I have gotten the worst news today that has sent me spiraling into a depression. You will have to excuse me if I slack a bit on the posts for the next couple days since I haven’t been too happy about this news. My kitty “Skittles” (she is half Siamese, half Persian and gorgeous) has Feline Leukemia. It is in the 1st stage of the virus and could live 3 more healthy years (on the bright side) but that doesn’t mean she will. You wouldn’t even be able to tell she had anything wrong with her as she looks and acts the same as she ever did. The bad news came from a regular Vet checkup. It’s good that it was caught early because the 2nd stage only means bad things for our furry friends. I have decided to post a few facts about this virus for everyone’s information… it will show also what to look for (as in signs)… although I would urge everyone to just bring their pet for regular checkups because my baby isn’t showing any signs at all but she still tested positive.
What is Feline Leukemia Virus?
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), a retrovirus, so named because of the way it behaves within infected cells. All retroviruses, including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), produce an enzyme, reverse transcriptase, which permits them to insert copies of their own genetic material into that of the cells they have infected.
How common is the infection?
FeLV-infected cats are found worldwide, but the prevalence of infection varies greatly depending on their age, health, environment, and lifestyle. In the US approximately 2 to 3% of all cats are infected with FeLiv. Rates rise significantly – 13% or more – in cats that are all, very young, or otherwise at high risk of infection.
How is FeLV spread?
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 infected cats. Cat-to-cat transfer of virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and (although rarely) through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. FeLV doesn’t survive long outside a cat’s body – probably less than a few hours under normal household conditions.
What does FeLV do to a cat?
Feline Leukemia virus adversely affects the cat’s body in many ways. It is most common cause of cancer in cats, it may cause various blood disorders, and it may lead to a state of immune deficiency that hinders the cat’s ability to protect itself against other infections. The same bacteria, viruses, protocoa, and fungi that may be found in the everyday environment – where they usually do not affect the healthy animals – can cause severe illness in those with weakened immune systems. These secondary infections are responsible for many of the diseases associated with FeLV.
What are the signs of disease caused by FeLV?
During the early stages of infection, it is common for cats to exhibit no signs of disease at all. However over time – weeks, months or even years – the cat’s health may progressively deteriorate or be characterized by recurrent illness interspersed with periods of relative health. Signs may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Slow but progressive weight loss, followed by severe wasting late in the disease process
- Poor coat condition
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Persistent fever
- Pale gums or other mucus membranes
- Inflammation of the hums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis)
- Infection of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract
- Persistent diarrhea
- Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders
- A variety of eye conditions
- In unspayed female cats, abortion of kittens or other reproductive failures
What are the two stages of FeLV infection?
FeLV is present in the blood (a condition called viremia) during two different stages of infection:
Primary Viremia, and early stage of the virus infection. During this stage some cats are able to mount an effective immune response, eliminate the virus from the bloodstream, and halt progression to the secondary viremia stage.
Secondary Viremia, a later stage characterized by persistent infection of the bone marrow and other tissue. If FeLV infection progresses to this stage, it has passed a point of no return: the overwhelming majority of cats with secondary viremia will be infected for the remainder of their lives.
How can I keep my cat from becoming infected?
The only sure way to protect cats is to prevent their exposure to FeLV infected cats.
- Keep cats indoors, away from potentially infected cats that might bite them. If you do allow your cat outdoor access, provide supervision or place them in a secure enclosure to prevent wandering and fighting.
- Adopt only infection-free cats into households with uninfected cats.
- House infection-free cats separately from infected cats, and don’t allow infected cats to share food and water bowls or liter boxes with uninfected cats.
- Consider FeLV vaccination of uninfected cats (FeLV vaccination of infected cats is not beneficial). Discuss the advantages of vaccination with your veterinarian. FeLV vaccines are widely available, but since not all vaccinated cats will be protected, preventing exposure remains important even for vaccinated pets. FeLV vaccines will not cause cats to receive false positive results on ELISA, IFA or any other available FeLV tests.
