what plnt are toic and non toxic for feline freinds

Plants Poisonous To Cats

Alfalfa
Almond (Pits of)
Aloe Vera
Alocasia
Amaryllis
Apple (seeds)
Apple Leaf Croton
Apricot (Pits of)
Arrowgrass
Asparagus Fern
Autumn Crocus
Avacado (fuit and pit)
Azalea
Baby's Breath
Baneberry
Bayonet
Beargrass
Beech
Belladonna
Bi rd of Paradise
Bittersweet
Black-eyed Susan
Black Locust
Bleeding Heart
Bloodroot
Bluebonnet
Box
Boxwood
Branching Ivy
Buckeyes
Buddist Pine
Burning Bush
Buttercup

Cactus, Candelabra
Caladium
Calla Lily
Castor Bean
Ceriman
Charming Dieffenbachia
Cherry (pits, seeds & wilting leaves)
Cherry, most wild varieties
Cherry, ground
Cherry, Laurel
Chinaberry
Chinese Evergreen
Christmas Rose
Chrysanthemum
Cineria
Clematis
Cordatum
Coriaria
Cornflower
Corn Plant
Cornstalk Plant
Croton
Corydalis
Crocus, Autumn
Crown of Thorns
Cuban Laurel
Cutleaf Philodendron
Cycads
Cyclamen

Daffodil
Daphne
Datura
Deadly Nightshade
Death Camas
Devil's Ivy
Delphinium
Decentrea
Dieffenbachia
Dracaena Palm
Dragon Tree
Dumb Cane

Easter Lily *
Eggplant
Elaine
Elderberry
Elephant Ear
Emerald Feather
English Ivy
Eucalyptus
Euonymus
Evergreen
Ferns
Fiddle-leaf fig
Florida Beauty
Flax
Four O'Clock
Foxglove
Fruit Salad Plant

Geranium
German Ivy
Giant Dumb Cane
Glacier IvyGolden Chain
Gold Dieffenbachia
Gold Dust Dracaena
Golden Glow
Golden Pothos
Gopher Purge

Hahn's Self-Branching Ivy
Heartland Philodendron
Hellebore
Hemlock, Poison
Hemlock, Water
Henbane
Holly
Honeysuckle
Horsebeans
Horsebrush
Horse Chestnuts
Hurricane Plant
Hyacinth
Hydrangea

Indian Rubber Plant
Indian Tobacco
Iris
Iris Ivy

Jack in the Pulpit
Janet Craig Dracaena
Japanese Show Lily *
Java Beans
Jessamine
Jerusalem Cherry
Jimson Weed
Jonquil
Jungle Trumpets

Kalanchoe

Lacy Tree Philodendron
Lantana
Larkspur
Laurel
Lily
Lily Spider
Lily of the Valley
Locoweed
Lupine

Madagascar Dragon Tree
Marble Queen
Marigold
Marijuana
Mescal Bean
Mexican Breadfruit
Miniature Croton
Mistletoe
Mock Orange
Monkshood
Moonseed
Morning Glory
Mother-in Law's Tongue
Morning Glory
Mountain Laurel
Mushrooms
Narcissus
Needlepoint Ivy
Nephytis
Nightshade
Oleander
Onion
Oriental Lily *

Peace Lily
Peach (pits and wilting leaves)
Pencil Cactus
Peony
Periwinkle
Philodendron
Pimpernel
Plumosa Fern
Poinciana
Poinsettia (low toxicity)
Poison Hemlock
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Pokeweed
Poppy
Potato
Pothos
Precatory Bean
Primrose
Privet, Common

Red Emerald
Red Princess
Red-Margined Dracaena
Rhododendron
Rhubarb
Ribbon Plant
Rosemary Pea
Rubber Plant

