Feline Leukemia Positive Cat... Should I put him to sleep or not?

Question

Please refer to my previous question for more details:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AkagFRRRG3VyMYGYYc5WpZ3sy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071007201034AAdt1yA

One thing I didnt mention is that when I took him to the vet he said he was really anemic and that his blood was super thin. If it was just the vaccine, would it do that to him? Lots of people said I should wait to see if he gets any better and I will, if there is any hope. I just dont want to see him die a horrible painful death. Once he gets to that stage I might not be able to put him to sleep because emergency vets are much more expensive than when you make an appointment, and we dont have much money.

Answer 1

There is no reason why you cannot keep a FeLV-Positive cat, as long as you follow certain important guidelines. It must stay indoors the rest of its life to prevent it from infecting other cats. Since it is infectious, it could potentially infect every other cat that it comes into contact with. It does however have the potential for living a long, happy and fulfilled life, either alone or with other cats who are also FeLV-Positive.
There are still many questions about the types of testing available today. Some cats who test Positive may later test Negative, depending upon the test and the amount of time between tests. Feline Leukemia Virus is a highly contagious oncogenic RNA virus that causes both neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases in cats. Diseases caused by FeLV include: lymphosarcoma, myelogenous leukemia, thymic atrophy, nonregenerative anemia and panleukopenia-like disease. Because FeLV is immunosuppressive, it predisposes infected cats to a variety of secondary diseases.

Answer 2

Well Leukemia means the red blood cells are being destroyed by the disease, just like in humans, that is why your cat is anemic. The only way your cat would feel better is if it had blood transfusions and that would only last a short time until the disease once again destroys the new red blood cells. I'm sorry to say but you need to show some mercy for your animal and a decision needs to be made.

Answer 3

I've had a few stray cats that I've taken in develop FLV,and so has my brother.It seems like once they get the anemia,there's no saving them and they go downhill very fast.I had a 16 lb.cat who was fine on Halloween,and died on November 5th.He was a stray,and we had him fixed and everything,but the FLV was dormant,then suddenly,something brought it to the surface,Mojo became very tired and pale.He was diagnosed on November 2nd,2004.He had extreme anemia,but since he was otherwise OK,and big and strong,my vet thought there might be a chance,but he got weaker and weaker and he just died 3 days later,my sweet,big kitty.My brother's cats( also strays) fared the same way.Two died at home,and the other two had to be euthanized.So,I think you need to make that decision soon,or the cat may well die on his own,poor thing.Oh,none of my other cats caught leukemia from Mojo,not even 2 kittens that I had found and he groomed regularly.My vet said that it's almost always passed by bites or sexual contact.I'm sorry about your cat.

Answer 4

I had a cat with cancer... I knew when the time was right. So will you. You have to try.. meds and vet appointments.. even a second opinion. I knew when the time was right for me. I said my good bye and bawled my eyes out at the vet. But it was the best thing I did for me and my 12 yr old Tigger. It still bothers me today. But just knowing I did all I could... It makes me feel better.

Answer 5

My grandparents had a cat with Feline Leukemia and he lived for a few years after he was infected, now the last few months were really hard my grandma had to feed him baby food by hand cause he refused to eat but for the first couple of years he was pretty healthy.

Answer 6

Anemia is a symptom of feline leukemia. You can address this issue with bucked up nutrition. Your cat can live for a long time with good quality of life. Whether you choose to put him down is a very personal decision you and your family should probably decide for yourselves with your vet's help.

Answer 7

Daria, when you have adopt a cat or any animal for that matter, YOU take responsibility of the pet. For LIFE. I think you should put him to sleep. Be humane. (and if you explain the monetary situation with your vet, it's possible they might give you a discount of some sort.)

Answer 8

There are at least two very good fe-luke groups on yahoogroups.com that you can check with. Cat owners on those have leukemia positive cats and can give you good solid information to make your decision with.

Answer 9

As sad as it sounds i think the right thing to do is put your cat to sleep. From your previous post it seems that his quality of life is pretty low, so putting him to sleep will ease his suffering.

Answer 10

Oh and by the way, in response to your other post, there IS A MEDIUM-HIGH RISK!

I didn't know you were keeping your cats together! Just in case if he does have it, he can transmit it just by touching noses and transmitting saliva.