to expand...

In my cat rescue we do not test for FIV either, but not due to cost but due to the fact of how rare it is for a kitten to test positive for fiv since it is basically NOT inherited by mom, and must be acquired via a bite, etc., which kittens have not been exposed to yet.

So you can plan on them testing neg. for fiv.

Retesting for felv using serum means the blood is taken and spun down in a centrifuge, so it separates, then using the serum will give an even more sensitive/accurate test result.

The serum once spun and separated from the red blood, it is a clearish, gold color. This is what will be used with the same elisa/snap test.

catwoman707 said:

 
Retesting for felv using serum means the blood is taken and spun down in a centrifuge, so it separates, then using the serum will give an even more sensitive/accurate test result.

The serum once spun and separated from the red blood, it is a clearish, gold color. This is what will be used with the same elisa/snap test.

Click to expand...

Thanks so much. I couldn't figure out if it was a different kind of elisa/snap test. This will make it much easier to explain to the vet what I need done. They did the whole blood version of the snap before, so the rescue said it was basically a waste of money if they do the whole blood version again. 

You have been a fantastic resource Catwoman! I definitely admire that you're able to take on cats that are infected with this. I get so attached easily, and I can't imagine having to say goodbye again and again. 

You're very welcome, and thanks for your compliment.

I am always glad to be able to help with info from my experiences!

We take on any cat or kitten who needs help, without discrimination, whether sick or healthy. Yes, belive me, I am not able to keep my emotions neutral, and so often have to cry when one is getting adopted, as I put so much in to each one of them, especially those who I have had for a while, in very poor condition when I got them, and was able to save their life, watch as they improve and recover, there is always an attachment there, and I will never forget even one of them as I watch them move on.

I do keep in my mind though, I am their stepping stone, their second chance for life, a good life they all so deserve. 

If I were to keep any, that would be less I have room for to save, and there will always be more who need help, as sure as the air gives us breath.

Not to make it sound easy though........oh boy, shaking my head........rescue is VERY hard, wears me down, consumes me, hard on my heart, actually feel it ages me, hard on my family, etc as it usually takes priority in my life. 

But what else could I be doing that would ever come close to being such a fulfilling job? So I carry on, and love what I do  

Hi Paiger816,

These ordeals rip my heart out every time, whether I'm close to them or just hearing a situation like yours.  So damn hard.  They're beautiful little brothers that are going to need some help in a few different ways.   Stephanietx post is true, they're better off with you, IF you can handle it.   Catwoman707 is a realist with a  vault of knowledge and the experience to back it up.   Here's a few different thoughts from a reluctant realist.

I understand, the cost in cash out vs. the return of love in and of course the chance of heartache.  Been there, worth it!   But it's not worth it if you have to constantly feel guilty about not having enough money to do them right.   Nobody needs that kind of grief right out the gate.  So, before you make a decision based on the financial factor, know that there are individuals and organizations in your community that are ready and willing to help people that take on pets with possible health issues. They'll usually request that you see their vet of choice.   Ask local pet food supply stores and call local vets asking if they know someone they would recommend.  Be willing to give them your information so they can forward it to the people/org that help.  Some choose to remain anonymous. 

Choosing a vet that understands what you might be up against emotionally and financially and is willing to make it a bit easier is paramount.  Two cats one office charge, accepting your calls for a quick question or  get new Rx, etc. If things go south, a vet that will take the time to explain options, has no hesitation with giving pain med Rx and whenever the time comes, be it 6 months or 16 years, be willing to follow a preset plan and method when it's time to let him go..  You must talk about these items in a consultation or interview.   Down the road is not the time to find out your vet has issues prescribing buprinorphine or cerenia ect. or makes you feel like there is "more to be done" when you know it's time to say good by.   Having a plan for these events, set up in advance, will allow you the chance to embrace "the now" with them and for them, for as long you have them.  The kitties and you deserve that.

A decision based on the emotional factor is quite simple.   If you know emotionally you can't handle it,  then it's best for you to return the cats so they might have a chance somewhere else.  This allows you to adopt two healthy kitties that may not have been adopted otherwise.  A benefit for you, the kitties and the community.   But, if you think you can't handle it....Keep them.   The rewards far outweigh the heartache in more ways than we can tell you.  Knowing you gave them the best and received unlimited happiness for however short or long you have them is priceless.  Knowing that you were able to set them free before they had to endure pain and suffering is a Selfless and  Noble act of love.  One you will be very aware and proud of as time passes, I promise.

