Unusual FeLV situation

[Freedom]

(My rescue group does not euthanize asymptomatic FIV/FeLV cats/kittens.)

Nor does the one I work with.

That sure is a surprise, quite interesting development. I am also surprised how many times those kittens (now cats, at a year old +) have been tested! Are you just determined to get them all negative? Can't believe the tests?

My group usually tests once, a second time after age 6 months if they were initially positive.

Maybe your vet can write an article and get it published! Or, some grad student may love to work with this litter for a study.

I don't have any FeLV, but Bobby is FIV positive. We tested him twice and then did the Western Blot test. No symptoms, now over 2 years old. But he is the reason I not longer bring any cats into the home; I don't want to stress his immune system.

[smokey the elder]

Because few groups will test more than once, there just not may be enough data available. From everything I've read, and observations in my rescue group, FeLV positive kittens become sickly within a year, and only live 2-3 years max. However this letter has never been sick (knock wood) other than routine kitten URI's that were easily managed.

That's a neat idea about following the kittens; if the vet thinks this is publishable I might be able to get them to spring for both the ELISA and IFA tests; or I just might do it. The game plan was to get at least an ELISA done on their birthday (mid April) as long as they are asymptomatic.