Wanted FeLV positive kitten (PA)

[Flying Hippotamus]

I have a healthy FeLV positive cat. We would like another kitten. They always say to test kittens so what happens to the ones that test positive? I'll take one!
I don't like long hair cats and I want a male.

I have tried a rescue and they said no to me because I let my cats outside. I guess I could have lied but I am not that kind of person. I live on 10 acres away from neighbors and the road. I will not spend my life yelling at the kids to keep the door closed and don't let the cat out. I garden alot and the cats help me in garden - that is where the catnip is too.

I don't want to go too far maybe in Bucks/Montgomery county PA? Or just over the river in NJ. I know it is not kitten season yet but just keep me in mind.

Thanks.

[Petstorejunkie]

i suggest you post your questions on www.thecatsite.com

[jewll27]

what do you mean by FeLV?

[elmerandharriet]

i believe its feline luekemia (sp)

[Calamber]

I would suggest that you also contact your local cat rescues and put an ad out on Craigslist near your city. You should find someone who is positively delighted to find a home for an FeLV positive kitty. Another suggestion is to call the local vets and tell them what you are looking for,since they do the tests and probably often are asked to euthanize when they are positive.

[Alice]

I'm hoping I have mis-interpreted your post.

Are you saying that you let your Fe-Leuk positive cat outside, and will let another positive cat outside as well? Thus exposing all the cats in your neighborhood to this eventually fatal disease?

Really hoping I read that wrong...

[saje]

That's the way I read it too.

Very irresponsible if it's true. Cats have a BIG range, so even if yours don't wander far from home, that doesn't mean that other cats aren't coming to your property, and running the risk of infection, and then possibly passing that infection all over the neighborhood.

Wanting to take another FeLV cat is a very good idea, but letting them out is not. I have 9 cats, 7 of which are indoor only. It's not that hard to keep them in.

[didgery]

That's the way I read it too.

Very irresponsible if it's true. Cats have a BIG range, so even if yours don't wander far from home, that doesn't mean that other cats aren't coming to your property, and running the risk of infection, and then possibly passing that infection all over the neighborhood.

Wanting to take another FeLV cat is a very good idea, but letting them out is not. I have 9 cats, 7 of which are indoor only. It's not that hard to keep them in.

Our indoor/outdoor hunter kitty learned to happily stay indoors when we decided he'd been in one scrap too many. Add me to the crowd that says keep contagion at bay by keeping the kitties in!

[Janet]

Without getting into the issue of letting a FeLeuk positive cat out- let your local small animal vet know that you are willing to take a FeLeuk positive kitten that would otherwise be euthanized.

[PaintTheTown]

I'm hoping I have mis-interpreted your post.

Are you saying that you let your Fe-Leuk positive cat outside, and will let another positive cat outside as well? Thus exposing all the cats in your neighborhood to this eventually fatal disease?

Really hoping I read that wrong...

I read the same thing, and it really bugged me

[Leather]

Kudos to you for wanting to give another cat a home, but by allowing them outside you will significantly shorten their lives.

FeLV weakens the immune system, so things like a snotty nose that wouldn't cause many problems in healthy cats can turn into big problems with positive cats.

I will not spend my life yelling at the kids to keep the door closed and don't let the cat out.

I believe the majority of FeLV+ cats die within 2-3 years, and I'd be willing to guess it's even shorter for those allowed outside.

And as others have mentioned, by letting an infected cat outside you are putting other cats at risk of contracting the virus.

[Janet]

We just lost our two (indoor) FeLeuk positive cats within a couple of months this summer, aged 5 and 6.

But some live into their teens.

WRT indoor/outdoor. All my cats are now kept in for other reasons. But it appears that FeLeuk is endemic in this area- 2 of the 4 feral cats we have had tested were positive, so I doubt that I would be significantly adding to the risk if I DID allow a FeLeuk cat outside.

Edited to add that I also have 4 non-FeLeuk indoor cats. Initially we attempted to keep them separate (which is why we got the second one from the vet to keep the feral one company), but after a year we let them mix- keeping all the others' innoculations up to date. We only separated them at feeding time.