Saddle Leaf Philodendron
Sago Palm
Satin Pothos
Schefflera
Scotch Broom
Silver Pothos
Skunk Cabbage
Snowdrops
Snow on the Mountain
Spotted Dumb Cane
Staggerweed
Star of Bethlehem
String of Pearls
Striped Dracaena
Sweetheart Ivy
Sweetpea
Swiss Cheese plant

Tansy Mustard
Taro Vine
Tiger Lily *
Tobacco
Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem and leaves)
Tree Philodendron
Tropic Snow Dieffenbachia
Tulip
Tung Tree

Virginia Creeper

Water Hemlock
Weeping Fig
Wild Call
Wisteria

Yews --
e.g. Japanese Yew
English Yew
Western Yew
American Yew




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Non-Toxic Plants For Cats
The following list contains plants that have not been reported as having systemic effects on animals, or as having intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Note that any plant material ingested by an animal (as when dogs and cats ingest yard grass) may produce symptoms including vomiting, depression, or diarrhea. These symptoms are generally mild and self-limiting and often do not require any treatment.

Plants NOT Poisonous To Cats

Achira
Achyranthes verschaffelti
Acorn squash
African violet
Algaroba
Aluminum plant
Alumroot
American rubber plant
Anthericum comosum
Antirrhinum multiflorum
Apple Leaf Croton
Arabian gentian
Aregelia
Artillery plant
Aspidium falcatum
Aubepine
Autumn olive

Baby tears
Baby rubber tree plant
Bachelors buttons
Ball fern
Bamboo palm
Bamboo vine
Bamboo
Banana
Banana squash
Begonia species
Belmore sentry palm
Big shellbark hickory
Bigonia
Bitter pecan
Bitternut
Black hawthorn
Black haw
Blaspheme vine
Bloodleaf
Blooming sally
Blue bead
Blue echeveria
Blue-dicks
Blue-eyed daisy
Blue daisy
Bluebottle
Blunt leaf peperomia
Blushing bromeliad
Bold sword fern
Boston fern
Bottle Palm
Bottlebrush
Brazilian orchid
Bride's bonnet
Bristly greenbrier
Brodiaea pulchella
Broom hickory
Bullbrier
Bur gourd
Burro's tail
Buttercup squash
Butterfly ginger
Butterfly squash
Butterfly iris
Butterfly tulip
Butterfly orchid
Button fern

Caeroba
Calathea insignis
California pitcher plant
Callistemon citrinus
Callistemon bradyandrus
Callistemon viminalis
Calochortus nuttalli
Calthea lancifolia
Camellia
Canada hemlock
Canary date palm
Candle plant
Candycorn plant
Canna lily
Cantebury-bell
Cape jasmine
Cape primrose
Carob tree
Carob
Caroba
Carobinha
Carolina hemlock
Carrion flower
Carrot fern
Carrot flower
Casaba melon
Cast Iron plant
Cat ear
Cat brier
Cattleya labiata
Celosia plumosa
Celosia spicata
Celosia globosa
Chamaedorean humilis
Chaparral snapdragon
Chestnut
Chicken-gizzard plant
Chickens and hens
Chin-lao-shu
China root
China aster
Chinese plumbago
Chlorophytum
Chlorophytum bichetii
Chocolate soldier plant
Christmas dagger fern
Christmas palm
Christmas orchid
Cinnamon jasmine
Cinquefoil
Cirrhopetalum
Clearweed
Cliff brake fern
Club moss
Cocks comb
Cocktail orchid
Collinia elegans
Color-band Cryptanthus
Columnar cactus
Common garden canna
Common snapdragon
Common camellia
Common catbrier
Common staghorn fern
Common greenbrier
Confederate jasmine
Coolwort
Copper rose
Copperlead
Coral berry
Coral ardisia
Coral bells
Cornflower
Crape myrtle
Crataegus phaenopyrum
Crataegus spp.
Creeping charlie
Creeping pilea
Creeping rubus
Creeping gloxinia
Creeping zinnia
Creeping mahonia
Crepe myrtle
Crimson bottlebush
Crimson cup
Crisped feather fern
Crossandra
Cucumber
Cushion moss
Cushon aloe
Cyrtudeira reptans

