What are the symptoms of feline leukemia in kittens?

Question

I found an abandoned kitten that is adorable and I'm keeping her. I called Angels for Animals and am taking her there to get all her shots, spayed, etc... They said they put all the cats that test positive for feline leukemia down. Now I'm worried. I love my little Halo (that's her new name) and am hoping for the best. Does anyone know of some warning signs for feline leukemia? She seems very healthly and is very fiesty and active.

Another thing.... I'm broke and that's why I'm taking her there. I can barely afford to keep her as is so I don't know if I could take care of her if she is sick :(

Answer 1

The other posters have given you good lists of symptoms for a cat who is becoming sick with leukemia, but sometimes cats will be carriers, which means they test positive but do not have any symptoms. Angels for Animals probably puts them down because it is contagious to other cats, and sometimes carriers can get sick suddenly from it, so if they are outside cats, they shouldn't be released back outside where they can infect others and may become sick and suffer with no one to help them.
If I were you I would explain to them that this is your cat and you would like to keep her even if she tests positive. If she tests positive you will have to keep her as an only cat and keep her strictly indoors, both for her health (her immune system will be weak) and to avoid infecting others. She may have many happy years before becoming sick. If she does get sick and is suffering, have her put to sleep at that point. If it comes to that, at least you will have given her a happy life for whatever time she had.
Also, try to delay the test until she is at least six months old (at the time of her spay). The test is not very accurate in young kittens.
But try not to worry too much. Most likely she is negative.

Answer 2

Symptoms Of Feline Leukemia

Answer 3

Feline Leukemia Symptoms

Answer 4

How old is this kitten? And he only weighs a POUND? Most shelters won't adopt out kittens until they're at least eight weeks in age and two pounds. And many spay and neuter them at that age before they go out. Did the shelter not test for Feline Leukemia? Most do because otherwise it can end up spreading through the shelter if animals are kept together. Your vet is WRONG about the kitten being "too young" to be tested. The shelter I volunteer with tests all our kittens at eight weeks old. Feline Leukemia doesn't cause cold symptoms. It's attacks the white blood cells and makes it hard for the animal to fight infection. So it could just be a very bad infection that needs a second course of antibiotics. Take this kitten to another more knowledgeable vet and have him tested. And to the person saying Feline Leukemia is "not that common" you may want to educate yourself.

Answer 5

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/DGT0u

Unfortunately, the symptoms of FeLV, (feline leukemia virus), vary greatly. The virus causes anemia and compromises cats/kittens immune systems so that a variety of opportunistic infections can occur. These may include bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoan and parasitic infections. An infected cat may exhibit no symptoms initially, while many develop a fever, malaise, lethargy, blood component deficiencies and swollen lymph nodes. After the initial infection, a cat may be affected with any of the following: anemia, weight loss, infections, depression, jaundice, low grade fever, decreased energy, loss of appetite, excessive thirst and urination, diarrhea or constipation, bloody stools and swollen lymph nodes. If the newborn kittens are FeLV positive, unfortunately they may not survive more than a few weeks. I hope that is not the case with your kittens. The litter can be affected with a variety of secondary infections, loss of body mass, parasites, stunted growth, lethargy, lack of appetite and atrophy of the thymus gland. There is no cure for feline leukemia and the only course of treatment is to try to strengthen the cat's general health and immune system. Your kittens can be tested at a veterinarian's office with an in-office test. Unless you know that the mother is FeLV positive, I wouldn't assume that the little ones may be. If the kittens do not have FeLV, they will be more likely to develop respiratory infections and viruses. I do wish you and the kittens well.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What are the symptoms of feline leukemia in kittens?
I found an abandoned kitten that is adorable and I'm keeping her. I called Angels for Animals and am taking her there to get all her shots, spayed, etc... They said they put all the cats that test positive for feline leukemia down. Now I'm worried. I love my little Halo (that's her new...

Answer 7

That is so sweet that you are willing to take in this sweet girl even though you are financially strapped right now.

I am wondering HOW Angels for Animals can legally take your kitten and put her down if she tests positive for anything. They could suggest she be euthanized but, she is your kitten...how do they do it without your permission???

Unfortunately, to answer your question, there are no absolutes in identifying feline leukemia or FIV. Some affected kittys appear perfectly normal and others have many symptoms. That is why the whole idea of arbitrarily euthanizing positive kittys is ridiculous. Even positive kittys have a place in this world...they can have wonderful lives. I know several cat owners that take only positive kitties and they live happy lives together for as long as that may be.

It is completely ignorant of this group to kill with abandon like this. There are plenty of groups out there to help owners. I would look for another.

Good Luck and may Halo (love the name) have a long and happy life with you.

Answer 8

Generally, if a kitten is FeLV positive, they do not live long. The symptoms vary greatly. Some have cronic diarrhea, URI symptoms, anemia, lethargy,poor body condition.......most anything.
Some kittens that APPEAR healthy will test positive. Generally they will become ill suddenly. Some can live quite a long while and a good quality of life if positive....though this is not the norm and those usually require good vet care.
If your kitten tests positive, euthansia is the best option, especailly if you cannot afford a lot of vet care.
Hopefully, everything will turn out fine!!

Answer 9

Well i had a stray cat for at least ten yaers and she seemed fine until she started losing her hair and appetite slowly.We thought she had allergies and we left it go on for awhile which was a big mistake because by that time it was too late and she had to be putdown now i make sure my cats have all there shots and stay inside and never get out.If she was sick they would put her down right away because it is so catchy to other ctas and then it goes on and on.

Answer 10

she may not show symptoms. she may be positive for it but it hasn't developed yet.

if she looks sickly, like squinty eyes, runny nose or eyes, thin and or not eating and gaining weight would be signs. also, her gums would be paler than a normal cat's. if she looks and acts, healthy, i wouldn't worry about leukemia.