Is the feline leukemia/FIV test really needed for a kitten?

Question by Kiwi ?: Is the feline leukemia/FIV test really needed for a kitten?

Best answer:

Answer by puma
Dear M,

Yes the Leukemia/FIV test is needed for a new kitten especially if you have no idea of where the kitten was born or anything about the mother cat. This is a very deadly disease and a vet I had years ago told me that the virus can be brought in on a humans shoes ect. and the virus can live for up to a year in ones home. So I would have the test done to be sure. When we take on the responsibility of adopting a pet all should be done to ensure its health and safety. Congratulations on your new addition.

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How much does it cost to have a Feline Aids & Leukemia Test done for a kitten?

Question by Bee: How much does it cost to have a Feline Aids & Leukemia Test done for a kitten?

Best answer:

Answer by friskie
about $ 125.00 for those tests.I just had that done to an adult cat that i adopted from the humane Society.

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Useful Tips on Caring for your New Cat or Kitten

Owning a cat takes a little work but gives back a whole lot of pleasure in return. Here are some ideas on how to make your new kitty feel at home, while giving you peace of mind. It is a transition to own a new pet, so take it step by step and don’t be afraid.

If you have a small kitten, make sure to handle it a lot, gently showing it that you are someone it can trust. Put a ticking clock in where its bed is, the soothing sound mimics the mother cat’s heartbeat. If you are keeping the kitty in a separate room until it’s ready to acclimate to the household, make sure it has a soft pillow or cat bed to sleep in. A few toys are appreciated, too. Some great free toys are things like a cotton swab tied to a string and hung from a doorknob (supervise play with this item)or a milk jug ring (that plastic ring around the cap). At the pet store, buy super balls, a laser pointer and catnip mice then sit back and watch the show as kitty wears himself out, being a spring-loaded, furry ballet dancer, leaping in the air as he chases his “prey”. Find toys that are lightweight and throw them around a little, to show the kitty how to play. Kittens learn by watching their mothers, so they will also learn by watching their adopted human parent.

Establish an area for the cat’s litter box in a well ventilated, quiet place. Then, show the kitty where it is, taking your hand and play scratching the litter to show him it’s ok for him to use it. Again, cats learn from watching, and especially kittens need a little guidance sometimes. If the kitty relieves itself outside the box, don’t punish it, just put it into its cat box immediately. Show no anger, as this will scare the cat and make them fear you. Fear isn’t a good teacher, calm praise and encouragement is what you want. Make sure to address the problem as it happens for best results since cats have short memory spans and won’t correllate the accident with the cat box unless you quickly link the two together with corrective action (putting kitty in the box).

All my life, I have given my cats both wet and dry food. Ask your vet the proper amount to feed your cat, but make sure to get quality food that they like, not just anything cheap you see at the store. If you feed your cat quality food, they have a better chance of steering clear of health problems later. My vet told me that male cats can get crystals in their urinary tracts, which are painful and expensive to remove. To avoid that, don’t give kitty food with high magnesium in it. Read the ingredient labels. Having male cats myself, I avoid fish products and give them turkey, chicken or beef flavored canned foods. The ones with rice in them are good, too. Just like humans, vary the flavors of food you feed your cat somewhat. I buy a case of canned food and feed mine one can every day at the same time.

Save money on pet medicines by buying them online. You can take the kitty to the vet when he’s sick and buy the medicine there, but if it isn’t an emergency then by all means, research to find lower prices on pet meds like flea or parasite killing aids. My cat had tapeworms (they look like rice in the cats stool) so I found out what medicine the vet uses and located it on an internet pet store site. The medicine would’ve cost me over if I’d bought it through the vet, but I got the exact, same kind for online. It pays to research the safety of the medicine vets recommend, and make sure to follow the dosage instructions very carefully. Don’t dose your pet higher than listed in the instructions and don’t use dog medicines on cats unless the vet says it is ok to do so. Cats groom themselves, and if you use a topical medicine on a cat that is meant for a dog, it could potentially poison him when he cleans himself. It is better to be safe than sorry. Also, never give human medicine to pets, cats have different systems than we do. Don’t gamble on the life of your precious pet.

