Feline Leukemia Question?

Question

I have four cats. Two are indoors all the time and the other two come and go as they please. A few months ago our indoor-only cat became very sick and we found out she was positive for the FL. She was already vaccinated, they said that she was just probably born with it and had it all along. We had to put her to sleep and had all our other cats tested and they all came out negative and they got their vaccination. A really sweet stray kitty has adopted us has his new owner and he's been hanging out on the porch where we have food and water set out for him. I feel really bad about leaving him out alone since I bring my other cats inside at night and was wondering if it would be safe to go ahead and bring him inside with all my other cats. I plan on taking him to the vet soon to get him tested, vaccinated and fixed. Should I wait 'til he's been to the vet or is it safe since my other cats have been vaccinated?

Answer 1

Fe Leuk is spread inutero, fighting, swapping spit - ie sharing food bowls or grooming eachother. If your cats are not getting too close to this cat and you can guarantee they are not sharing food bowls it should be ok to let the new cat in under close guard. Can you guarantee your other cats havnt been out to the verandah to clean his bowls?

Take him in for testing ASAP.. its likely the stray is not affected but the sooner you rest your worries the better for all.

Good luck with it and thanks for being a responcible owner.

Answer 2

I would wash all of your cats bedding before your bring your new kitty in. And, I would keep it in a separate room until you get it into the vet. I would also try to keep your kitties indoors at all times. Otherwise, this just may happen again.

Kudos to you for taking in such a sweetie and my sympathies go out to you for your recent loss.

Answer 3

I agree with Stephanie(:

Answer 4

I had 3 cats and a stray came to our house in the middle of a freezing winter and "adopted" us.  I was so afraid that he was going to freeze outside (Michigan winter - minus 20 degree wind chill) that I brought him into the house and put him in the basement away from my other cats.  He appeared to be healthy, just skinny from living outside.  We took him to the vet the next afternoon and after blood tests and a good exam, the vet determined that he was a healthy cat and could be introduced to our other cats.  I would wait.  Feline Leukemia and FIP are two nasty diseases.  

Answer 5

I'd have him tested and vaccinated (and neutered, if applicable) before letting him come in contact with your cats.

Vaccination is not 100% effective protection - it's a lot better than nothing, but not foolproof.

Answer 6

Take the kitten to the vet and have it tested for Felv and Feline aids and Fip before exposing your other cats to her. Hopefully she will be negative and then can come in the house.

Answer 7

i would bring it in and keep it away from the other cats until it is taken to the vet. Just because it doesnt have fl doesnt mean it doesnt have something else that your cats could catch.