[Flying Hippotamus]

Sheesh I just went away for a few days and a debate sprang up while I was gone.

About letting FeLV positive cats out that may cause more infections. If I had other neighbors (and they are pretty far away) with cats I might worry about that but I know them and they don't. If a feral cat gets infected I don't care. I love animals but the environment has enough problems without adding feral animals in the mix. Also my current cat who is positive will no longer go near other cats.

About shortening their lifespan. I think it is a quality versus quantity issue. In my life I go for quality. I would think horse people would understand this the best. Riding or just working around horses has its inherent risks and yet it is the life I choose. I let my cats choose, I neither force my cats in nor out. I have another cat that will be 17 (leuk neg) who was a barn cat her whole life. This winter she said I'm moving in and hasn't left the house in months. (stinkin' crazy old bat, she beats up the dog and terrorizes the other cat)

A quick browse around the internet does give short estimates for living with FeLV. But my Vet said they could live into their teens. And I have heard from many others who have had that experience.

Thanks to the others for ideas where to find a kitty. Just thought I would try here and keep me in mind (if you are not philosophically opposed!).

[SmokenMirrors]

Sheesh I just went away for a few days and a debate sprang up while I was gone.

About letting FeLV positive cats out that may cause more infections. If I had other neighbors (and they are pretty far away) with cats I might worry about that but I know them and they don't. If a feral cat gets infected I don't care. I love animals but the environment has enough problems without adding feral animals in the mix. Also my current cat who is positive will no longer go near other cats.

About shortening their lifespan. I think it is a quality versus quantity issue. In my life I go for quality. I would think horse people would understand this the best. Riding or just working around horses has its inherent risks and yet it is the life I choose. I let my cats choose, I neither force my cats in nor out. I have another cat that will be 17 (leuk neg) who was a barn cat her whole life. This winter she said I'm moving in and hasn't left the house in months. (stinkin' crazy old bat, she beats up the dog and terrorizes the other cat)

A quick browse around the internet does give short estimates for living with FeLV. But my Vet said they could live into their teens. And I have heard from many others who have had that experience.

Thanks to the others for ideas where to find a kitty. Just thought I would try here and keep me in mind (if you are not philosophically opposed!).

Not sure how to take your post, if a feral cat gets infected, you don't care. Nice attitude. If you love animals so much, with all the healthy animals out there waiting to be adopted out and a loving home, wouldn't it be better to euthenize a FeLV positive animal? Why let it become sick? And most importantly, do you have the time, funds, and all to properly take care of that animal when and if it gets sick?

I worked in rescue and it is amazing what people will do, all in the name of "loving" an animal. Maybe rethink what your doing.

[Flying Hippotamus]

"I worked in rescue and it is amazing what people will do, all in the name of "loving" an animal. Maybe rethink what your doing. "

That's funny - when I was looking to adopt the cat who is now 17, I went to a local rescue. They wouldn't give me one because I wanted mostly a barn cat. After all she loved her cats too much let them go outside. I couldn't help but laugh when a year or 2 later she was arrested for animal cruelty. She had way too many cats, not enough food, the cages, the smell...you get the picture.

What I meant was a feral cat is unloved and an environmental hazard. They should be euthanized - if you can catch them.

[vxf111]

My 4 year old cousin would like to run in the street, stick a fork in the electrical socket, and eat rocks. I am sure she would think this "quality" of life is better than overall "quantity." However, she is not responsible enough to know better and her mother is her steward-- so for her own safetly and well being, she is not allowed to run in the street, electrocute herself, or eat rocks.

I see animals the same way. Your cats would love to run into the road, drink antifreeze, and run around in the woods where they can be attacked by any number of predators. You took responsibility for them, it is your job to be their steward and do what's right. Even if it's not necessarily what they might enjoy in any particular moment. That is especially true of a cat with a weakened immune system who is especially at risk from every bug that might not be fatal to a healthy cat.

No responsible rescue is going to give you a FLK positive cat if you tell them you're going to let the cat outside. They don't want to contribute to spreading a deadly and painful disease. So you're either going to have to lie or find an irresponsible source. I'm not going to suggest you do either.