I hope this has helped inform you of the risks out there and to seriously consider getting your cat vaccinated. I never thought it would happen to my cat and it did. She hardly left the yard when she went outside, she was a scaredy cat about roaming around the neighborhood, and still she caught it. Please do me a favor and check on your cat… if everyone took better care and diagnosed their cat, this wouldn’t be becoming more of a common problem. I now have to keep Skittles indoors and worry about her getting all sorts of infections bringing her to the vet every few months. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.
This is my skittles… her eyes are light blue, so it’s hard to get a good photo of her eyes looking normal:
She also loves to sit on your shoulder like a bird ever since she was a kitten. Here she is with my boyfriend… chilling on his shoulder:
54 comments
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February 14, 2007 at 10:00 am
Dejan
Oh poor darling Skittles… 😦 Amber, if I understood you correctly there is a good chance that she is still in primary viremia stage, so it means there are chances for her recovery. What did the doctor say? What kind of medicine will you use? Can you somehow stop her advancing to secondary viremia stage?
Let us all pray for her recovery. I promise I will light a candle in the church for her speedy recovery. Sometimes we cannot avoid destiny, but if God’s Grace descends destiny is nullified.
I know you will take good care of her, and do your best to save her. You have to know that we are all with you and with her. I will search more on internet about this disease and how it can be cured.
February 14, 2007 at 12:31 pm
catsnstuff
O Amber, I am so sorry for you and your cat. I hope there is a chance of recovery. Skittles is lucky she has a loving ‘parent’ to take care of her, so she will have a happy life. I wish you and Skittles all the best.
February 14, 2007 at 2:46 pm
qphayes
Amber, I feel for you and poor Skittles! I will keep Skittles in my thoughts and hope that she is still able to lead a good happy life with you as she struggles through this tough time! It’s always hard when one of our pets starts having problems!
Do keep us updated on how she is doing! You take all the time you need and we’ll be here when you are ready to get back into the swing of things!
February 15, 2007 at 12:19 am
adorablay
Dejan – Thank you for thinking of her and lighting a candle really touches me. As for the stages go… yes she has the chance of recovering but there is no medicine that is known to make things any better unfortunately. I wish a cure was there but it’s just like HIV in humans, nothing as of yet. She got 4 teeth pulled today because of the leukemia effecting her gums and teeth… thankfully she will still be able to eat ok since it was only 4 teeth. She is sleeping it all away now.
catsnstuff – Thank you so much for thinking of skittles. She would jump on your shoulder and give you a lick if she could for your kind words!
qphayes – Thanks, I know it really is hard and support is great. Maybe all these good thought will help her since she still has a great chance. She looks peaceful now… so I know she isn’t in pain, might be different when she wakes up though and the drugs they had her on when she went under wear off.
Really thank you everyone for your kind words and thoughts, both skittles and I are very grateful for the love.
February 15, 2007 at 6:06 am
Alanna
So sorry to hear about your cat. I know it’s a horrible thing to deal with, but you seem like a very loving person, and I’m sure you’ll give her all the love and attention she needs.
February 17, 2007 at 1:27 am
adorablay
Thank you so much.
February 17, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Weekly Blog-O-Sphere Tid-Bits - February 17, 2007 « qPlog: Brainmatter
[…] a more serious note, one of my newer blogging friend’s, Amber, posts about her Skittles being diagnosed with Feline Luekemia. Please send her well wishes as she goes through this rough […]
February 17, 2007 at 4:44 pm
qPlog: Brainmatter » Weekly Blog-O-Sphere Tid-Bits - February 17, 2007
[…] a more serious note, one of my newer blogging friend’s, Amber, posts about her Skittles being diagnosed with Feline Luekemia. Please send her well wishes as she goes through this rough […]
February 18, 2007 at 12:33 am
engtech
I’m sorry to hear about that 😦
February 18, 2007 at 11:01 am
Andy
I headed over from Hayes’ blog (qPlog) to say how sorry I am to hear of your cat’s diagnosis. Do try healing – just gentle laying on of hands in quiet times – as well as orthodox treatments. Does no harm and promotes bonding, and peace. Miracles happen for humans and animals, so keep hope alive and give your cat lots of love. The end of the journey is less important than the quality of the journey itself. x
February 18, 2007 at 2:28 pm
uneromaineaparis
I am really sorry about that. I perfectly understand how you feel, as I had a cat a few years ago who had the same problems…. hugs and kisses
February 21, 2007 at 12:36 am
adorablay
Thank you so much everyone for your nice comments. I am very thankful to have such great and considerate blog friends 🙂
February 21, 2007 at 2:58 am
A Week with Amber starts NOW « Adorablay Animals
[…] start here and now. This past week was a busy one for me. Not only have I been having to deal with my poor cat and her leukemia but I have had an awful week of work. I worked much overtime and put a lot of my energy into it. I […]
August 10, 2007 at 1:42 pm
WeextGetDax
Very useful and informative blog. Recommended for all to see.