Dainty
Dainty rabbits-foot fern
Dallas fern
Dancing doll orchid
Davallia bullata mariessi
Davallia trichomanoides
Desert trumpet
Dichelostemma
Dichorisandra reginae
Dinteranthus vanzylii
Duffii fern
Duffy fern
Dwarf feather fern
Dwarf Rose-Stripe Star
Dwarf palm
Dwarf royal palm
Dwarf date palm
Dwarf whitman fern
Earth star
Easter cattleya
Easter daisy
Easter orchid
Easter lily cactus
Edible banana
Elephant-Ear Begonia
Emerald ripple peperomia
English hawthorn
Epidendrum ibaguense
Epidendrum
Epidendrum atropurpeum
Episcia spp.
Fairy fountain
False aralia
Fan tufted palm
Feather fern
Feathered amaranth
Fiery reed orchid
Fig leaf gourd
Figleaf palm
Fingernail plant Fire weed
Fish tail fern
Flame of the woods
Flame african violet
Flame violet
Florida butter-fly orchid
Fluffy ruffles
Forster sentry palm
Fortunes palm
Freckle face
Friendship plant
Frosty

Garden snapdragon
Garden marigold
German violet
Gherkins
Ghost plant
Ghost leafless orchid
Giant white inch plant
Giant holly fern
Giant aster
Gibasis geniculata
Globe thistle
Gloxinia
Gold bloom
Gold-fish plant
Golden shower orchid
Golden lace orchid
Golden aster
Golden bells
Good luck palm
Grape hyacinth
Grape Ivy
Great willow herb
Green ripple peperomia
Greenbrier
Hagbrier

Hardy gloxinia
Hardy baby tears
Haworthia
Haws apple
Haws
Hawthorn
Hedgehog gourd
Hellfetter
Hemlock tree
Hen and chickens fern
Hens and chickens
Hickory
Hindu rope plant
Holligold
Holly fern
Hollyhock
Honey plant
Honey locust
Honeydew melons
Honeysuckle fuchsia
Hookera pulchella
Horse brier
Hoya 'Mauna Loa'
Hoya carnosa 'exotica'
Hoya carnosa 'krinkle'
Hoya carnosa 'variegata'
Hubbard squash
Hypocyrta spp.

Ice plant
Imbricata sword fern
Irish moss
Iron cross begonia
Iron tree
Ivy-leaf peperomia
Ivy peperomia

Jackson brier
Jacob's ladder
Japanese aralia
Japanese pittosporum
Japanese moss
Japanese holly fern
Jasmine
Jewel orchid
Joseph's coat
Jungle geranium

Kaempferis
Kahali ginger
Kenilworth ivy
Kentia palm
Kenya palm
Kenya violet
Kharoub
King and queen fern
King of the forest
King nut
Kuang-yen- pa-hsieh

Lace flower vine
Lace orchid
Ladies ear drops
Lady lou
Lady palm
Lagerstroemia indica
Lance Pleumele
Large Lady Palm
Laurel-leaved greenbrier Mulberry tree
Leather peperomia
Leng-fen tu'an
Leopard orchid
Leopard lily
Lesser snapdragon
Lily of the valley orchid
Linden
Lipstick plant
Little fantasy peperomia
Little zebra plant
Living rock cactus
Living stones
Locust pods
Lou-lang-t'ou
Luther

Madagascar jasmine
Magnolia bush
Mahonia aquifolium
Malabar gourd
Malaysian dracaema
Manila palm
Mapleleaf begonia
Maranta
Marbled fingernail
Mariposa lily
Maroon
Mary-bud
Measles plant
Melons
Metallic peperomia
Metallic leaf begonia
Mexican firecracker
Mexican snowballs
Mexican rosettes
Minature maranta
Minature marble plant
Minature fish tail
Miniature date palm
Mistletoe cactus
Mockernut hickory
Mosaic plant
Mosiac vase
Moss phlox
Moss agate
Moss rose
Moss campion
Moss fern
Mossy campion
Mother fern
Mother of pearl plant
Mother spleenwort
Mountain camellia
Mountain grape
Mulberry bush
Musa paradisiaca
Muscari spp.
Muscari armeniacum
Muskmellon

