Vet News Sparta the “Mean Kitty” diagnosed with FeLV (and a post on living well with feline leukemia)

January 27th, 2009  

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This is really sad. DH just asked me how Sparta was doing and I was still planning to check. I guess he's not completely unsymptomatic now, if that's why they tested for it, but I really hope everything goes as well as can be!

Sarah January 27th, 2009 10:20:06 AM

Good food and a clean safe non stessfull enviornment my frind has 2 8yr old kits diagnosed 3 yrs ago and they are doing great

JIm January 27th, 2009 10:41:13 AM

It looks like they are looking toward long term solutions.  Good for them.

"It’s all up to the vagaries..."  I'm so glad doctors seem to be re-learning this.  "I don't know" is so much better than "you're doomed".  At least "don't know" leaves room for searching and trying and hope.

PJBoosinger January 27th, 2009 11:32:13 AM

We know Cory will do what is best for Sparta, he loves the little guy. Our families first cat, back in the 1970's, was diagnosed with it when he became sick. At that time it was a relatively new disease and they didn't know a lot about it but our vet was convinced that if we could manage the symptoms he had he would improve - advanced thinking at the time! He recovered and lived to be 22 years old. Of course he was deaf, arthritic and partially blind by that time. I still miss that tough little panther, he was one of those special cats that only comes along once in a lifetime.

Donna January 27th, 2009 06:11:18 PM

My first kitty died of FeLV.  She was born with it, and all but one of her littermates died within a few weeks of each other.  I didn't get her tested when I got her because I thought the mama cat was healthy, and I assumed the mama's owner had taken care of all that stuff (obviously, I was naive and wrong).  Although her death was devastating, I'm glad I didn't know she was FeLV positive because I might have made the wrong choice.  She had a happy, albeit short life, and she was only sick at the very end.

Before moving to my current home, I was lucky enough to get to volunteer at a no-kill shelter in Ohio and work with their FeLV and FIV kitties.  Many of their positive kitties are older and living happy lives in the shelter.  

I'm glad to hear that the diagnosis does not necessarily equal a death sentence.  If I'd known about my kitty's condition and made the mistake of thinking euthanasia was a more humane choice for her, she would have missed out, and I would have missed even more.  It's good to think that others may get to experience the same sort of joy, even if it is short-lived.

Posey January 27th, 2009 07:23:37 PM

My cats were already a few years old when the vaccine came out. A 'cat fancier's advice to me was that if they already caught it, it was too late, if they haven't, the kittys probably won't cath it because of a goo immune system & the vaccine was a bit suspect at the time.

I never had them vaccinated, nor tested, but both lived healthy & long lives---one to 18 1/2. These diseases mentioned, scare & sadden me much more than canine diseases.

Barbara A. Albright/NH

Pocket's Story from NH January 27th, 2009 08:58:46 PM

Aww, Sparta is such a cool cat, and Cory is a dedicated kitty daddy. I love the videos. I hope Sparta lives a long live with his obvious pampering daddy.

cl January 27th, 2009 10:21:34 PM

Given that this is a vet blog, I'm assuming at least some of you have had a problem like this:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=EUys0W7yawM

It may be a funny video but I'm sympathetic to anyone who has to deal with this problem!

Daniel January 28th, 2009 07:34:39 AM

Cute ad, Daniel. I love the blood and gore...and the happy ending, too. ;-)

Dr. Patty Khuly January 28th, 2009 08:33:29 AM

Got a blog on how to get a cat in a kennel?  I tip the kennel on end and put cats in butt first but I'm always looking for better options on this one. :)

PJBoosinger January 28th, 2009 09:36:59 AM

PJBoosinger: Nope. Never wrote one. I'm big on pillowcases for some especially wily cats, though I'll always go for daily acclimation by leaving the carrier in a highly visible location with the occasional treat thrown in for comfortable and rewarding frequent exploration. 

Dr. Patty Khuly January 28th, 2009 10:11:25 AM

PJ- when my butt-first kitty reached maturity (all 17 lbs. of it!), his armspan and sheer strength were no longer conducive to the tip-and-drop. I invested in a top-opening carrier, and it's probably the best cat-related purchase I've ever made. It was an absolute godsend for the ferals early in the socialization process, as it was much easier to remove them without having to stress them (and risk my personal well-being) with dumping or cornering (they sure as heck weren't about to vacate the thing of their own volition).