http://medsdrugs.blogspot.com/
October 21, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Amanda
I am so sorry to hear of your precious kitty. My heart breaks for you. I currently have a 4 month old kitten at the vet now with feline lukemia and he is in the end stage. He got it from his mother. This has just devestated us. His name is Dobby and is the most precious and sweetest thing. He was fine just a week ago and we are having him put down in a couple of days. Our heart is broken.
November 8, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Kim
My cat was also diagnosed with cancer…he has a large mass behind his ribs on the left side….I took him in almost 3 weeks ago because he was losing weight, I thought maybe he had parasites, and then the vet felt the lump…she said “size indicates cancer” and also said to remove it would probably cause him to die in a few days….I had no options but to bring him home….he was on prednisone to try and shrink the tumor. I also found a product called Flor Essence that has been used with great success in cancer patients (people) and can be used on animals. It is all herbal, and was developed by a nurse….I’ve had him on it for almost two weeks now. He is eating, but very little, but more times a day…while he is still thin, he’s still bright and alert, loves to cuddle, purrs, and does his ‘twinkle toes’ dance on me….I’m praying hard, and trying to be positive for a miracle. I have a multi cat household…..so if he’s been infected, chances are someone else it too…they are all indoor cats, but can go out into a grassed yard where they can’t get out…so we aren’t sure how he got the infection. It breaks my heart to see my beautiful 5 year old boy not well….but miracles can and do happen…and I feel hopeful he will receive one.
December 8, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Angel
I am so sorry for what Skittles is going through. I took my 1 yr old cat named Dori to the vet and she was diagnosed positive for Leukemia.. This is such a horrible disease , she has lost all her weight and sways when walking.
The vet feels that she can stay at home as long as I am capable of tending to her on a 24/7 basis. Which Dori is my life and I do not mind one bit.. she deserves to be treated like a princess.
I wish there was something I could try, But I have searched over and over and have came up with nothing.
December 9, 2007 at 7:00 am
Steve Viccica
I’m sorry to hear about your cat. I hope everything turns out good. My son has 7 cats. Thanks for the info..I’ll pass it on to him.
January 4, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Catlover
We had to put Oreo down, he was found to have contracted the feline Virus leukemia, he was 5 years old and weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces just yesterday- this virus can lay dormant for years,- they found a lump in his stomach thru x-ray and the leukemia thru a special blood test. It took 2 clinics to finally discover this in his blood after extensive checkups which amounted to close to $1000 vet bill in 2 days. I fail to understand that they couldn’t figure this out a lot sooner because he certainly displayed all of the symptoms linked to Leukemia after I researched it on the Internet. We will miss him dearly- Best wishes to Skittles- she is young and from what I have read she could be strong enough to lead a healthy life.
February 13, 2008 at 1:04 am
Steph
Thank you for posting this information. I have had cats for years and never, until recently have had to deal with FeLV.
I hope Skittles is doing well. BIG HUGS, Steph
May 2, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Judith
I am so sorry to hear about Skittles FELV. Just this morning I had to put my poor 8 month old Pinky to sleep. She acted normal until last week. I took her to the Vet and she had a Tumor that was producing fluids making it hard for her to breathe. They tapped out the fluid and gave her some medicines that helped great until last Wednesday. She loodked horrible last night and I couldn’t let her suffer anymore. I have 5 other cats *all inside*….and now I wondering if they all have it. My heart is so broken that I cannot quit crying. My other cats keep looking for her in the house and that is making it even worse. I love my cats more than most people and everytime I lose one over the years I go into a great depression for a while. I know that I did the right thing but I felt like I was pulling a plug or something. Sometimes life is not fair!!!! I hope that your kitty doesn’t have the strain my Pinky had. I know that some cats live a full healthy life with this infection. I pray that your Skittles has the better strain of the virus!