Narrow leafed pleomele
Natal plum
Neanthe bella palm
Neanthebella
Nematanthus spp.
Neoregelia
Nephrolepsis
Nerve plant
New silver and bronze
Night blooming cereus

Odontoglossum spp.
Old world orchid
Old man cactus
Orange star
Oregon grape
Ossifragi vase

Paddys wig
Painted lady
Palm lily
Pampus grass
Panamiga
Pansy orchid
Paradise palm
Parlor plant
Parlor palm
Parsley fern
Peace begonia
Peacock plant Pearl plant
Pearly dots
Peperomia peltifolia
Peperomia rotundifolia
Peperomia fosteri
Peperomia sandersii
Peperomia hederifolia
Pepper face
Persian violet
Pheasant plant
Piggy back plant
Pigmy date palm
Pignut hickory
Pignut
Pilea microphylla
Pilea mucosa
Pink polka dot plant
Pink Pearl
Pink starlite
Pink Brocade
Pirliteiro
Pitaya
Plantanus occidentalis
Plantanus orientalis
Platinum peperomia
Platycerium alicicorne
Plumbago larpentiae
Plush plant
Polka dot plant
Polystichum falcatum
Pony tail
Porcelain flower
Pot marigold
Prairie snowball
Prairie lily
Prayer plant
Prickly bottlebrush
Prostrate coleus
Purple waffle plant
Purple baby tears
Purple passion vine
Purpleosier willow

Queen's spiderwort
Queencup
Queens spiderwort
Queensland arrowroot

Rabbits foot fern
Rainbow orchid
Red african violet
red veined prayer plant
red berried greenbrier
red hawthorne
red palm lily
red edge peperomia
reed palm
resurrection lily
rex begonia
rhynchophorum
Ribbon plant
Roosevelt fern
Royal velvet plant
Rubber plant, baby
Russian olive

Saffron spike zebra
Saint Bernards lily
Sand lily
Sand verbena
Satin pellionia
Sawbrier
Scabious
Scarborough lily
Scarlet orchid
Scarlet sage
Sego lily
Shagbark hickory
Shan ku'ei-lai
Shellbark hickory
Shiny leaf smilax
Shrimp cactus
Silver nerve plant
Silver table fern
Silver pink vine
Silver bell
Silver heart
Silver star
Silver berry
Silver-leaf peperomia
Silver tree anamiga
Slender deutzia
Small fruited hickory
Smilax tamnoides vas hispida
Speckled wood lily
Spice orchid
Spider ivy
Spider plant
Spotted laurel
Squarenut
Squirrels foot fern
Star jasmine
Star plant
Star tulip
Star window plant
Star lily
Strawberry
Striped blushing
Sugar pods
Sulfur flower
Summer hyacinth
Swedish ivy
Sweet william
Sweetheart peperomia
Sweetheart hoya
Sword fern
Tahitian bridal veil

Tailed orchid
Tall feather fern
Tall mahonia
Teasel gourd
Texas sage
Thea japonica
Thimble cactus
Thorn apple
Ti hu-ling
Tiger orchid
Toad spotted cactus
Torch lily
Tous-les-mois
Trailing peperomia
Tree cactus
Tree gloxinia
Tropical moss
True cantalope
Tu fu-ling
Tulip poplar
Tulip tree
Turban squash
Turf lily

Umbrella plant
Urbinia agavoides
Usambara violet

Variegated philodendron leaf peperomia
Variegated wax plant
Variegated wandering jew
Variegated oval leaf peperomia
Variegated laurel
Velvet plant
Venus fly trap
Verona fern
Verona lace fern
Vining peperomia
Violet slipper gloxinia

