My kitty

She’s a beautiful cat, her sister, Snowy was too. Long white hair, crystal blue eyes and personalities that exude love. When they came to us they both tested positive for FeLV, their age unknown (estimated at 3 maybe 4). The vet I was working for at the time asked me to take them since we had such success with the sick ones. One of them was partially blind and deaf (we suspect from abuse). The FeLV didn’t dissuade me from taking them in; we had 2 other FeLV positive cats in excellent health (the disease was dormant). Kept separate from our negative cats the house is split in half at the French doors in the dining room. They are fed a special (immune system building) diet and given distilled water. Snowy passed three years ago.

And now her sister, “Angel” is not improving. We took her to the vet Thursday, he gave me meds to settle her stomach, a steroid injection to get her appetite up and some sub-Q fluids. He said it may take a few days to work. Anyone out there who’s dealt with FeLV knows this process. It’s not like feline aids, there are no real “ups and downs”. With Leuk they just go down. The vet said we should try the weekend but he expected to see us Monday. I’ve hand fed her since Friday and have seen no improvement. We’re going back to the vet tomorrow.

And now to the rant; With all of the years spent in the veterinary field I learned a good system. I also learned how this disease operates. I’ve met rescuers in this city who “take care” of FeLV cats. They allow them to mingle among the healthy, have no concept of sanitation or dietary needs and no clue as to the etiology of the disease. I’ve also watched it run through their homes like fire in a wheat field killing everything in its path. Once showing symptoms I’ve watched these “rescuers” allow them to suffer and linger. Yet they continue to take on more and keep with the same practices. I’ve never understood that. Oh I’ve heard the excuse “I can’t afford the vet bills” and all I can say to that is fuck you! Why continue “rescuing” if you can’t afford the ones you have? Money is no object in this household when it comes to health and quality of life- human or animal companion. I know my limits (both physical and financial) and will not be made to feel bad (as some of these “rescuers” would have me feel) because I refuse to take on more than I can handle.

So tomorrow we will go to the vet before my doctor‘s appointment. And tonight I will continue to pray for peace and comfort.

Prayers or positive energy for Angel would be greatly appreciated.