Kitten died from feline leukemia.

9 years ago

I lost my 6 month old kitten to feline leukemia this week. I am heartbroken and completely blindsided. Just looking for some info if anyone has a similar experience. I got her and her brother from a rescue group. Their mother was a feral cat. The mother tested negative for feline leukemia so they figured the kittens were ok. She had absolutely no symptoms. She ate well, she played fiercely, was very friendly, and had no obvious symptoms of ill health until the day I came home and found her with a nose bleed. I figured she and her brother had roughhoused too much, so took her up to the vet. A half an hour later I was told that she had feline leukemia and that her blood wasn't clotting because the leukemia was in her bone marrow. There was no hope. I had her euthanized, and it was so much harder than my other cats because she was just a baby. The rescue group cannot figure out how she got it as her mother tested negative. Could her mother have tested negative and still had it, maybe in the beginning stages? Can they get it from the father? I was too devastated to ask many questions of the vet or the rescue group. I have had her brother tested and he tests negative, although they will repeat the test in 60 days. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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Comments (6)

User
9 years ago
I don't have the answers to your questions but wanted to say how sorry I am that you've lost your kitty. When we had to put our 17 year old girl down for cancer, it was the saddest day I've had in many years. The only blessing was that I was able to take comfort knowing that we gave her a great life and she left knowing she was loved. I hope you can find comfort in that way too.
abbey_cny
Original Author
9 years ago
thank you lukkiirish. She was spoiled rotten, as all of my cats have been, and I stayed with her through the end so she felt my touch and heard my voice. I lost my 18 year old kitty to cancer in December, and even though that was hard I took comfort in knowing we had 18 happy years together. Fiona's time was just too short and her brother is lost without her. I will be adding another kitty soon, as I think he would like company, but waiting until we determine whether he tests positive or not. If he has it I don't know what I will do. So right now just trying to get some info on all of this so I can hopefully avoid it in the future. My condolences to you on losing your 17 year old pet to cancer.
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HU-24215830
3 years ago
My kitty just suffered the same fate. We knew it was an immediate death sentence for our cats, which most likely all have it, so we decided to let them live out what life they had left with us. First, the father, Jesse, died. Following him was our kitten, Twist. I'm afraid I am going to lose the mother, Sprinkles, who was badly wounded by an owl, and the other kitten, Daisy, who is fine right now. I feel like I am losing half of my family if they die. I know what you are going through and I just want you to know that it will be ok.
Debbie Downer
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Ive had cats my entire life and lost one to feline leukiemia at age 16. Im so sorry - the fact that she just was starting her life has got to add another dimension to the loss. For me, understanding what happened and why helps me to grieve and find acceptance so perhaps you could have a talk with the vet when you feel ready? Talk with veterinary teaching hospital or specialist if you need more answers. I assume they did the FLV test for your kitten? Conceivably she had some interaction with another feral cat that her mom and sibs did not but then why didnt mom and sibs contract it from her - does it take time for a cat to become infectious?

PS OK post is from 5 y rs ago. I spent some time writing a thoughtful answer so Im not going to remove it!!!
Debbie Downer
3 years ago
HU, sympathies to you as well I just wanted to mention that my 16 yo who died of feline leukemia passed peacefully the day before the euthanasia vet was scheduled to come, and she never showed signs of pain or distress, only became progressively weaker at the end and eventually stopped eating/drinking. Ive since read that that is rather typical of the progression of the disease. Of course this does not make your loss any easier, I just mention it only to say that your decision to let them live out the rest of their lives was a good one - I hope you have many more good days with Sprinkles and Daisy.
Eshane Bidduth
3 years ago
My seven month british short hair Leyla became very anemic with a blood count of 10 due to feline leukaemia detected at 7 motnhs. she was never sick or lethargic till the last three days she had left on earth. I am

so heartbroken as she was regularly vet checked and vacunaged and indoor kitty who never ever met another cat. Her felv seems to be genetic according to the vet and I’m so heartbroken I can not explain

Kitten died from feline leukemia.

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Kitten died from feline leukemia.

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abbey_cnyOriginal Author

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