Jeter's companion, Gynger (available for adoption) can also be seen on our website.

Special Needs: FeLV positive

Description:

Jeter loves to play and sleep by the windows. He is also very into sports and will sit mesmerized by the TV. This young cat is very affectionate and eats well.

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Jeter tested FeLV positive on Oct 13, 2009. He was retested Nov 18th because it is possible for kittens to fight off the disease and become immune. Unfortunately, he restested positive.

 

What does this mean for the Potential Adopter? We have compiled the following FAQs based on information available from some of the nation’s top veterinary schools.

What is FeLV?
FeLV stands for feline leukemia virus – a retrovirus that has been studied for over 30 years.

Can people become infected with FeLV?
FeLV is highly species-specific virus that infects only felines - humans and other animals cannot be infected by FeLV.

Can my other cats catch FIV from an infected cat?
Transmission of FeLV requires intimate moist contact - the most common route is contact with infected saliva through grooming, licking, biting and shared dishes and litter pans.  Young cats, especially those under four months of age, have the least ability to mount an effective immune response and so are most susceptible to FeLV.

 

How is FIV diagnosed?
Our veterinarian uses the IDEXX snap test. This “ELISA” test detects the presence of viral antigens using a blood sample. It should be noted that this is considered a screening test and it is recommended that the results be confirmed with an IFA (immunofluorescent antibody test). The IFA test is relatively expensive; therefore, the confirmation of FeLV is left toa any potential adopter unless some generous supporter chooses to donate specifically for that test.

There is a  vaccine is available for FeLV. . Vaccination for FeLV does not affect test results.

What special care should I give my FeLV positive cat?
Cats that test positive for FeLV may live for months to years. In many cases, it is possible and feasible to keep an infected cat and ensure good quality of life through the combined efforts of the owner and the veterinarian. Positive cats are capable of transmitting their infection to other cats, so they should not live with other cats (unless those cats are also FeLV positive) nor should they be allowed to roam outside. This not only protects other cats from FeLV, but protects the positive cat against the many diseases and illnesses they may contract due to their increased susceptibility.

 

The mainstays of treating FeLV positive cats are protecting them from exposure to other diseases, ensuring good nutrition, giving necessary vaccinations, reducing stress, controlling parasites, and early and aggressive treatment of any signs of illness that appear.