Wednesday April 22, 1998 Part 2 23 Messages ====================================== Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 17:42:03 -0400 From: Glen Zipper To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Tucker's Dad: My Bad Luck Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear All, Check out my luck. My girlfriend and I live in Brooklyn Heights, NY where there are a lot of brownstones with basement apartments. Walking home one day in the RAIN we noticed a cat sitting outside a basement apartment's window staring into the apartment. We went over to see what he was looking at and it turned out that he was gazing jealously upon a couple of indoor cats eating their dinner. It was a pathetic sight: this ratty skinny looking stray sitting in the rain staring at a better life. We already have 3 cats and were not akin to the crazy blue haired old lady with 42 cats, so we are at our limit. We hoped this would be a one time sight and just went about our business. Of course, for the next 2 weeks the cat didn't move--just stayed and stared into the apartment. We checked to make sure he didn't belong to the couple in the apartment, and he did not. We finally just resolved to feed him outside and that was going to be it. The poor thing was so very hungry and had NO teeth so he could only eat soft food. A couple of days later the little guy followed me all the way home and was acting kind of odd. I don't know how I didn't notice it right away, but the poor thing had a huge bite taken out of him. I had no choice--off to the vet we went. 2 days and $300.00 later (a lot for a law student living off of Pell grants) we got some good news and some bad. The cat required surgery for the bite which was a success, he was neutered, given a rabies vaccine, etc. and he was doing great. BUT, you guessed it--Felv+. The vet said he would do whatever I wanted. I just cant introduce him to my apartment with 3 cats, one of which is Tucker who is very ill. I couldnt put him to sleep--he feels fine and has no symptoms. The Dr. recommended just letting him go. I asked about the wound and he said that the stitches would disolve and we would have to risk an infection. I left the vet with the intention of just letting him go. Unfortunately, he is just about the most sad pathetic cute little sight and is SUPER friendly and I couldn't do it. Long stroy short--he's locked in my bathroom right now eating like a HORSE. The bathroom is pretty large and intend to keep him there at least as long as it takes for his wound to sufficiently heal. Of course, I would love to find someone to take him b/c I really don't want to put him back on the street for his and other cats sake. But who is going to adopt a toothless Felv+ cat? Any ideas? Glen -------------------------------------- From: Rdmacaulay Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 18:53:44 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Commercial Food Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net To All, Didn't mean to ruffle any feathers out there re: the commercial food. It was absolutely a personal choice, as I'm looking for various (harmless) ways of getting Fitz better. He and Armstrong have taken to the raw diet with vitamins pretty well, and to the eating only twice a day. I realize that Science Diet and other high-grade commercial foods are fine for kitties and cats live full lives on it, but I personally felt that it just wasn't offering enough nutrients for my FeLV+ kitties. If they weren't FeLV+, I probably wouldn't have made the change, because I wouldn't have bought the book, because I wouldn't have found this site, because I wouldn't have been looking. Right? Fitz is staying right where he is--not better, not worse. Crossing my fingers we can make it until the oncologist appointment on Saturday without having to get another cortisone shot. Two more days... --Rachel -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 20:01:47 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: From Carol in Vancouver Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Carol, Who says cats don't have guardian angels? One of mine brought me One Eyed Jack. A black cat who eye has been shot out. He is also a sweety and safely in my bedroom. You and Allie are both very lucky. barb -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 21:03:26 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Tucker's Dad: My Bad Luck Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Glen, What a sad story! Please don't turn that poor thing back out on the street. Pufferino@aol.com lives in NY. Maybe she knows someone who might want it. If your cats have already been exposed to FeLV what's one more? If I was closer I'd take the poor thing myself! barb -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: Tucker's Dad: My Bad Luck Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 17:22:16 -0700 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Glen, here are some places for you to perhaps network to find this cat a home. So, even if the organization can't help you, there may be people there who can or who can suggest other possibilities, so ask. Please don't put this cat back out on the street, as hard as it is to say it would be better to euthanize than to expose the entire cat population in your neighborhood. I can't believe that your vet said to put it back out! Let's hope it doesn't come to this. Greetings to Tucker, and regards to Montague Street (is Capulet's still there?). I wish I could be more help. New Yorkers For Companion Animals http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/5418/nycahomepage.html Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (mostly dogs but cats too) http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/1856/barc.html Bide-A-Wee (212) 532-4455 Little Shelter (Long Island) http://www.littleshelter.com/page2.html Be