Thinking about adopting a FeLV+ cat.... anyone have experience with this?

[belladonna]

Still undecided, but leaning heavily towards adopting this cat. If I don't, he lives out the rest of his days in some cage somewhere and I just can't stand the thought of it. Anyone here been there or done that? Any advice or info would be appreciated :)

[Trillo]

1. My friend's mother had one, it lived to about 14 years.

That's longer than any supposedly-healthy cat I've ever owned.

I really don't know any other particulars, though.

[aquart]

2. My sister in San Diego has a houseful of terminal cats.

Who are all quite old now.

They DO have problems you have to be alert for. Email me if you want more info or have specific questions. I'll put you in touch with her.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

3. Thinking about adopting a FeLV+ cat.... anyone have experience with this?

I have heard that transfer factor may help them battle the virus... if they are in very bad shape... I am familiar with this sort of product for persons who are dealing with Hepatitis, and other infectious conditions.... you should take a look at it....

http://www.homestead.com/Felinecompanions/TransferFactor.html

This page is not an advertisement for a product. It is about new products which I feel can be very useful in the treatment of ill cats. It is intended to familiarize the reader with the products and their purpose and report on the effectiveness of these products when used on our own cats. Any recommendations we may make are based entirely upon our personal experience with these products.


TransferFactor
... above photo of TF Feline Complete and Transfer Factor Plus Feline Formula was taken by Eileen ... I can give sick FeLV+ cats to enhance their immune systems and improve their ...
more hits from: http://www.homestead.com/Felinecompanions/TransferFactor.html - 40 KB

[faithnotgreed]

4. thank you for loving animals. thats the greatest gift you can give them

[chookie]

5. I had a few

I took in a homeless kitten -- just about starved. Miraculously, I was able to feed it and he lived, and grew into a fine handsome cat. When he was about 13 months old, he became listless and his whiskers fell out -- I was shocked when the vet told me he had leukemia -- had probably had it since birth. If he had died as a baby, I would have expected it, but when he had made it to be a sleek young cat -- that was hard to take. I took excellent nursing care of him in his last weeks, and he died in peace and comfort. I knew the end had come when he was unable to walk, and the vet put him to sleep at the end.

In my case, it was a shock, and that made it hard, but knowing that he has a short time to live already has you prepared from the beginning.

I have taken in terminal pets before (ferrets that had been given up) with the knowledge that they did not have long to live. I did the best I could for them, and made sure that they had a loving home in their final months. It's always hard to say goodbye though -- but to be able to care for a needy animal like this is a very great thing to do.

Kinda sounds like you've made your mind up already -- I have a sense that you want to do so, and just wanted to see if anyone would argue you out of it. I don't think that's going to happen -- sounds like you and this unfortunate cat are meant to be together. It will be good for both of you. :grouphug: