I’ve had this site for 3 years now and, unfortunately, haven’t dedicated myself to update it in ages. But it still receives a fair share of visits regularly. By far the most sought-after post is about my experience with my FeLV+ cat Myrtle and her treatment for anemia.
I know a lot of pet tutors desperately search the web after receiving a FeLV+ diagnosis. I’ve done that. And that was precisely why I wrote my text about her. However, that text is back from 2018 and people who read it today have no idea of how she is. I receive messages on Instagram and Facebook all the time of people who found this site and want to know if she is still ok these years later. So here’s a brief update on Myrtle.
As of writing this, in July 2020, Myrtle is 7 already! She’s good, healthy, fat, happy, but not so cheery with all this pandemic and quarantine shenanigans (2020 sucks). Humans are home all the time, the cat bedroom became a home-office, it’s boring. Sometimes I even dare close the door to have a video conference, how insolent of me!
She still hasn’t had any further complications from immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. In fact, soon after starting the correct treatment back in December 2014/ January 2015 she improved. But her treatment was really long, as we only completely removed medication (Prednisolone and Leukeran) in May 2016. This attention and patience in weaning her off was imperative for the result of the treatment. I can’t stress this enough. Even today I speak to one of the vets who was with us through all of her treatment and who’s the vet responsible for the care of all my cats today and she says she always uses Myrtle’s case as an example of the correct way of treatment handling, including how to wean off the medication. You can’t just rush and cut doses. When that happens, anemia usually returns.
Fact is, Myrtle hasn’t had any health problems since. Her last feat was breaking a tooth, but I even spoke about that in the original post. She’s been great since. She weighs 5kg, has shiny hair, pink gums and spends her days playing and sleeping, like any regular cat. I’m the type that won’t medicate if there’s no need for it, so none of my cats, FeLV+ or FeLV- take medication or supplements. The only drug allowed is Dreamies – 3 per day, so they don’t gain too much weight! Apart from that, they have an enriched enviroment, with wooden boxes and steps above the wall for them to go up and enjoy the high life, access to a fully netted balcony to sun tan and watch the neighbourhood and absolutely no access to the street.
I use light super premium cat food. I know I seem obsessed with their weight, but that’s because my 2 male cats, both negative, are 8kg and 9,5kg. They are overweight. I need to control what they eat and I haven’t figured out how to feed them all different food. I’d rather use natural food, but haven’t been able to organize my day around it, unfortunately. The food I use is Premier Pet (Brazilian brand). Perfect can’t be the enemy of good. They have plenty of water bowls and a fountain in the bathroom, which they mostly drink off. It is important that cats feel enticed to drink water, as kidney disease is deadly too.
Well, I guess that’s the update. There’s not much going on, which I think is good. It means I have a regular kitty at home and FeLV hasn’t changed her beheaviour or health. It’s just there and it might creep up again one day. But, until then, we just live a normal life. And if I may be so bold as to give any adivice here, this is it: a FeLV+ cat is just a cat. Treat your kitty like that. FeLV is not a death sentence, don’t despair!
For all of those who are going through a difficult time with their cats, I wish you the best of luck. Believe me, I am rooting for you! And if you want any tips, you can catch me on Instagram (@gabichaytor) or Facebook (Gabizilla). Maybe together we can change the way FeLV+ cats are viewed and help positive kitties who are looking for a home.
