I was in a similar situation. We had 2 cats one rescues 5 weeks after we adopted one. We don't know which of the kittens was infected but both were FeLv +. We lost Lilith at just about 18 months old. This was the first we found out that she was FeLv +. She was healthy as we knew and always appeared that way even to the vet. She had been vaccinated just a few days before and was fine at that time and with a day she was under the weather. The vet believed it to be a reaction to the shot. She didn't get better. Basically within less than a week she went from perfectly normal (or so we thought) to gone. The vaccination had dropped her immune system enough for the disease to take over. We were terrified to have Vixen (the younger one by just 2 months) tested. We waited about a year before we did. We couldn't face the idea of her being positive too and losing her quickly and young the same way. Not that knowing or not knowing would make any difference. We had her tested finally and we were devastated when the test came back positive but we really kinda knew anyway from all the research we had done and talking to a very good vet of our from years before to get as much info as possible. Vixen was never...ever sick. She was on a high quality food. Absolutely no supermarket food. Her wet food was 100% natural and she ate a high quality kibble as well. We lost Vixen at just over 6 years old. She didn't die from the FeLv. Her immune system was strong and the FeLv never reared it's ugly head. She was no longer vaccinated though as she was 100% indoors and because vaccines can drop the immune system for the first 24-48 hours after receiving it and that was a BIG risk for her and could not be afforded. Vixen actually passed from a blood clot that went directly to her heart. It was something we didn't know but can happen with the breed of cat that she was part of (she was part maine coon and blood clots are a factor for the large cats like maine coon, siberian, norweigan forest cats). So, basically, as long as she is fed high quality food and you avoid vaccines if at all possible and stay vigilant with her health (if you think there is something wrong get her checked immediately) then you could have a good few years with her. Also, do what you can to help her avoid stress. Cats dislike change so avoid it if you can. If she is not a laid back kitty don't bring another cat (please none that are FeLv -, if you get another cat for her another rescued FeLv + cat would be best) or dog into the home. This doesn't have to be an immediate death sentence. She can live a good many years happy, healthy and perfectly normally. If you have any questions you can PM me or email me at kittycatsdelight @ gmail . com (remove the spaces is all).

I'm sorry for the loss of little Dixie. I am sure she is running and playing happily at the rainbow bridge now wait for the day she will be reunited with you. And I hope all goes well with Tinkerbelle. ((((HUGS)))) to you all and some cuddles for Tinkerbelle.

Michelle