When it comes to the question of whether or not to let your cat outside or not, it is a proven fact that indoor cats live longer lives than those who are permitted to go out. This is because there are a vast amount of dangers and illnesses outside that a free-roaming cat may encounter. Cars, cat-hating neighbors, dogs, diseases from other peoples’ pets, and of course, fleas top the list of hazards. We had cats as I grew up, all of whom went outdoors, and one by one, they died from things like leukemia, poisoning from a neighbor, hit by cars (we lost a few cats to cars), and one was trapped and came back with a mangled leg, that needed to be amputated. We lived on a peaceful, upscale street and still, all this happened. I cannot emphasize more strongly, indoor cats do live longer. As an adult, my cats have been indoors, and they have lived to 21 or more years old. Just get your indoor kitty a cat tree (kitty condo) or a scratching post and put it near the window so that he can bird-watch.

Protect your cat when you have guests over who are either rough with, or dislike cats. Put kitty in another room if you don’t want him manhandled by very young children, for example. If you have young children, make sure to show them very carefully and thoroughly to be gentle and kind to pets. Well-meaning kids may break a cat’s leg by picking it up wrong (one of my cats was a rescue who had this happen to him) so it pays to supervise your small child’s interaction with a new pet. This is for the protection of the child as well, as rough handling a cat can cause it to scratch! Cats are loving, but they must be treated with kindness, or their natural instinct is to protect themselves.

If you are going to be gone for a week or so, make sure you have a pet sitter or friend look in on your cat while you’re away. Put down a large amount of dry food and water for the cat, but make sure someone checks to make sure it hasn’t run out. My local pet sitters cost me per day, a small price to pay for peace of mind when I’m away from my furry friends.

Having a pet is a committment and priveledge. Remember, your pet is going to be with you through thick and thin, so be there for him in sickness or health. Give them the same chance at having a happy and full life that you yourself deserve by giving him a forever home. If for any reason you are forced to part with a pet due to unforseen problems, be responsible about finding your pet a good home. Do for your pet what you would do for yourself. There are few circumstances that would warrant giving up a pet, so I advise you to keep your committment, no matter what. I live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and if I have to evacuate, my pets have a large pet cage in the car to be in, with a fan, so we can be together. If you are in a hurricane zone, preplan disasters by arming yourself with a foldable cage for the back of your car, a jug of water and food if you evacuate. Don’t ever leave your pet behind, because he may not be there when you come back. I had my three cats microchipped, in case somehow they got physically separated from me, they would be able to come home to me. Microchips carry the address of the owner, and authorities check strays to see if they have them so they are great investments.

Owning a pet teaches patience and responsibility. In return, you will be paid by unconditional love and acceptance.If you have any questions on cat care, contact your local chapter of the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or your vet, and they usually will help you over the phone. In time, you and your pet will be more comfortable with one another. Until then, just take it slow, remember to be gentle and supportive, and you will have a special friend for life.

Should I have my kitten tested for Feline Leukemia?

Question by ~Gwen~: Should I have my kitten tested for Feline Leukemia?
I had my now 4 month old kitten to the vet for his booster shots, and asked the vet to check his eyes because one was smaller than the other and I wanted to be sure of what was wrong.

The vet said that one of his pupils are fixed, and that he could go blind in that eye and as it is he has poor vision in it. I have to decide if I can afford to pay for the eye specialist when he is in, but I’ll start saving money since that’s not til September.

The vet said that I could be a sign of feline leukemia, and that I could test him when he gets fixed. But from what I’ve read there’s no cure, and treatment is expensive and doesn’t work all the time.

I have no other cats and no plans to have anymore cats, he’s an indoor only cat (he HATES the outside, scared of cars), and perfectly healthy otherwise. Would it be better to just not know?