Waffle plant
Walking anthericum
Washington hawthorn
Water hickory
Watermelon peperomia
Watermelon begonia
Watermelon pilea
Wax plant
Wax rosette
Weeping sergeant hemlock
Weeping bottlebrush
Weisdornbluten
West indian gherkin
Western sword
White edged swedish ivy
White heart hickory
White ginger
Whitman fern
Wild buckwheat
Wild buckwheat
Wild sarsaparilla
Wild lantana
Wild strawberry
Wild hyacinth
Willow herb
Windmill palm
Winter cattleya
Withered snapdragon
Woolflower

Yellow-flowered gourd
Yellow bloodleaf
Yerba linda

Zebra haworthia
Zebra plant
Zinnia sp.
Zucchini squash









© Copyright I-Love-Cats.com | Toxic Plants For Cats

help mommy call the vet again run hide save your self

yes it was that time of the year agin anulal physical and shot if need well it start thur morning with nail clips baths and ear cleaning and no one was really happy at all then fri it was wash kennel and put them together at this point the three older one knew something was up sat morning 6:45 am we caught and place all four cats in the kennel in the truck and listen to jellybean sing all the way there jelly bean got her first victim right before i let she would come out of the kennel and got her a vet tec in the arm she good at that they say they all did well all health taz weight was 13.0 oreo 10.2 jellybean 8.5 and mouse 8.4 lbs alll they are still working on getting mouse up to date with shots and will for the next couple of months all were happy to be home and hide for a little while but now two day later it back to normal in this house

NEW ADDTION TO THE FAMILY

his name mouse he 16 weeks old and was found by my dauther as she walk home from the store she called me and we got him to come out from under the tres we brought him home and was going to put him up for adtion but my dauther and i fell in loove with him he is all lover he now sleep on the pillow not his whole body but just his head we think he thiks he human but we have other ideas about the this makes four and were now full were still open for foster and will continue

hurricane ike thur the eyes of a cats

well it was two days before the hurricane cam in and mommy and daddy and big sister Margaret was bring in crates of stuff we never seen before tank of weir stuff too we dint know what was going on but knew something bad was about to happpem jellybean follow me like a lost puppy all arounf the housr oreo who never sittin in mommy lap was sitting there well sat night around 11:30 pm the wind started to pick up mommy came to us and sat in her chair til the light went out and she got funny light for us to see and put us in the bathroom so we be safe and sound the wind was doing bad thing out side blowing trees and tin all around mommy cane and sat with us and big sis Maggie came out we got to walk around inside the apt when daddy got up we open the door and a leaf blew in and oreo jumped like a bunny i guess he thought it was going to get him mommy and daddy took turm watching and making sure that we atayed safe there were people comming in and out of the apt for five days mommy and daddy help people who needed help after five days the light came on and mommy close the front dorr we still ask to see if we can sit on the front pourch if were good kitty

here then gone

well got a new baby this time aboned outside i guess the owner thought someone would take him and the person up stair put a bed out but didnt feed him well we got him and found him a new home really quick with one of my other kitten that we had last i heard he was doing well and sleep in the waterbed with the new owners .

My Tail of Devotion for sellars clain

This is a special Tail of Devotion

See All Tails of Devotion

felv info

What is feline leukemia?
Feline leukemia is a cancerous disease caused by feline leukemia virus (FeLV). FeLV causes diseases other than leukemia including immunodeficiency and additional cancers. Cats may not start to show signs of disease for months or years after being infected with FeLV. Infection with FeLV is a major cause of illness and death in domestic cats.

What are the characteristics of feline leukemia virus?

FeLV is a type of virus called a retrovirus. That puts it in the same family as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes AIDS).

Retroviruses are species-specific. This means a feline retrovirus will only infect cats; a human retrovirus will only infect humans.

