Conference misery::feline_v1

577.0. "Vaccinated Siamese Wanted" by BANZAI::UTZ () Mon May 04 1987 12:55

I have a problem that I hope can be remedied by a reader of this notes file.
About a month and a half ago (March 29, to be specific) I lost my large black
cat, Hexus, to FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). This left one lonely
Siamese, Caspar, at home. I had him checked to make sure that he did not have
FIP also, and had them do a test for FeLV as well. The FIP test was negative,
but the FeLV test was positive (just barely- it had to be done twice because
the first time it was declared inconclusive, and the second time the vet
understood why it was inconclusive, but he declared it positive). This means
that he is a healthy carrier of FeLV. However, he is still lonely (he sleeps
on our bed curled up next to the stuffed whales; poor substitute for 17 lb.
black feline heat generator).

I talked to my vet about what we could do about getting another cat, and he
said that if we got one that had completed the FeLV vaccination series, it
would probably be ok. My husband and I would really like another siamese, but
that is not absolutely necessary. What we really want is a young cat that has
been vaccinated or a kitten that someone is willing to keep for 3 months while
he or she gets vaccinated. The other problem is that my husband does not want
to pay more that $75 (not including shots and food) for a cat. If anyone can
help us out, please either send me mail (BANZAI::, QUILL::, NOVA::, WEBSTR::,
CREDIT::, or DEBIT::utz) or post a note here. Since I am in school this year
and not at work, I will try to read my mail and this note once a week. If
something more urgent comes up, my husband David can be reached at DTN
381-2167. 

Eryn

    I would like to warn you that just because a cat/kitten has been
    vaccinated against FelV doesn't mean that they won't get it, it
    just cuts down the chances.  
    
    I don't mean to sound negative, but I wouldn't introduce another
    cat or kitten.  I am very surprised that your vet suggested it.
    
    cin
    

    Perhaps this is a good opportunity to provide a home to 
    *another* healthy (?) carrier of FeLV?
    
    Our vet tries to find homes for as many cats/kittens as they
    have room for.  Usually they are FeLV negative, but if they
    knew there was a home available, they might try to make the
    placement.
    
    Call 266-PURR  (266-7877) for info if you want a cat/kitten from
    them...
    
    	Penelope
    

re .2:  I think I may look into that; I guess its not a problem having 2 that
	test positive. Is the area code for that phone number 617?

re .1:  Caspar, until the end of March, had always had a friend. He is a very
	affectionate and playful cat. He now has noone to play with except me
	when I am on vacation (which is not very often). My husband is at work
	during the day, and I am in graduate school until August (which means 
	that I am never home, except to sleep) and then I will be going back 
	to work. Caspar is also a siamese, and thus has been very vocal about 
	the lack of a playmate. I know its risky to get another cat, but I am
	not planning to let either of them outside to infect anyone else. If
	Caspar were older I might not bother, but he is only 4 yrs old, so has
	many years ahead of him still.

Further Info: I am in southern New Hampshire (Nashua area) and am willing to 
	travel within southern NH or NE Mass to get a cat.

Eryn