attn experienced cat care people

[jen]

If you saw a cat all active and playing one day, and a day and a half later it is so lethargic it can hardly move. It is also ice cold with a 95 degree temperature and eyeballs are sunken in, gums white and dry and dehydrated...what is your first thought as to what it might be?

This happened to a cat at the shelter and I was curious. She went to the vet earlier (it wasn't me who took her though) probably to be put down, but I am curious what your first thought is. I have a few ideas but I want to hear yours.

 

[katiemae1277]

leukemia, sounds exactly what I've had happen to far too many of my cats

 

[jen]

exactly what i was thinking, now what is the chance that the two kittens in the open wire dog crate next to her have it too?

 

[katiemae1277]

well, leukemia is easily transmitted, but if they weren't sharing anything, like food, water, litterbox and didn't have any direct contact, there's a chance that the other kittens do not have it

I'd test them now, if they have it, retest in a month if there is space to house them separately, if there is no space, well, yeah. if they don't have it

and as much as I would love to take them if they're positive, I absolutely cannot, 15 is waaaay over my limit as is