September 29, 2008 at 10:16 am
Tesla
My cat Pepper has the same thing she was diagnosed maybe 2-3 years ago. It’s 3 am and I just took her to the hospital at 1 am because she started drooling and bubbling from the mouth and breathing rapidly and not moving. They have her on an IV and are doing tests. I’m hoping it’s not the cancer. The doctor said it might be dehydration or fluids in the chest but I don’t know for sure yet only that this trip alone is costing me &800. I hope your cat recovers.
❤ Tesla
October 5, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Steve
omg that is so sad H hate to see either kids or animals sick 😦
October 8, 2008 at 2:29 am
Lisa
I am so sorry for all this sad news. I live in a small rural town. A stray mother cat had 5 kittens behind my home the neighbors junk pile. I had been watching them grow and play. I was finally able to befriend them and caught all 5 plus mama. I was worried about feline leukemia because of other strays that I have helped have tested positive. They are probably about 4 months now. I’ve had the mama spayed. And yes, they’ve all tested positive. The vet was impressed how healthy they were because kittens have low immune systems. I have all 5 kittens (all males by the way!) and their mom. Not sure what to do. I thought about advertising them as being positive and hope for some kind souls to foster them. They are in my garage now in a huge cage. I have 8 cats in my house and they are healthy so I need to keep them separated from the positive babies. Why I wrote this I don’t know. I will not euthanize them unless they become very ill. Of course that was suggested too when discovering a positive test result. I sit and kiss and love them every night to give them all the love I can. They were wild at the beginning but now are really calming down……
Thanks for reading
October 8, 2008 at 7:56 am
Amber
This is so sad to read Lisa. So sad. I wish I would take them all. Where do you live? Skittles is still doing good and has no signs of anything… I think keeping her indoors and well cared for is keeping all the bugs she could catch at bay. I wish you good luck with the kittens and give them some love from me. 🙂
October 17, 2008 at 1:32 am
Jim
I’m so sorry to hear of all of the kittens and people suffering.We have 4 1/2 year old miniature Persian that the Vet thinks was given the disease by her mother. Her maximum weight has been 4 pounds.
We have had her since she was 9 months old.
Everytime she gets sick, several times a year, it is an emotional roller coaster. She is a real fighter, so we can’t give up on her. She is on Interferon to help control the disease. Right now she is on an upswing, 4 weeks ago we almost lost her.
Thanks for listening.
October 26, 2008 at 2:52 am
Juan
I got the news about my cat Sami today…
she’s breathing abnormally and we think she may have a lung infection… or possibly a tumor that is affecting her breathing like someone mentioned before…
She’s next to me on the on the bed, she always comes straight here and sleeps for most of the day now. I can’t bring myself to cry for her, i just want to help her- but at 11 pm i’m starting to realize there’s nothing i can do. I hope your cat feel’s better now. my other cat chocolate might be infected too, so as you can tell today wasn’t a very good day… i hope that at least other cats out there live on without pain and enjoy every moment until their last. I wish everyone else dealing with this disease the best of luck…
December 12, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Angela
my cat lilly was just put down the other day due to FeLV. we did not know about the virus until it was too late, and her chest had filled with so much fluid that her lungs were collapsing. it was a horrible experience, and the vet said that the best thing we could do for her would be to put her down. i am now worried about my kitten, lexus. she is only about 4 months and we have to get her tested on wednesday. i am hoping to all hope that she does not have FeLV, but it is not looking good seeing as lilly and lexus were best friends and cleaned each other and shared everything with one another. i am wondering, does anyone know if there is a cure for the virus if you can catch it before any symptoms start showing? please, if you know of anything let me know, it was a very hard thing to go through loosing my lilly, and im not sure i could handle loosing my little lexus also.
August 4, 2009 at 12:38 am
jim
Angela-
It is my understanding that there is no cure for FeLV.
As far as catching it early, I think YES it can be controlled.
