feline leukemia

[kathyjo]

This morning I rescued an outdoor kitten. I had seen him on 2 other occasions and it wasn't until the other day that I attempted to pet him. Not only did he let me, but he also allowed me to pick him up. I was determined to take him to the vet and having no plans today, I was able to trap him and bring him. The poor thing was very ill and after the vet took blood and did a few other things, his test came up positive for feline leukemia and I was faced with the choice. The cat weighed about 2 lbs. and it was already close to 9 months as it had its adult teeth! He had a temperature of nearly 104 and his eyes and nose were almost sealed shut with mucus.
I have 3 indoor cats at home and I feed quite a few outdoor ones too. I also have an indoor/outdoor stray that has adopted me so I wasn't in a situation that I could care for the sickly one. I had him put down and even though my vet says I did the right thing, I feel so guilty and am so very upset.
My question is this: should I stop feeding the others? I am pretty sure that I feed his mother and sister, who are skittish. They appear to be healthy but I don't want to take any chances. I just don't know what I should do! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kathy Jo

[kathyjo]

Hi, I guess great minds think alike : )
Thanks for your support.
Choices are often difficult and even more so when we are the ones that have to make them. I'm glad to know that the west coast has at least two big softies : )
Kathy Jo

[Jade59]

Well hello there!!  I am not surprised to see you are a cat lover too. : )))   I have never had to deal with any kind of serious illness with our cats thank God, so I don't have a lot of advice, however, couldn't Ebony contract an illness at anytime since she's indoor/outdoor and without the benefit of vaccination?  Or, like you say, maybe has been exposed, fought it off and is now immune.  Just a guess and really, just wanted to say Hi.

I'm so sorry you had to have the little kitten put to sleep.  My husband and I HAVE been there and it's heartbreaking no matter what the circumstances.  

Talk to you later.........

[kathyjo]

Thanks for your quick responses and I appreciate your input.
My cats are strictly indoor and my indoor/outdoor cat, named Ebony as she is jet black, has been a sometimes boarder for about 4 years now. She also has at least 2 litters a year and even though I have successfully trapped and nuetered a dozen strays, she always escapes my trap. The main problem is that I cannot bring any cat in to my vet at a moments notice......I have to make an appointment and then try to trap around it. This time I swore I would get her in and in December we had an unusually warm week and oops, prego! She is due any time now and I hate like anything to toss her outside and trust the weather ( I live in NYC.) Ebony has never seen a vet but every kitten she has had....about 5 litters, all are negative for leukemia and aids. She eats very well so isn't it more then likely that if she has been exposed already she has fought off the virus?
She sleeps in my room and generally stays away from my cats though they do eat (dry food) and drink from the same bowls. I also have her kitten who is about 8 months old. She was negative when I took her a few months back. BTW Ebony and her kitten do not bother with one another.
Kathy Jo

[tina1111]

Also, if you pet any of the other strays, be sure to wash with very warm water and lots of soap b4 petting your cats. You can spread it to them by touching the others.

p.s. As bad as it feels, you definitely did the right thing. He is happy and at peace now.

[hayley2007]

I understand what you are going through as I just recently had to put down my cat that had feline infectious peritonitis, which is a fatal condition. You did the right thing for him by putting him down and out of his misery. Over time, his condition would have worsened and he would have suffered even more so and died. Feline Leukemia is contagious and chances are, he has already passed it to the other outdoor cats that he has come into contact with. Do not let the stray one come inside anymore because if that cat has come into contact with the other exposed cats, it may put your indoor cats at risk for feline leukemia. Also, do not let your indoor cats come into contact with the outdoor ones that may have been exposed to the feline leukemia. That is just a heads up. There are vaccines that cats can get for feline leukemia, I really do not know how they work. I am not sure if it prevents the cat from getting feline leukemia if they have been exposed to it, you'd have to talk to a veterinarian about that. I would just try and keep your cats away from those that have exposed and talk to your vet if you have any questions or concerns.