FLK is endemic because people let FLK cats outside and/or don't take their cats to the vet and discover the FLK. I don't know how much more simple of a concept it could be?! You cat has a huge range of travel, whether you know it or not. You can't say for certain what other cats your cat will interact with. It's not simple enough to say "I'm not spreading it." If your cats spreads it to a feral cat, who then goes and spreads it to someone else's 12 cats-- are you going to say you didn't contribute to the spread because your cat wasn't the direct vector!?

[SarhasMom]

Flying Hippotamus - do you have contact information not on this board? I'd like to talk with you if possible (nothing bad, I promise). If you could email me at matislia@yahoo.com, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

[vxf111]

Honestly, I can't stop you from doing what you're going to do-- but I hope maybe I can give you a little something to consider that might make you re-think the way you're handling things. My post was meant in a positive light, it wasn't meant as an attack. Just food for thought.

[jenkoby]

I have all the cats that come around here tested and if they are positive, they get euthanized. They fight, breed and spread it no matter what. I have indoor/outdoor cats that are vaccinated, but, I am still taking a risk. My cats don't go far, but you can't control the other cats that come on your property. It is so sad when it's in an area. I would try to keep the cats and kittens that I've found for barn cats, but they would end up positive. Please consider keeping your positive kitty indoors!

[sullyce3]

"I worked in rescue and it is amazing what people will do, all in the name of "loving" an animal. Maybe rethink what your doing. "

That's funny - when I was looking to adopt the cat who is now 17, I went to a local rescue. They wouldn't give me one because I wanted mostly a barn cat. After all she loved her cats too much let them go outside. I couldn't help but laugh when a year or 2 later she was arrested for animal cruelty. She had way too many cats, not enough food, the cages, the smell...you get the picture.

What I meant was a feral cat is unloved and an environmental hazard. They should be euthanized - if you can catch them.
I agree with the shelter issue of overcrowing and their attitude about not adopting out unless you agree to keep your cat indoors. I have one indoor cat but also 3 barn cats...We've tried to adopt from our smelly overcrowded disgusting rescues and have gotten the same response...
I also have to agree with the stance that feral cats are an environmental hazard.

[Savoy 8]

Yes, but if your cat infects a feral cat, and then that feral cat has a wide roaming range, it could infect other feral cats that roam as well and then infect someones cat who is a indoor/outdoor cat and then someone who is a responsible pet owner, looses their cat all because you couldn't keep a infected cat in your house!!! that is really not very nice!!!! you don't care about feral cats but you aren't looking at the big picture

[steelerino]

Without getting into the issue of letting a FeLeuk positive cat out- let your local small animal vet know that you are willing to take a FeLeuk positive kitten that would otherwise be euthanized.

Uh this is a crazy statement! Shame on a vet if he agrees with her that its ok to let a FELV+ cat outside to infect others! Many people own indoor outdoor cats so you are putting all those other cats at risk of getting infected.:eek:

[goeslikestink]

I have a healthy FeLV positive cat. We would like another kitten. They always say to test kittens so what happens to the ones that test positive? I'll take one!
I don't like long hair cats and I want a male.

I have tried a rescue and they said no to me because I let my cats outside. I guess I could have lied but I am not that kind of person. I live on 10 acres away from neighbors and the road. I will not spend my life yelling at the kids to keep the door closed and don't let the cat out. I garden alot and the cats help me in garden - that is where the catnip is too.

I don't want to go too far maybe in Bucks/Montgomery county PA? Or just over the river in NJ. I know it is not kitten season yet but just keep me in mind.

Thanks.



you know the cat may have a food life with you indoors but to let that same infected cat out isnt right- cats cannot be domesticated in the true form as they are cats and there territory is bigger than your ten acres -- let me say this as your cat is female then every tom dick or harry will come to her calls from as far and wide as you might not think so all your neighbours cats thats arnt done could then be infected-- its not the female that roams its the tom that roam to the queen--------- so by letting your cat out you may think you are being responsible but in truth you arnt-- so be responsible if you wish to keep the cat then indoor cat it will have to be as for putting it with another kitten then you will have 2 cats infected
and more toms will leave a calling card

[Flying Hippotamus]

Umm, stink ...My cat is a neutered male. He lives with a spayed female and they want absolutely nothing to do with each other.