Our little FeLV is now 5 years old and has a very good quality of life,
We have her on vitamins and Interferon. Our bigest problem recently is anemia, we have been giving her very small amounts of iron to help that.
October 13, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Patty
Hi,
There is not cure for Feline Leukemia. The only thing is your Vet may be to put a feline leukemia cat in remission. They have certain drugs that may help. The symptoms can show up at any time. Most young kittens and cats have the highest mortality rate. I was told that my older cats may be immune to the disease. My Frankie did not show any symptoms until 2 weeks ago when I discovered a lump on his neck after testing he was found to have feline leukemia and possible lymphoma from the leukemia. He is being treated and I will know by Staurday this week if we should continue with treatment. Frankie is 5 years old so he has exposed all my other cats for the last 5 years. He has always been an indoor cat his mother may have passed it on to him I was told. I can only say hang in there. I have lost many pets through the years and it is very tough b ut you will get through it. We don’t want our beloved pets to suffer that is the main thing…. You are in my prayers. Patty R.
March 22, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Shirley
I rescued 4 baby kittens after their mother, a stray, died when they were only a few weeks old. They are now 8 months old and live with my 3 other older cats. Just this week Jessie was sick and would cry when I tried to pick her up. In her second visit to the vet, it was discovered that she had FIV and luekemia. Her fever was so high as well. I had to put her down. I then took the other kittens in to be tested. They all tested negative to FIV, but Tigg is positive for luekemia. I haven’t had the three older cats tested yet. I need to find a new home for Tigg where she will be the only cat. She looks and acts so healthy. I’m trying very hard to keep her feeding bowl seperate from the others, but it’s very difficult to isolate her. I have posted an ad on Craigs List–with no response yet after two days. I am beside myself with what to do. How long do I have to find her a new home, yet keep the others safe?
March 22, 2009 at 9:21 pm
adorablay
Shirley,
I do believe you can get your other cats shots to protect them against contamination. My mom’s cat had to get it done and all we had to do is keep my cat and hers separated for a few weeks. I wish you good luck… you should post the craigs list listing here and hopefully someone will bite. I wish you and all your cats well! 🙂
Amber
May 31, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Jerrianne
I am so glad I found this website. Everyones info is so helpful. I just found out the other day that My Cat Lucky has the same thing. My Heart is defanetly Broken:( He wont eat he will only drink. But this is only his second day on the Medicine. Im praying he will get better. Thanks Guys. And I will keep all your animals in my thoughts and prayers.
October 13, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Patty
I am sorry to hear about Skittles I know what you are feeling my cat Frankie was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with feline leukemia and perhaps lymphoma from the leukemia. I have a multi cat house all are indoors now they are all exposed. Frankie is being treated for his symptoms and then if he gets through this phase he will get Interferon. I will know by Saturday. I will be testing the other cats in my house I can only hope they will not be positive. I cannot separate Frankie from the others but I do know they have been exposed for the last 5 years being that Frankie is 5 years old. I was told that some may be immune to the disease that’s what I can only hope for.I just lost 2 cats due to older age within the past 2 months. I am totally destroyed by this and all I can say is hang in there perhaps Skittles will have a long and healthy life. My Vet says I did nothing wrong and not to feel guilty. Don’t look back look forward! You are in my prayers… Patty R.
October 25, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Tiffany
The people who got their cats tested for this what type of test did your vet use?
October 25, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Tiffany
Hi,
Nice website. Patty I totally can relate to you. I just found out my one cat is positive, he has been throwing up for a few weeks and finally we did blood work after my vet thinking it was a virus. He tested positive. 😦 I took my other cats in (6) and out of the six one tested postiive. 😦 I am torn should I keep two cats in two separate rooms?? I tried keeping the young one in the room who just tested positive but she was climbing my walls. Got all of them there shots for this yesterday but it is not 100%. My one male cat who tested positive is in a separate room. I have had one very very long week.
Sorry to hear about Skittles, I hate this disease. 😦
December 30, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Lena
What a gorgeous, gorgeous cat — prayers for you and Skittles. Thank you for all the information about feline leukemia.
August 8, 2010 at 2:40 am
susie
I’m sorry for your diagnosis.