Thank you for either choice you make,  Take care.

dad2many

UPDATE They both tested positive. I can't stop crying.

And instead of hiding because I just took them to the vet, they're sitting in my lap, purring and nuzzling my face.

I knew this was likely result, but I never knew I would get so attached so quickly.

@Dad2Many  a very kind, heartfelt post. Also thank you for the compliments, I appreciate it.

@Paiger816  I feel you here, and been there, it's human nature to remain hopeful, but maybe, slight chance, etc. we can't help but do. It's a good way to be of course, without hope life would be meaningless really.

You will have to do some very logical thinking on this.

Without any sort of guilt either, you already know there's a place for them to be cared for, trust this, the person who will take felv pos cats and kittens have a very giving, caring and big heart. I honestly don't know how that's done, maybe there is a kind of mental state for this, just as rescue has, knowing I am just their stepping stone to a good life, I have to let them go when it's time, and believe me, it is not so easy, but it's a mindset I have to keep.

So this should be a big help in your decision, since it does allow you to be guilt free. 

You need to decide if letting them go to him/her, knowing they will be cared for and loved, and go adopt yourself a pair of siblings who you will have through many, many years, years of love and happiness, silly times, through all of your life's changes, they will be there with you, thick and thin, the good, bad, the ugly.

A pair from a shelter as you have with these 2, you will be saving them and giving them such a good life.

Or, if you don't want to let them go, fully aware and eyes wide open to the fact that their future is very unpredictable, and it may be a very, very short amt of time you have with them before the illness shows, will you be able to handle seeing them decline, vet visits, meds, there is an awful lot of heartache that comes with keeping them, you need to know in your heart of hearts what is best for YOU, first and foremost. 

Whatever your decision may be, and I don't know you personally, only from your posts on preparing for these 2, but please decide on your own, and whatever that is, you will be supported here, either way.

  

@Paiger816  I am so sorry to hear about the results. It tears my heart up knowing these precious babies will have to grow up sick. You have done everything you can for them up to this point. I agree with Catwoman707 about you having a decision to make. I feel the love you have for these babies through your posts and my heart goes out to you and them. I wish you the best. Just remember that no matter what decision you make it will be out of love and compassion for these two.

@catwoman707  I have read through your posts in many areas on TCS and am amazed at your knowledge. You are such a blessing to everyone here that are in need of help. Thank you!! 

  T.

Hey Everyone,

Thanks so much for the thoughts, kind words, prayers, and good vibes sent this way. I spoke extensively with the vet last night, and he said they might live a few years, but those years would be plagued with respiratory infections, trips to the vet, and antibiotics. I could do all that if there was a hope for a happy ending, but sadly there is no happy ending for myself or these babies. 

I have made the very difficult decision to give the kittens up to someone that is better equipped to deal with this. I spoke to the lady at the rescue and told her how well they're doing in a home environment, and she is going to place them within that same home environment with lots of interaction. They won't be in cages or at a shelter. This definitely comforts me.

It would honestly be an easier decision for me to keep them right now, while they're still healthy and playful, but I don't think I'm emotionally equipped to deal with the sadness and the constant worrying when they're sick. I have lost past cats to various illnesses, and it still breaks my heart to think about. I can't go into this just expecting them to get sick and die soon. 

These babies will have fantastic care, for the rest of their lives. And they will be staying together, and I think that will be a comfort to them as well.

Thank you all for your support! 

Originally Posted by kntrygrl256
@catwoman707  I have read through your posts in many areas on TCS and am amazed at your knowledge. You are such a blessing to everyone here that are in need of help. Thank you!! 

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• paiger816
• Feb 10, 2015

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I think you made a very wise decision, not an easy one of course, but you need to protect your heart too, and knowing they will be well cared for is surely a comfort. 

Poor babies! I've been following this thread for a few days now. @Paiger816 , I think you're making the right decision. I personally could not deal with that much heartache. It's best to allow one of these HEROES who work in rescue to take the reigns.

Vibes~~~