Best answer:

Answer by Cribber
No you need to know because there are supplements and diets you can use that keep the worst symptoms at bay so he can live longer and healthier. I’m betting it isn’t leukemia, but you do need to know

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Could our kitten have caught FeLV (feline leukemia) from our recently deceased cat?

Question by Mizuna: Could our kitten have caught FeLV (feline leukemia) from our recently deceased cat?
Our older cat tested positive for the disease two weeks ago and was put down because he was so far gone. We’ve had the kitten for 3 months now, and during the entire time she’s been here, they shared their food dishes, litter boxes and were affectionate toward each other with baths and licking. The kitten is approximately 5 months old, and recently started having coughing fits without any hairballs. Is there a chance that our first cat may have infected the new baby in their short time together?

Best answer:

Answer by lizzy_sama
It’s definitely possible. This page from Cornell says “Cats persistently infected with FeLV serve as sources of infection. Virus is shed in very high quantities in saliva and nasal secretions, but also in urine, feces, and milk from infected cats. Cat-to-cat transfer of virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and (though rarely) through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes.”
You should definitely get the kitten checked out by a vet.

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Can a kitten positive for feline leukemia live with an FL-vaccinated cat without infecting it too?

Question by Isolde: Can a kitten positive for feline leukemia live with an FL-vaccinated cat without infecting it too?

Best answer:

Answer by Claudia Shapiro
Yes. The only way your vaccinated cat can get it is if the infected cat’s blood gets inside of your vaccinated cat’s body.

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I am wanting a new kitten. How important is it to get my current cats Distemper & Feline Leukemia shots now?

Question by Q T: I am wanting a new kitten. How important is it to get my current cats Distemper & Feline Leukemia shots now?
I am not sure she has ever received them. I would have to call the vet & see if she got them 6 years ago
The current cat has never been outside

Best answer:

Answer by bdd
New kittens usually need about 3 or 4 rounds of shots and yes they are very important. Those diseases are fatal to cats. Especially if the kitten will ever be outdoors or come into contact with other cats. Most boarding facilities require them so if you ever need to board her be prepared to provide that info. Look for low-cost vets in your area but honestly if you cannot afford the shots then please don’t get a new kitten.

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6 Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Your New Kitten ? Part I

At some point in time, most of us have had the pleasure of bringing home a new kitten. For the most part, it tends to be an exciting and happy occasion, but the key to that excitement and happiness is making sure that you have done your homework and are prepared for the event. Once the kitten is home and adjusting to its new surroundings (as well as the family adjusting to the kitten), there will no doubt be questions that arise regarding the care of your new pet.

For the purposes of covering the bases properly, we have focused on the 6 most frequently asked questions regarding having a new kitten in the home. This first article focuses on the following FAQ’s:

Is it necessary to have my kitten vaccinated every few weeks as they are growing?

My kitten’s fecal samples are negative (clear), so why to I need to keep paying to have them dewormed?

Is it necessary to have my kitten vaccinated every few weeks as they are growing? My suggestion here is that you rely on the information that you will find at the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). The AAFP differentiates between two categories of vaccines – specifically, “Core” and “Non-Core” vaccinations. The Core vaccinations include the following:

Rabies – Check to see if your state or county requires this as most states do. This vaccine is typically administered when the kitten is 3-4 months old.

Distemper (a.k.a. panleukopenia) and upper respiratory viruses (e.g. calicivirus and herpesvirus) – These vaccinations are normally administered as a series and given to the kitten every few weeks until they are between the ages of 12-16 weeks

Feline leukemia (a.k.a. FeLV) – The FeLV is a critical vaccination for your kitten if they are going to be going outdoors with any regularity and could possible come into contact with an infected cat or a cat whose health status is unknown.

