Am I making the right decision for my cat?

Question

Im in a predicament. My cat is sick and im not sure with what yet. he went to the vet yesterday and got antibiotics and fluids, but he is going back friday for FelV test and blood work. Im afraid he may have FelV and if he does would i be making the right decision to have him put to sleep? hes only a year old but I have another cat at home that would be at risk. He was a stray kitten. Its hard to make this decision :.(

Answer 1

If he has been around you other cat, it probably already has been exposed to it.

Answer 2

not really just let him live unless he is TRULY suffering and/or ask the vet if its the right thing to do

Answer 3

test the other cat

Answer 4

First, you need to have the test for Feline Leukemia done.  Until you get that result back, you don't know what you're dealing with.  If this cat is positive for leukemia, your other cat will need tested now as well because it may have also picked up the disease if it was anywhere near the positive cat or if you weren't careful washing after handling the positive cat.  Your vet can tell you how long it may take before you know if your other cat was exposed, but I think it can take up to 6 mos to know for sure.  Anytime you want to take in another cat, I highly recommend you keep it quarantined away from your other cats and immediately get it tested.  

Until you know the test results, I would try not to worry too much.  What's done is done now.  You'll just have to deal with whatever happens.  Ask your vet their advice if the test comes back positive.  

Good luck.  You were trying to do the right thing by this cat.  If it is positive, try to realize that because you were compassionate, at least it had medical care & someone who loved it.  

Answer 5

It will be really hard, but if your kitty is sick and it looks like it won't get better, then the best thing to do is put him to sleep. I know it's hard, my cat had cancer, and we thought she was getting better, but she started getting worse and she was in so much pain, we couldn't keep he alive any longer. Your cat would rather be dead then in so much pain.  

Answer 6

If the two cats have been living together then if one has it the other may have it (get the second one tested - it may be just showing no symptoms).  If they both have it they can live happily together but must stay inside to protect other cats.  As they are young they will adapt to their new life-style easily.  

If only one has it then call around cat charities and shelters.  They can often re-home FeIV cats to be companion cats for other FeIV cats or for people who want indoor-only cats.  

Answer 7

No!  

Answer 8

Get your other cat tested, and vaccinated if he/she hasn't already caught it from this one.  Hopefully both cats will turn up negative for FeLV, but if at least one is positive, then you'll just have to give them whatever care the vet tells you and lots of love, and they can stick around until you see that they're in too much pain to go on.

Answer 9

First of all, he may have something else.

Second, no I don't think you should kill it even if it has FIV. Should we kill all people with HIV in order to avoid getting it? It is similar, don't say they are people and that this is how it is different, because cats are the ones who'd get FIV anyway, so if you value the other cat's health why not value this cat's life?

Anyway, many cats live long happy lives with FIV. They need attention, they must be kept indoors and you must make sure they don't get sick, but not kill it! If you are so worried about your other cat and don't want to risk it, try to find a home for the new kitten, where he will be with no other cats.

And don't use the term "put to sleep", say it by its name:KILL.

Answer 10

This is one of the hardest decisions to make. I have three cats I rescued who all were positive FeLV. I decided not to put them down. Cats with FeLV can go several different ways. They may succumb immediately, or live several years. Sometimes the virus can show up as a lymphoma a few years later. One of my cats did get the lymphoma and I had to put him down but I had a couple of very enjoyable years with him. The other two are very lively and healthy. Sometimes they get the virus, recover and can never get it again. Some cats can be carriers and never get the symptoms. If your cat is positive you probably want to get your other cat tested .If they've been with each other, he's probably already  been exposed. There is a vaccine available now for FeLV , though limited in effectiveness.

Personally, I wouldn't put down. I would give my kitty a chance to see if he is one of the lucky ones. But that is me and everyone is different. If he's positive, have your other cat tested and talk to vet about your different options. Only you can weigh the risks vs benefits for yourself. I'm so sorry for you that you have this decision to make- one of the saddest. Best wishes.  

Answer 11

if he is suffering, it's OK to put him to sleep. But, I have heard of Felv + cats living 8-9 years post diagnosis. Don't feel like you have to make that decision by yourself, lean on your vet =^..^=