N (big kitty) can still grip the rim on the top-opening carrier, but it doesn't take much effort to pry him off and get him in the kitty box.. and he seems to prefer it to being stuffed in butt-first. He doesn't fight the carrier like he used to.

Ramen Connoisseur January 28th, 2009 10:28:38 AM

Yep, the pillowcase works best. Take a pillowcase, put the closed end on your shoulder, have the open end in your hands. Casually walk by kitty (a few times is good), while thinking nice, innocent thoughts, perhaps tossing some good treats, and then 'scoop' the kitty into the case. You can fasten it shut with a long enough twist-tie, or sturdy string/yarn, and take kitty as is, or you can place the case in the carrier for added security. Very few kitties will try to claw their way out (although there will be that special one), and because they can't really see out, they often calm down quite a bit. This is especially helpful if you need to evacuate quickly (fire, etc.), as the pillowcase is generally much easier to get to, and to get the cat in, in an emergency.

KateH January 28th, 2009 05:19:03 PM

My kitty, Mike,  just tested positive for FeLV late last year.  He's going in for a follow up test on Friday just to make sure because he'd been vaccinated.  But given that he's been sick for most of that time, I think we'd all be willing to lay money on what it will say.

We're hoping that once we get rid of the bacterial infection that he just can't quite shake, he'll continue to live a happy healthy life.  He's mostly upset because he's no longer allowed outside (he was an indoor outdoor cat.)  We're planning to adopt another FeLV+ cat to keep him company now that he can't play with his cat friend from down the street anymore.

Juli January 29th, 2009 02:00:34 AM

I have a three year old kittie who tested positive for Felv when I got her when she was a year old.

At that time she was very sick (chronic sneezing, diarrhea, swollen glands, stomatitis), but with the help

of a Felv on line support group, I was able to treat her symptoms (l-lycine, immune system boosters, and

interferon-alfa) and she is currently symptom free and living a happy life. While I know there is not a cure,

it is possible (in many cases) to treat the symptoms by boosting and supporting their immune systems.

Jane January 30th, 2009 10:14:02 AM

Thanks Jane. Do you have a link to your group?...and good luck, Juli. 

Dr. Patty Khuly January 30th, 2009 10:56:41 AM

Hi, there are two groups devoted to Felv. 

I joined both of them and really learned from people who have been living

with kitties with Felv, some very successfully for many years, and some who

have had to deal with heartbreaking loss. I learned a lot and I think that my

kitten's recovery has a lot to do with the advise and experience that I have gotten

from these lists. 

    FelineLeukemia@yahoogroups.com

          felvtalk@felineleukemia.org

Jane January 30th, 2009 01:27:33 PM

Willow was diagnosed at age 1 and lived to be over 8. Her kidneys started failing and then her liver. She was healthy most of that time with only two or three instances of being sick. But at the end, when she got that sick, she went downhill fast.

Since we'd had a FeLV cat in the house, we became foster family to a stray who was very sick. Several people had worked so hard at getting her trust and finally catching her and none of them wanted to betray that trust by killing her. So we took her in. She was a long haired beauty in her prime but at that point, she was a mess. Knots, heavy matting, and that eye weeping and crud. She was basically blind. We called her Bumper (as in bumper cars because that's how she maneuvered around). She was with us for just over 6 mos before her kidneys then liver failed. She'd allowed us to comb her and had actually groomed herself (a big step toward getting better, IMO). She'd also allowed us to wash her face and get rid of a lot of the crud. She was a wonderful cat who's last six months of life were spent warm, dry, and well fed.

PaulaO January 31st, 2009 01:08:43 AM

Jane I tried both of your links but they would not come up for me. I have 3 FeLV positive cats diagnosed a year ago. So far they seem to be doing ok, they do sneeze a lot and one has developed a couple small lumps that I'm concerned about. I'm very interested in anything I can do to help boost their immune system naturally. I was totally devestated when I first found out. My legs almost gave out, I had to catch myself on the vets table. I am determined to make their lives as long and comfortable as possible and hope for the best.