My kitten’s fecal samples are negative (clear), so why to I need to keep paying to have them de-wormed? The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that your kitten be de-wormed beginning at three weeks of age, and done several times despite negative fecal samples. Hookworms and roundworms have the tendency to infect your kitten through the mother cat’s milk. Additionally, the environment is a breeding ground for contaminants as well and can also make your kitten quite sick. The typical signs of infection are diarrhea and vomiting.

Several weeks can pass once your kitten has been infected before the worms mature in your kitten’s intestinal tract. Fecal tests conducted by the veterinarian look for eggs that are passed from the adult worms. The tests can also be negative even when the infection is already present. This is the main reason to de-worm your kitten more than once – to ensure that worms are no longer present.

In the next article, we will focus on the topics of grooming routines for you kitten as well as their energy levels.

New Kitten Preparations

When you are bringing home a new kitten it is very exciting and challenging all at the same time. However, you will need to get ready for your new visitor. New kitten preparations are essential for you and your entire family as you both of you will need to get acquainted. This article will cover what kitten supplies you will need, facts about losing baby teeth and vaccination shot times.

Kitten Supplies Needed

Collar and tag even if it stays indoors
Covered litter box and litter
Scooper
Comb and brush
Toys (to help in developing strength and agility)
Dried treats for rewards
Healthy and well-balanced kitten food
Ceramic or steel water and food bowls
Cozy bed
Nail trimmer
Scratching post or floor scratcher
Harness or leash (if your local laws require one when taking your kitten outside for a walk)

The above are just some of the basic supplies you will need to get before you bring home your new kitten. One more thing, be sure to settle on the place where your cat will eat and sleep. Also, settle on your veterinarian. This is critical. You need to know your vet and location in the event of an emergency.

Losing Their Baby Teeth

Just like humans, kittens will loose their baby teeth. They have two sets of teeth—baby teeth known as milk teeth and adult teeth. The kitten’s first set of teeth begin to appear at about four weeks old and will be ready to chew soft foods. When all the baby teeth are grown, there will be 26 sharp teeth.

After a few months, the kitten’s baby teeth will begin to fall out. This is to make room for the stronger permanent adult teeth. This process is called teething and can be painful as the kitten’s gums may be sore for a while. After about eight or nine months, the teething process will be over and your pet will be crunching down its kibble with thirty bright and sharp teeth.

Kitten Shots/Vaccinations

After you bring home your new kitten, you will have to prepare him to get its shots. The vaccination shots will be determined by your local laws and state where you live and these laws will vary from state to state. Your veterinarian will know what shots are required for your pet and at what age. Your kitten will begin a series of shots when he is between six to eight weeks old. Some of these areas are:

Rabies
Respiratory infections
Panleukopenia or distemper
Feline leukemia

Here are some possible times when your kitten will start receiving shots depending upon where you live:

Upper respiratory disease – 6 to 8 weeks old
Feline leukemia — 10 weeks old
Distemper – 6 to 8 week old
Pneumonitis – 6 to 10 weeks old
Rabies – 12 to 16 weeks old
Viral Rhinotrachetis – 8 to 10 weeks old= 

Booster vaccinations for the above shots are in twelve month intervals accept for rabies. Booster shots for rabies can be up to 36 months depending upon your local laws and your veterinarian.

As a pet owner you want to get ready for your new friend and know how to prepare for his/her arrival in your home. Be sure to include your entire family on what their role will be when your new friend comes home.

What should I do with my new kitten with feline leukemia?

Question by Dawn: What should I do with my new kitten with feline leukemia?
I just took my new kitten (5 weeks old) to the vet and she was tested positive for feline leukemia. I have been keeping her separate from my two other cats in a separate room. The vet suggested I wait a month and have her retested. What if she is retested and she is negative. Does that mean she doesn’t have it anymore? Will she ever be able to be with my other cats in the house. I don’t know what to do? Help

Best answer:

Answer by Blue Diamond
These are questions that you need to ask the vet. Call the vet and have a conversation.

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