We adopted our first cat in April. He was a beautiful black cat and my whole family fell in love with him. He did very well for a few months but then started showing strange symptoms like not being able to control his leg muscles, falling over. He was put to sleep and the vet said it was a high probability that he had FIV. So we were all very upset. We got another kitten in July after he died. The cat seems to be doing well but I'm so paranoid of losing another one. This one is healthy, just like our other seemed to be, but I'm concerned about a few things. His mother was a stray and he was abandoned with his umbilical cord and sack still attached to him. When I got him he had a cold and was treated successfully. He always has a bit of boogers in his nose, black like lint. a tiny bit. I posted another question and ppl have me completely paranoid that he could have leukemia. How can I calm myself down.Can my luck really be this bad with cats.I'll be devastated to lose another
2006-09-13 03:34:48 · 15 answers · asked by coconut 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Honey it's not Feluek! Those vet techs online are just guessing by going with things common outdoor cats get exposed to. I'm assuming your cat is an indoor cat?
Symptoms
During the first few weeks after the initial infection, cats may have the following symptoms:
Blood cytopenias (deficiency of any of the various cellular elements normally present in the blood)
General malaise
Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
Mild fever
Symptoms depend on the type of virus and the stage of disease. Common general symptoms include:
Anemia
Blood in the stool
Chronic, recurring infections (FeLV-infected cats are susceptible to bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and other viral infections.)
Decreased appetite
Decreased stamina
Depression
Diarrhea or constipation
Excessive drinking and urination
Infertility
Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes, mucous membranes, and body fluids)
Low-grade fever
Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
Neuropathies, which can cause anisocoria and hind limb paralysis
Weight loss
THESE are the symtoms.....and you would notice this happening as something really appears to not be right. The first big sign I have always looked for is weight loss. Do not worry yourself over this. You have a vet and you are doing the right things....Cats get boogers. I promise....as long as they aren't excessive...or colored wrong do NOT worry yourself over this.Do NOT get your cat immunized against FIP or FELUEK. The vaccinnes are unreliable...and several breeders I know have had cats develop the disease AFTER being immunized with partially live virus. If your cat's immune system is compromised at all, and you wouldn't know, the vaccine is more dangerous than it is worth. Keeping a cat indoors and away from other outdoor cats will do this, and not endanger your animal.
2006-09-13 03:55:02 · answer #1 · answered by Jaded Ruby 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I once had a cat who would run and hide in the closet whenever someone came to my house. I currently have a cat who is also paranoid and won't come in if he sees anyone but me standing at the door. He will, however, come in the house if he hears my voice; and then he shoots in and hides until he thinks it's safe. Cats do equate food with love and safety. Try feeding the cat a little wet food as a treat when he comes in. He'll learn that you are okay and may become a little less paranoid. But, he'll probably always be very attached to your wife. Be gentle, don't force the issues, and keep trying. Hopefully he'll come around.
2016-03-26 23:14:37 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The blood tests to screen kittens and cats for FIV or feline leukemia are very simple to do and can screen the kitten for these diseases in a matter of minutes. Have the vet do this immediately to relieve your mind. The kitten should be going in for basic shots and worming anyway and the blood tests can be done at the same time.
2006-09-13 03:39:47 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
don't, please don't panic
Call your vet and ask them if they make home visits. The vet should know, and you will not need to worry. as I said in the other post, a tiny amount may really mean nothing. My cat had it until he was like ten months, and I have seen no sign of either boogers or sleep-eye for the last two months; he's healthy and from all signs - happy. And very strong.
Don't panic, it doesn't help. I know a home visit from the vet may be a luxury, but for your peace of mind... I would advise you to request it.
DO pay attention to the answer by Jaded Ruby to your other question. Eye and nose discharge is not, on itself, sufficient to even have DOUBTS about feling leukemia.
Good luck!
2006-09-13 03:41:35 · answer #4 · answered by AlphaOne_ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take it to your vet and get it checked out. My parents have 4 cats that were abandoned in the same fashion except their mother was run over. It was touch and go for a while with them but now they are tearing up the house with the other cats now (my mother is going to be the crazy old cat lady).
2006-09-13 03:47:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Number one i would say take him to the vet to have him checked out. Number two... Love him for who he is... i have always had dogs... 6 yrs ago i bought two shih tzus (full sisters) Laika and Kissy... July 30th Laika died unexpectedly .. i took her sister Kissy to the vet to make sure that she was not affected by whatever it was that killed Laika. She checked out fine... But in my mind i was very worried about losing Kissy too. Then i realized that i can either spend my time worrying about losing her or i can spend my time enjoying her and loving her. i chose the latter... Dogs and cats are very sensitive and they can tell when you are upset or worried... Dont think your cat doesn't know that something is bothering you. He will be much happier if he can sense that everything is fine with you. Just love him and enjoy however much time you have together ... be it one day or 15 yrs... dont cheat yourself and your cat out of the joy you are both entitled to.
2006-09-13 03:50:04 · answer #6 · answered by lisa 19 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a blood test done by your vet to test for FIV (feline immunodeficientcy virus) and FELV (feline leukemia virus). These tests are always encouraged. You also want to vaccinate against feline distemper (that can cause neurological and gastrointestinal problems and ultimately death), rabies, FIV, FELV, and anything else your vet reccomends. Also, keep your kitty on heartworm and flea/tick prevention and you'll have one healthy little kitty!
2006-09-13 03:41:35 · answer #7 · answered by Sarah H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Talk to the vet about your concerns and get his shots. It's the best and only thing you CAN do. I'm sure you'll be fine, honey. Enjoy your kitten. What happened to you was tragic, but rare. For it to happen again is almost impossible. Give him the best care you can (read:vaccinations ASAP!!!) and I'm sure he'll be fine! Good luck, hun!
2006-09-13 03:44:20 · answer #8 · answered by Lisa H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cat shadow had a cold and he is fine... is mom was a stray I am paranoid about losing my cats and dog... He has stuff coming out of his eyes and nose... he may just have a cold again... there is nothing to worry about... you probably won't lose him... well you will sometime... but he will probably live for about 5 more years
2006-09-13 03:42:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My suggestion to you is take the kitten to your vets and have blood work done they can test for FIV that way you will know for sure. also make sure and have the proper shots for your kitten.
2006-09-13 03:40:14 · answer #10 · answered by cin_ann_43 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