I too have jst found out my 4 year old siamese, very much the same color as yours has the virus. She is on prednisone right now, don’t know if its helping or hurting. My heart too is broken, her name is Katie. She was a stray. I know I’m blessed to have her for 4 years, I’m hoping for a miracle to have her longer. She is sneezing alot now, and her one eye is teary.
I don’t know how I will live without my little girl. Blessing toyou and yours.
August 25, 2010 at 9:20 am
jasmin
Yesterday my 8 year old cat got put down. Not only did she have Feline Lekemia but she also had Cat AIDS. To make it worse we didn’t know anything was wrong with her until 3 days ago when she wouldn’t eat. The Vet said her white blood cell count was 11 and it’s the lowest he’s ever seen in a cat because it’s suppose to be somewhere at 70. They put her on the drip over night and she was all fine better then usual but the vet said it won’t last for long. I was going to go pick her up after school until I was told she got put down. I miss her a lot and wish we saw the signs sooner 😦
August 25, 2010 at 4:37 pm
Charlita
Hi I just found out that my cat also named Skittles has feline Lukemia…I was told there is no cure and im not sure what stage she is in…how can i tell?
October 5, 2010 at 3:09 am
Melanie
Hi amber, I just found your post online tonight. I haven’t read through all of the comments posted because there are so many. I want to know how your Skittles is doing now and how old is she now? I rescued my Kit Kat and he has leukemia but seems healthy (showing no symptoms) and he is about 1 year and 4 months old. I’m guessing since I rescued him when he was just a baby.
I’d like to know about the progress of your sweet Skittles. Thanks!
Melanie
December 28, 2010 at 9:02 pm
adorablay
She was doing great. She has now passed but she had a long life and didn’t suffer much in the end. She was on all sorts of medicine that helped her cope with the disease. I believe your cat can have a wonderful happy and full life with this disease. I wish you all the luck and give him cuddles from me! 🙂
November 3, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Gimili
My kitty “Iggy Poop” was diagnosed with the same 2 years back; he was about 10 years old. I acquired him after allowing a stray female to move into my loft space in Brooklyn New York. At first we believed she was a fat male but one day I say he belly moving and realized quickly she was in fact a pregnant female. She gave birth soon after to 2 healthy kittens, one still born kitten, and, 4 hours after this last dead one and I thought she was all done, then “Iggy ” came out. I was awakened by a high pitch screech sound; it was the tiny, strangely ‘bent’ “Iggy”. He was screeching in pain in such a way I freaked out and picked him up to check him out. It appeared the mom had accidentaly pulled off a piece of his fur and skin when she chewed off the ambilical cord and he had a 1/2″ diameter, raw meat belly-button! Ouch! Anyway, Iggy survived and I dressed his tiny body’s wound with bacitracin and it healed. He was the runt, much smaller than the other two, a brown and gray tabby. When the other two began walking, he was barely able to stand. I noticed he had a peculiar shaped spine, scoliosis probably; near his tail, the spine bent downward instead of upwards; and it felt like he was missing one of the spinal ‘bump’ bones. But he was not in pain and was in fact the sweetest of the litter. He loved it when I would hold him, belly up, in one hand, so his back was arched backwards. This seemed to put him to sleep and his expression would be total content; so maybe he was in pain normally. ANyway, the other two got adopted, the mom went crazy on my friend who was interested in “Iggy” and she had to be dropped at the shelter because she wouldn’t stop biting and scratching anyone who came near him. This was a devastating thing for me so I decided to keep Iggy myself as she wouldn’t have had it any other way. He was a healthy and glorious companion for 10 years and it wasn’t until we moved out of NYC to the woods that he showed symptoms of the Feline Leuk. We gave him daily insulin injections for a year but it became way too expensive (now we have a child who also adore “Iggy”) and we had to cease treatment. Prior to treatment, Iggy had continual diarrea, vomiting/regurgitation and would drink water constantly and thus saturate the litter box daily. Then his hind legs gave out and he couldn’t climb stairs. Thats when we finally brought him to a vet. We don’t have much money. The insulin worked miraculously and he was like a young stud, perfectly healthy, in a month! We had to use syringes and inject him twice a day so you can’t be squeamish, but I am surprised your vet hasn’t tried this. ANyway, now we can’t afford it and it has been about a year since Iggy got an insulin shot; he is showing the tell-tale-signs and soon I presume he will lose use of his legs if I do nothing. My husband wants to put him to sleep but I cannot bear it as he isn’t that old and we know for a fact the insulin works like magic. How can I let a money issue dictate his right to life? So I have been doing research on-line and found out about Flor Essence, this tea/extract, which I will try if its not outragiously expensive. You should too! Keep me in mind when you are posting updates. Good luck and much love to Skittles. -Gimili Gita
November 3, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Gimili
How is Skittles doing? What is your treatment method?
