Leukeran treatment, multi-cat household

[Arnecat]

Anyone have experience with treating a cat with Leukeran (for IBD or lymphoma) in a multi-cat household? I just started one of my cats on this and my vet advised me to keep her litter box separate from the others to make sure they are not exposed to it. I've read various opinions as to the necessity of this, some say it's not needed, just keep the litter boxes clean (I have 3 boxes for 4 cats). I wonder if my vet is being overly cautious? As any of you with more than one cat can imagine, this is going to be quite difficult but I'll do it if necessary. Thanks!

 

[Furballsmom]

You could set up a clear plastic box that's oversized to the litterbox, put a cat flap in it that's set to open only to his chip, put this over his box and you're golden.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. I've read a lot of posts on this site regarding cats receiving Chlorambucil, so I have to believe some of these folks have multiple cats. Therefore, I am bumping this up in the hopes it gets more attention.

 

[Arnecat]

Thank you!

 

[FeebysOwner]

I am still searching for more information - there are a number of sites that do suggest that other cats are kept away from the litter boxes for 24-48 hours after treatment. How often will your cat be getting treatment? Might make a difference on how to handle the situation overall.

However, I also found this article in another thread (see link to article and thread below). I am going to keep searching.
Leukeran/chlorambucil – IBDKitties
Handling leukeran + loving on my cat | TheCatSite

I also found that fionasmom & S silent meowlook have had cats on chlorambucil. Still looking...

 

[fionasmom]

I hope that your cat responds well and makes progress with the medication. My Chelsea had SCL and was on chlorambucil. I do have a multi cat household, but the cats all used certain boxes in certain rooms. Chelsea had her own, even from before the SCL, as she disliked everyone else. I realize this does not help you. The short answer is that I did what is recommended on the IBDKitties site.

If I had a dog who was a cat poop eater, that would have been a different story though. Outside chance, I realize, but if any of your cats eat from the litter box or seem to be overcleaning their feet when they exit, I might consider the separate box.

 

[Furballsmom]

Here's a video that shows what I was thinking of, (maybe as a fourth box so you don't short your other kitty crew?)

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. I work for a veterinarian and have a cat on chlorambucil for suspected lymphoma. She has been on it about 1 year now. I have one other cat, a fairly healthy young cat. I have three litter boxes that I clean once every 12 to 24 hours. I use scoopable no dust unscented cat litter. My cats share litter boxes and water bowls and I feed Rx canned diet on flat paper plates.

I worked for an internal medicine specialist for 9 years and we did allot of chemotherapy for cats. I worked there from 2005-2013. There may have been updates to things, but I have stayed as current as I can.

I have never heard of keeping the one cat using their own personal litter box. It is probably thought up by someone who doesn't know anything about cats. The last thing you want to do is cause a cat with IBD or Intestinal Lymphoma any stress about their litter boxes or their living arrangements. Keep things as they are. Be more diligent about scooping the litter box and don't worry about it.

( I am not a vet and the above is only my experience and views as a cat owner who has a cat on chlorambucil)

 

[Arnecat]

Hi. I work for a veterinarian and have a cat on chlorambucil for suspected lymphoma. She has been on it about 1 year now. I have one other cat, a fairly healthy young cat. I have three litter boxes that I clean once every 12 to 24 hours. I use scoopable no dust unscented cat litter. My cats share litter boxes and water bowls and I feed Rx canned diet on flat paper plates.

I worked for an internal medicine specialist for 9 years and we did allot of chemotherapy for cats. I worked there from 2005-2013. There may have been updates to things, but I have stayed as current as I can.

I have never heard of keeping the one cat using their own personal litter box. It is probably thought up by someone who doesn't know anything about cats. The last thing you want to do is cause a cat with IBD or Intestinal Lymphoma any stress about their litter boxes or their living arrangements. Keep things as they are. Be more diligent about scooping the litter box and don't worry about it.

( I am not a vet and the above is only my experience and views as a cat owner who has a cat on chlorambucil)

Thank you, this makes me feel better. Honestly, I think it has been more stressful for me than for kitty! I have been keeping her in my bedroom while I sleep and otherwise just obsessively scooping the litter boxes. My guess is that the vet is repeating the standard warning on the label which lists all the worst possible things that could happen. Maybe it creates a legal liability if they don't? Thanks again!

 

[silent meowlook]

I am sure that the vet is following some chemotherapy protocol and they have to say it if it is on the label. You can't go against the manufacturer instructions. And, who knows, maybe I will spontaneously combust along with my other cat in a few days. But, so far so good. Do wear gloves though. You don't want to get that on your hands repeatedly,