My kitty has AIDS :(

[elfimka]

Just got a call from the vet that our kitty is Feline Leukemia positive. He told me that it's only dangerous for other cats. I did find a source online stating

"Epidemiological and laboratory studies have failed to provide evidence that FeLV can be transmitted from infected cats to humans. Regardless, FeLV-infected cats may carry other diseases. At greatest risk of infection are elderly or immunosuppressed people (e.g., those with AIDS, or receiving immunosuppressive medications such as chemotherapy), infants, and unborn children. It is recommended that pregnant women, people with suppressed immune systems, the very young, and the very old avoid contact with FeLV-infected cats. "

This is the only source I found so far that says anything about pregnancy and FelV kitties. I won't talk to my OB until Monday. So I thought I'll ask if any of you had to go through this or heard anything about it. How serious is it? I certainly don't want to take chances with my unborn baby. Also don't want to give away the cat that my daughter loves so much. They are soulmates and it will be devastating for her.

If you know anything on the subject, please share... Thank you!!!

[mommy2two babes]

One of our cats had FIV.
We had to put him down because we had 3 other cats that did not have it.
The vet had said though that it didn't pose any risk to humans just other cats.

[newmum35]

I would join a group that specializes in this to learn more.. Yahoo groups has some good kitty groups for various things (I had some kitties with heart, renal and thyroid troubles and the groups were invaluable) ...did a brief search for feline leukemia and found http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/FeLVPositiveCats/


It does mention a much more active group can be found here

http://felineleukemia.org/


Hope this helps!

[moondiapers]

I had a kitty with FIV, I thought it was different than feline luekemia though. Our cat actually got sick with an AIDs like illness. Had to eat prescription cat food to keep from vomiting and diareahing all over the house etc. Our other cat was her mom and never caught it or got sick. Makes me think the mom was a carrier? Sushi ended up dying She lived about 2 years after diagnosis.

[elfimka]

Thank you, mamas... Newmum35, thank you for the links, I joined the yahoo group (waiting for approval) and snooped around on felineleukemia.org.

I did some more research and it seems like it's not the FeLV that's threat to pregnant women, but the fact that the FeLV+ cat has a much greater chance to carrying toxoplasmosis. I am immune to this virus, so I am not worried. I'll still call my OB and my kids' pediatrician on Monday, but I am not freaking out anymore.

As far as the kitty, our vet offered us to participate in a clinical trial of a drug that increases cat's chances to get better from 25% to 75%. I said yes. He will find out if there are any spots left in the trial, hopefully there are. I hope this cat gets through it. We love him to death, and he and my daughter are best friends. Literally. He loves her so much, follows her everywhere, they even read books together. *sob*

[sunshadow]

I had a kitten that got Feline Leukemia and he ended up living a very long happy life. Good luck to your kitty!

[LilaQ]

my cat has FIV

Has had it for about 4 years and he's doing great!!! Almost no symptoms that I can tell. Our other cat never contracted it so now we just have him vaccinated.

When he was diagnosed, the vet tech encouraged us to put him down immediately. I'm so glad I didn't listen to that insensitive idiot!! I'm no expert on the subject but I think it's like HIV in humans and effects individuals differently. My cat has a great life.

Oh, and I never thought of any danger to our baby. FIV cannot be transferred to humans.

I realize you were asking about FeLV but i just wanted to let you know that my cat has a similar disease and is doing well.

[onelovinmama]

I was very happy to find this thread. I had a cat who started acting very strange about 2 weeks ago. I took her to the vet and they said she had crystals in her urine, she just needed a special diet. I gave my little sweetheart her special food. About a week later, she stopped eating, started losing weight and hiding under the bed. This was very strange for her. About 3 days later, I took her back to the vet because her back legs were no longer working. They tested her for feline leukemia, it came back positive and we had to put her to sleep. She was only 8 months old and had never been outside. They think it must have come from her mother. :(  We were very sad to lose such a good cat, but now my concern was, I'm pregnant. And I've been petting and feeding this cat her whole life. Of course the internet is very vague. I was only able to come up with the information that I shouldn't have been around her. How was I supposed to know? I was pretty freaked out, so I'm grateful for the information I have picked up here and I'm only a little nervous now about my next doctor's appointment. God bless!