Widget needs a home

(I'm cross-posting this in a few places.)

I have a very sweet kitten who has twice tested positive for the feline leukemia virus. I found him abandoned at three weeks old, and me and my folks have bottled fed and burped this cuteness to his present nine week old spritely state.

Because we have other cats we've been keeping him isolated, but now since the second test (IFA) has come back positive, we know that he is a permanent carrier and needs to be in a home where he's an only kitty. Dogs, ferrets, and birds etc. are okay. Just no other kitties, unless you already have FeLV+ kitties in your household. He's currently VERY healthy.

Here are some photos:





Please, contact me if you know of a loving home for him. Our hearts are breaking.

this is terrible news. my wife isn't home right now so i can't ask her (she's the expert) but I think it is very painful for the cat once it develops with a lot of suffering. I think putting them down is unfortunately the best thing not only for them but because it is so highly contagious, for other cats as wel..

:cry: :cry:

I would get the little guy out of your house as soon as possible for the sake of your other cats.

on edit: check out this link: http://www.felineleukemia.org/ I am lookin at it now.

on edit2: they should really give it a different name.... the word leukemia gives the impression it is not contagious, like it is a cancer. but feline leukemia is a very contagious virus.

but, the virus can only live a few seconds outside of the cat's body. So, it's virtually impossible for a human to transfer the virus between cats. My folks have been very good about keeping Widget isolated from our other kitties, but yes, we do need to find him a better home QUICKLY.

She says that you are not to have another cat in your home for 3-6 months after a cat infected with feline leukemia is in the home. BUT she does correct me on the idea that they need to be put down immediately if you are willing to treat it.

she asks, are your cats vaccinated against it? You should do that immediately.

my heart breaks, and my tears well up when I look at those pictures

I wish I could take him, but I've got a cat (with claws) of my own

My parents' vet has decided to take Widget in. The vet recently lost a a cat to feline leukemia, and his kids miss having him around to take care of.

Thanks for your concerns and well wishes!