hopeful, but realize it'll be tough, and the effort it's own reward, -- Steve -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: Commercial Food Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 17:30:04 -0700 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Rachel, I too want to make it clear that I'm not in favor of the commercial food, just that there are matters of degree, it's not all the same, and it's wrong to categorically say all commercial food is bad. I also think that whole foods are much better myself, and that nutrition is particularly important with an immunodeficient cat, just don't want to impose my own values, as you don't with yours. I guess what I'm trying to say is that when establishing a regular diet, go for natural foods and/or high quality commerical food and get some nutrional guidance, but when cats are anorexic, give 'em whatever they want and supplement as needed. I hope Fitz comes around very very soon! -- Steve -------------------------------------- Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 21:58:32 -0400 From: Selena Walker To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Nutrical-alternative Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear FeLV list members, FYI, there are other felline nutritional supplements out there without sodium benzoate as the preservative. Specifically, I use Kittyvite, an 8-in-1 product produced in the US. According to the ingredient list, sodium benzoate is not a component of this product. I'm sure there must be others (supplements) without sodium benzoate too. I have recommended Nutripet but it's no longer available here so I can't verify its ingredients. I can always post the ingredient list of Kittyvite later if anyone is interested. Sincerely, Selena Walker Stittsville (near Ottawa), Ontario, Canada in memory of Zachie, June 1982 to November 1994. -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 21:06:52 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Commercial Food Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Rachel, No ruffled feathers here. But you might want to check with your vet. An all meat diet is not necessarily good for your cat. My vet was nuts when he heard I was only feeding Merlin just meat. I got a long lecture on how they need a lot of other stuff. So talk it over with him or her. barb -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 21:19:25 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: (Fwd) Re: curing Felv positive cats with Mega C Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net All, I would like everyone to compare this letter from the Mega C folks to the letter that was written about the Nutrical contact. The difference is startling. My guess is this is not the first letter they have received asking for some research date on their product. They were defensive and rude. While the Nutrical folks were interested, polite and concerned. I know how frantic we can get sometimes, trying to help our babies. I was there more than once. But I have learned that a lot of what is out there is just not worth the time or the money. Someone said this stuff is just common stuff, anyone could make it. I assure you, if it did indeed cure our babies, news of it would be out there all over the place. And some company would be making it and making big bucks off it. I really feel this guy prays on our desparate need and desire to do what is right for our sick cats. I guess if people want to buy it, that is their choice of course. But please don't put all your hopes and dreams in it. When it doesn't work, this guy will have some odd ball reason to explain it away. I guess that's it for me on Mega C. barb ps. I know of NO company that claims their vaccines are 100% effective, not even human vaccine companies say that. But I believe this guy has claimed 100% cure rate. Nothing I know of has a 100% cure rate. Nothing. -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 21:25:50 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Nutri-Cal update Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Marilyn, I don't think he will send a hit squad for you! I got the feeling when I talked to them that if viable proof could be shown that is even the slightest bit harmful to cats, they would remove it. Who ever found the long description about coal tar or something should certainly send that along. Jim said he found several spots on the net with warnings so he can send those as well. See, we can make a difference! I personally didn't think there was enough to do any harm, but if we can get rid of it entirely, all the better!! BTW, I did some checking in the PDR, out of curiousity, to see if it was in any other stuff. So far, found it in some of the generic Ammoxicillins, none in the tetracyclines or steriods. barb -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 20:42:15 +0000 Subject: Re: Nutri-Cal update Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, Marilyn, and everyone, Although I found a number of web sites that have made the point that Sodium Benzoate is poisonous to cats, none have cited where they received such information. I even privately email one place yesterday but have not yet received a reply. Some points I can make about this topic, though, are that Sodium Benzoate has been used in comercial foods since about 1908, and the maximum concentration allowed by law is 0.1%. This is disturbing since this is a human regulation and animal supplements are not regulated. If exceeding 0.1% is considered too much for humans, then what is that 0.1% doing to our cats? Also, for those that use Aloe products for your cats, I've found all kinds of warnings that many Aloe products use Sodium Benzoate as a preservative. Always check the labels. I'll keep looking for more info, but the resources seem scarce. Take care, and best wishes to all. In loving memory of Vyvyan: March 20, 