Cat with leukemia - your experiences?

Question

Have any of you had cats that were positive for the Leukemia virus - can you tell me how long they lived post-diagnosis and describe their quality of life. Also - did you keep them indoors once you knew they were FeLV +?

I'm knowledgeable about the disease and its transmission. I also know that on average most cats live about 3 years post diagnosis. I'm just curious about other people's experiences with their FeLv+ cats. I have one who has been with me for almost 2 years and has been asymptomatic and very healthy the entire time. I've lowered his risk by keeping him inside and giving him regular wellness exams. Keeping my fingers crossed that he will live some long years!

Answer 1

I had a male kitty that was diagnosed with FeLV and feline HIV. He acted no different really for about 5 or 6 years, of course he was a very healthy and well maintained cat prior to and after diagnosis. He eventually did become rather sickly looking and thin ...although his appetite was very good.Its hard to keep them strictly indoors but if he doesn't mind then by all means let him stay indoors full time now for his safety and others.My cats quality of life was better than average I would say up until about last 4 to 6 months of his life. If your kitty was a strong and healthy one at the time of diagnosis than hopefully it will aide in his courageous battle- I will say a little prayer for you both.

Answer 2

We had a calico that was given 3-7 months to live, unfortunately, we put him down after about 2 weeks. He just seemed like he was exhausted all the time. We did keep him indoors. It may depend on the cat. The vet did say that we could have let him live out the rest of him live, with minimal suffering, though i think our cat had more than just leukemia.

Answer 3

From my experience, they usually live 3-5 years post diagnosis. It all depends on the cat, I have seen one that lived 9 years but that was with aggressive treatment each time the cat contracted an illness.

Answer 4

I would get a second opinion with another vet via phone before worrying. There are at least two very good FeLV cat owner boards over on YahooGroups, I'd suggest going over and signing up with at least one of them, the owners there are very up on the disease and all have cats with feline leukemia, they can advise you from experience.

Answer 5

I have worked with cats at the SPCA with leukemia. unfortunatly, they dont live a very long life and you will see them have simliar symptoms that a person with leukemia will have. they will be tired, sick all the time, and eventually may have to be put down. its sad, but just keep him/her comfy and happy :) now the time to spoil him. also. DO NOT LET HIM AROUND OTHER CATS! keep him indoors at ALL times! feline Leukemia is HIGHLY contagious to other cats. spread through their fur and snot I believe. so clean your house regularly and if you have any other cats expect that they will also more then likely come down with the disease as well :(

Answer 6

I moved from N .Y. and stayed with my sis for awhile I had 4 cats. She took in a stray very friendly cat. She had 4 dogs also. My living space was on one side of a long house my sister the other. Her cat who I named Zachary would come over and meow to come down into my room. Guess he wanted other feline company. I would let him down my cats kept there distance. So I asked my sister if I could have him she said yes. I took him to get his shots and get him tested for leukemia. Sad to say he tested positive. I know this is long but I feel the need to share this with you. So I could not have him with my cats. I t broke my heart because Zachary would come meow at my door for affection, he did not understand why I would not let him in. So I used to run back and forth to be with him. My sister kept him, a year had gone by since diagnosted and he got sick ,he had medicine was ok for awhile. I moved out I got my own place, my sister called Zachary had passed away, a month after I moved out. I had my pets tested after I found out he had it they where ok. But it was a heart breaking nightmare. But if you have one with leukemia they can live with it, it is not curable or I would have done all measures to do so. So in answer to your question Zackary had a good life after being diagnosted very affectionate playful,loved to roll up on my lap, I would say about almost 2 years, dont know how long he had it before hand. No I would not let him outside because if he got in contact with other cats they could get it. Also dont get any other cats or they could also get it.

Answer 7

we have a neutered male that was diagnosed with every known cat disease out there, he's 10 now and still pretty active, still goes out to go to the bathroom (we don't use a litter box) and still hunts regularly even though he only has 1 good eye, he comes in and out as he pleases, we just love him