Barb in TN February 3rd, 2009 07:57:54 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about Sparta's diagnosis, but assuming a positive attitude and giving him all the love and attention you can are the right actions to take at this time.  Who knows?  Maybe he will be one of the lucky ones, and no matter what, he has once again helped countless cats around the world by your letting other cat owners know that feline leukemia is not necessarily a death sentence (which is a common misconception).

I hope your vet has tested Sparta's buddy, as well, just in case, so that both cats can receive the love, treatment and comfort they deserve.  Fight, Sparta -- we're behind you!!

 

Janet McCann(& rescued cats/pets PC, Silver Streak, Oreo, Midnight, Louie and Walter)

Austin, TX

Janet McCann February 10th, 2009 11:20:51 PM

Oh my god i cant believe it about Sparta.The first time i watched the mean kitty song i fell in love with sparta.I love him so much.My friend was the one who told me about Sparta.Sometimes i call her and we laugh about the song. I know how it feels to loose a very close animal , ive lost so many i can hardely count. So lets try to keep a possitive attitude. So sorry to hear about his diagnosis. Love Katy

Katy N.S February 13th, 2009 05:42:51 PM

So sorry to hear about Sparta.I love the video you put on youtube of him. He is such a sweet little kitty. I know it feels to loose an animal i have lost so many i can berly count.Hopefully he will fight fight fight this, because he can.Me and my friend think of him everyday and how much we love him.Again so sorry . We love you Sparta frome Hanna

Hanna US February 13th, 2009 05:57:58 PM

HEY SO SORRY ABOUT SPARTA I LOVE THAT LITTLE GUY I HOPE HE MAKES IT THROUGH THIS. ILL BE THINKING ABOUT HIM LOVE AVRIL.

AVRIL February 13th, 2009 06:06:52 PM

I am so sorry to hear about Sparta. I just adore him! I was so sad when i found out. But hes a strong kitty and he will fight it for as long as he can. I love all of your Mean Kitty videos and the mean kitty song was genius! I watch the videos every day and i cant stop thinking about him. I love you Sparta and think positif Cory " Mr." Safety".

lauren canada February 13th, 2009 06:12:02 PM

spartas a great cat and he derves to livea happy life with his owners

conor April 14th, 2009 05:18:14 PM

I also know how it feels to have a sick animal and I cried for at least 10minutes I love sparta so much he is the best mean cat ever so now that I have found out I will pray for him every day and he is a very cute cat so I hope he lives a long and happy life LOVE CONOR

conorfaulk April 14th, 2009 05:28:20 PM

I lost a wonderful cat to FeLV years ago -- he even looked a lot like Sparta!

 

I really hope that Sparta will do well.  There are anti-viral drugs that can be given to cats with FeLV, aren't there?   If Sparta needs medical treatment, I'm sure many of his fans would be willing to chip in towards the cost.  I know I would!

Judy from MI April 19th, 2009 04:43:00 AM

We had a big male cat who was wonderfully affectionate as well as cranky. He died when he was about 14 years old, from feline leukemia. He had a great life, and was well loved. With Sparta's owners being told they have the virus, it shouldnt mean a short, suffering life, by any means. Good luck to the kitty, and to all kitty lovers out there. By the way, my cat was awesome and was the terror of mice everywhere.

Annalisa April 26th, 2009 10:21:13 PM

Glad to read the information on this disease.  Very glad to hear that most cats go on to live normal, healthy lives with close supervision and some treatment.  We are all glad to hear the update on Sparta.  Hope to see another update soon.  We love ya, Sparta!  Jackie, Anthony, Brad, Christopher, & Derek

Jackie & sons May 19th, 2009 05:17:32 AM

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bnt aboha May 21st, 2009 07:34:51 PM

I have 7 cats, 2 have this disease.

They were tested 5 years ago, and my vet wanted to put them down. I would not do it...

I am so glad I did'nt because you would never know it. They run and play with the others all day and never seem to get tired. I keep up with every thing they need and with the others to keep everyone healthy.

So please do not react too quickly if your cat has Fe-LV. 

GO SPARTA!!!

Joy

Joy Tucker May 23rd, 2009 12:37:42 PM

I really hope Sparta gets well! Whenever I am feeling down I watch the mean kitty videos and my mood turnes to happy and possitave. Try to make sparta as comfy and healthy as possible. You could make another video of him but just so we can see him pleasseee!!! Give Sparta all my love and I hope he gets well!

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