1988 - August 15, 1997 James G. Wilson- phaedrus@ctnet.net http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/8025/ http://www.fortunecity.com//skyscraper/sterling/20/niu.html -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 22:03:57 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Nutri-Cal update Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Jim, I checked my Ambrotose and it is not in there. So that's one that's ok. barb -------------------------------------- From: "Cheri Gardiner" To: Subject: Re: Commercial Food Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 19:47:57 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Got some Pet Guard wet act food today from the health food store. It's is one everyone recommends and contains few chemical ingredients. The kittens love it>>>>They each ate a spoonful. I think I'll use that to supplement their raw meat and veggies diet. Chaz does have some lymph node swelling right in front of his back legs. Has anyone else had this happen? The vet said it could be pollen or the fact I've been painting. We are going to watch it closely. Cheri G., Kitty & Chaz In memory of my little boy Mickey -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 22:06:27 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Commercial Food Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Cheri, I wouldn't take the chance with the lymph nodes. I would give some ImmunoRegulin. My Ariel had swollen nodes on her neck and back legs. After a week and three IV shots, they were gone and have not returned. Been over a year now. barb -------------------------------------- From: "Cheri Gardiner" To: Subject: Re: Tucker's Dad: My Bad Luck Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 19:44:58 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Glen, Where are you? Cheri G. -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 22:07:00 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Tucker's Dad: My Bad Luck Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Cheri, He's in the big city, NY. barb -------------------------------------- From: "Cheri Gardiner" To: Subject: Re: Tucker's Dad: My Bad Luck Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 19:49:39 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Glen, I agree with Barb. Want to send him to Iowa? Cheri G., Kitty & Chaz -------------------------------------- From: "Cheri Gardiner" To: Subject: Re: Commercial Food Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 20:04:49 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, Chaz is on maintenance Immunoregulin shots once a month. If the swelling doesn't go down by Monday, he'll go in with Kitty for another shot. I definitely won't take any chances. He's too precious to me and Kitty. They would be lost without each other. Cheri G., Kitty & Chaz In memory of my little boy Mickey -------------------------------------- From: "Cheri Gardiner" To: Subject: Re: Tucker's Dad: My Bad Luck Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 20:07:47 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Little far away from the farm country of Iowa. Someday I'll get some more kittens to help. Can't believe there aren't more being discovered. My vet says people just don't want to go to the expense of testing them. I think this weekend I'm going to write a letter and mail it to all the vets in the area. I've called most of them. I still think they think I'm a crazy lady. I just want some of the little ones to have a chance at life however short. Cheri G., Kitty & Chaz -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 22:38:18 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: I FOUND HELP!!!!!!!!!! Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Angela, Sounds like you found a treasure! Hang on to them and see if they will allow you to post them to our list of vets willing to help FeLV cats! barb -------------------------------------- From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: Re: Nutri-Cal update Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 22:45:29 -0400 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net barb, As my good friend Tigger Alice Tooncis loves to say : Above all, stay aware, be careful and mysterious ! MEOUCH !!!!!!! .marilyn. -------------------------------------- To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 23:41:46 -0400 Subject: Re: Tucker's Dad: My Bad Luck From: naohalloran@juno.com (Naomi J O'Halloran) Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Glen, Hi. My father lives in the Bronx and really wants a kitty. Only problem is that I'm not sure if he's allowed to have a cat in his apartment. I just called him, but no answer, so I'm waiting for him to call me back. I'm probably getting more excited about this than I should, but I'm going to try my best. I live in Jersey and go in to see him a lot, so I can get the medicine for him and stuff if he can't find a vet that will get it for him. I actually really want to take the cat myself, but my mom's not too thrilled with the idea because Keigan has a thing for peeing all over the house if he doesn't think his litter box is perfect enough, so she's afraid a new cat would smell it and start doing the same thing. I'm still working on her, though. I'll keep ya posted. Please don't get your hopes up at all, though. Like I said, he may not even be allowed to have a cat in his apartment. Naomi -------------------------------------- To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 23:45:29 -0400 Subject: Re: I FOUND HELP!!!!!!!!!! From: naohalloran@juno.com (Naomi J O'Halloran) Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Angela, I'm so happy for you!!! A vet who will help you and a receptionist who understands you all in one place! Just get him in there as soon as you can! Good luck! Naomi -------------------------------------- END