November 3, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Gimili
Oh my gosh, I just realized my mistake! It’s not leukemia Iggy has, but feline Diabetes! I am so so sorry for my mistake… I didn’t get enough sleep last night and somehow wasn’t thinking clearly when I came across your blog while researching alternative treatments for Iggy. Anyway, we do have one thing in common: a sick loved one, our kitties. I still want to know about Skittles and I think you should still look into the Flor Essence tea because it has been proven to help with cancer treatment in humans! Maybe it’ll help Skittles somehow. Good luck.
June 21, 2011 at 8:11 am
Emily Lenore
My cat has it to. And dont tell anyone but im only 11 and i need help im scared if he will die. I will miss him so much. Do you have any tips???
June 21, 2011 at 8:25 am
Emily Lenore
oh and btw my cats name is nala and what is it like to lose your cat i mean how do you feel and this may sound really silly but has you cat come back as a ghost for one last good-bye???? thank you
August 12, 2011 at 8:44 am
cartuse imprimante
http://nationalnoteassociation.com/phpBB2/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=570042
August 14, 2011 at 8:33 am
Yesenia Reichenbach
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.
November 20, 2011 at 9:55 am
julie kivell
hi there,
the same thing has happened to my lovely cat oscar he is a himalyain persain excuse my spelling I love him to bits and its not looking to good for him he has a large tumour which is getting bigger and bigger Iam very up set as I will have to eventualy put him down when he can no longer eat what a heart ach it is.
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November 13, 2013 at 6:29 am
Linda McCoy
I hope Skittles is still doing alright. My Shadow was diagnosed with Leukemia today and is not doing well. She got behind on her vaccinations only by a few months and caught the disease. She became ill all of the sudden today and she’s now being treated with fluids and antibiotics. I didn’t think she would catch it because she only goes out in the back yard and my dogs keep other cats from coming in. I have 3 other cats. My more adventurous cat who goes out and gets in fights is immunized and has always tested negative. But now I’m not so sure about him because he got beat up really bad right before he got tested and immunized. I thought he was behind but when I checked his records he had another year on his leukemia immunization but I decided to go ahead and get his shot early. The kitten I rescued from the freeway a few months ago tested negative and has been immunized. My other cat stays in a cage most of the time because she has stress cystitis and chronic hematuria. I don’t know how Shadow caught the virus. I’m taking the other cats to the vet tomorrow to be retested. I’m really worried that I’m going to find out that my other cats are positive too. I feel so bad because I let her immunizations fall behind. I thought she was the least at risk pet so I got everybody else immunized first. Now I’m afraid I might have other sick animals that I don’t know about yet. I had a kitten once who tested negative was immunized then came down with it and died at 10 months old. I hope my kitten didn’t bring this awful disease to my older cat. Nobody else acts sick at this time. Shadow is 10 years old and until now has never been sick a day of her life. I feel like I’ve failed her and I’m afraid of what else I’m going to find out tomorrow.
November 13, 2013 at 7:25 am
Linda McCoy
And for Emily if you are still checking this site I think the answer might be yes. After my cat died at 10 months old from leukemia we started feeling something jump up and walk around the bed at night. This happened several times then it stopped until a week ago when I went to bed early one night and felt a lot of activity when I turned out the lights. I turned on the light and there was nothing there. I thought that my kitten might be playing under the bed. I looked under the bed and there was nothing there then I checked and all my animals were in the other room with the rest of my family. Now a week later I find out that my cat is sick with leukemia. Maybe he was trying to warn me about Shadow.
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