If he was an outside cat like a barn cat would everyone say I should euthanize him? He does have the job outside of keeping the bunnies and voles out of my garden. Too bad he's not big enough to get the deer.

For general info: my cat was vaccinated for the feline leukemia, I guess it helped him survive.

[didgery]

If he was an outside cat like a barn cat would everyone say I should euthanize him?

No, In that case I would recommend that you teach him live as a house cat - inside only!

[goodmorning]

As an aside, do you know how many people never even bother testing for Feluk - let alone vaccinate for it - when they are made fully aware of the consequences? Do you know how many cats actually have it? Do you know how many people don't think their cats would ever get it - only to find out when its 13 and not feeling well, that yes, it does have Feluk?

Having worked in a vets office for a while, if it's a sick cat - it has Feluk. If its an old cat - it probably has Feluk. I really, really wish people would vaccinate/test their animals properly. We work with several shelters and most do not put down their Feluk kittens - unless they are sick. I really feel that unless you do the proper course of vaccinations, that if your cat goes outdoors, it will contract Feluk. But, we have plenty of cats with feluk that live until they are very old.

Anyways, good for you taking an unwanted cat. I wish it would stay indoors, but at this point in time, Im just not sure it makes any difference :(

(OK - touchy subject, love kitties and dislike owners who wont shell over the extra 35 to vaccinate their kitty!)

[enjoytheride]

I have a FIV positive cat (less easy to transmit) and I would NEVER let him outside. He got FIV as a stray fighting with other strays, and if he fought now he could pass the virus. Plus he can get sick much easier.

Not carrying if a feral or stray cat catches and passes a virus is not caring about animals in general! Just because it doesn't have a home doesn't mean it deserves to suffer and die.

[Flying Hippotamus]

sorry can't resist

enjoytheride - are you a vegetarian?

[enjoytheride]

Sorry, I don't know how what I eat for dinner relates to how I care for my pets.

[Flying Hippotamus]

Not carrying if a feral or stray cat catches and passes a virus is not caring about animals in general! Just because it doesn't have a home doesn't mean it deserves to suffer and die.

How about if I reword this as:
Not caring if an animal stands in a manure filled feed lot for its short, hormone-injected life is not caring for animals in general! Just because it has a home doesn't mean it deserves to suffer and die so you can eat it.

[enjoytheride]

Whatever, congrats on winning the game of "taking people's words and twisting them around to make them sound really mean and serve your purposes."

If you want to twist around your posts you seem to be on a one woman crusade to rid the world of feral cats by letting your FeLV cat run amok to infect them so they get sick, suffer horribly, and die.

[Flying Hippotamus]

I really didn't want to get into an arguement. But it is not true that I don't care about animals which is what you said. You know nothing about me, how can you say that? I may be making a bad choice and you can tell me that, as many people did. I do happen to think it is extremely hypocritical to say that I don't care about animals when you are the one who eats them. I thought I put that very gracefully (and humorously) in my first reply. You forced me to spell it out.

[Sundown Farm]

Hey there,

I have contact info with someone that has a positive kitten..

Thanks,
Stephanie
sundownfarmva@aol.com

[pawsplus]

Yes, but if your cat infects a feral cat, and then that feral cat has a wide roaming range, it could infect other feral cats that roam as well and then infect someones cat who is a indoor/outdoor cat and then someone who is a responsible pet owner, looses their cat all because you couldn't keep a infected cat in your house!!! that is really not very nice!!!! you don't care about feral cats but you aren't looking at the big picture
I agree. This is a sick thread -- I cannot BELIEVE that someone actually thinks it's o.k. to let a positive cat outside!

I have always had indoor cats and they are happy as can be. Cats do not require a huge territory -- they require companionship, things to climb, warm places to nap, and love, all of which can easily be provided inside the house. And there should be no question whatsoever that this is where FeLV or FIV positive cats belong!