Retroviruses are made up of RNA. In the host, the RNA is transcribed into DNA and incorporated into the DNA of the host's cells.

Retroviruses are fragile, being easily inactivated by ultraviolet light, heat, detergents, and drying.

Retroviruses are widespread in nature. As a matter of fact, they have been around for so many millions of years, parts of a feline retrovirus are actually incorporated into every cat's DNA. This is called "endogenous" FeLV DNA. This is passed from generation to generation.

There are three subgroups of FeLV and each tends to cause a different type of disease:

FeLV-A is found in all naturally infected cats and is easily transmitted. For this reason, this is the FeLV we use for making vaccines against FeLV.

FeLV-B is found in about ½ of naturally infected cats. It is formed when FeLV-A combines with the endogenous FeLV DNA.

FeLV-C is rare. FeLV-C results from mutations of FeLV-A.

How common is FeLV infection?

It is estimated that 2-3% of healthy cats are infected with FeLV. Approximately ¼ to ½ of the healthy cats living in infected multi-cat households and catteries are infected.

How is the FeLV transmitted?

Large amounts of FeLV are excreted in the saliva. Therefore, the most common mode of transmission is through nose-to-nose contact, mutual grooming, and shared food and water bowls. Bites are a very efficient way to transmit FeLV.

FeLV can also be found in lesser amounts in tears, urine, and feces. Thus litter boxes could be a source of infection in multi-cat households or catteries.

FeLV can also be transmitted across the placenta (in utero) and through the milk.

It takes large amounts of virus to infect an adult cat, so usually prolonged contact is necessary for transmission.

What happens to a cat after being exposed to FeLV?

If the cat becomes infected from the exposure, 2-4 weeks later, in the acute stage of infection, large numbers of the virus can be found in the bloodstream (viremia). Cats in the acute phase usually do not show signs of disease. If they do, the signs are usually mild fever, slight lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). When an adult cat is exposed to FeLV, four things can happen:

Approximately 30% of adult cats will not be infected due to inadequate exposure.

30-35% of adult cats have a transient infection; over the course of 6 months or so, the cats will eventually kill all of the virus.

5-10% of adult cats will develop latent infections; these cats will not be able to kill all the virus, but will be able to hold it in check. This is called a latent infection. These cats usually show no signs of infection and usually do not shed virus in their saliva or other body secretions. Queens, however, may still pass the virus in utero or through the milk.

30% of adult cats will become persistently infected; these cats will not develop an adequate immune response and will remain permanently infected with FeLV. These are the cats who will become ill and die of FeLV-related diseases, usually within 2-3 years of infection. These cats will shed large amounts of virus in their saliva.

Age is a very important factor in determining what will happen after a cat is exposed to FeLV. Almost all FeLV-exposed kittens less than 8 weeks of age will have persistent viremia and show signs of disease during the acute phase. As kittens get older, there is the probability of becoming persistently infected after exposure lessens, until it reaches approximately 30% in adulthood.

The prevalence of FeLV infection is highest in cats between 1 and 6 years of age, with a mean age of 3 years. Males are 1-½ times more likely to be infected than females. This may be due to the frequency in which intact males roam and fight.

What diseases are caused by FeLV?

FeLV can cause:

Immunodeficiency
Anemia
Immune-mediated diseases
Reproductive problems
Gastrointestinal disease
Neurologic disease
Platelet disorders
Lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes)
Neoplasia
Immunodeficiency: FeLV can decrease the effectiveness of the immune system and result in increased susceptibility to bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and other viral infections. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), for instance, is much more common in FeLV-infected cats. The first indication of FeLV infection in some cats is recurrent bacterial infections of the mouth. Recurrent skin or respiratory infections can also occur.

Anemia: FeLV often affects cells in the bone marrow. As a result, most FeLV-infected cats have a nonregenerative anemia.

Immune-mediated Diseases: Large amounts of the FeLV antigens combine with the cat's antibodies and form complexes which can be deposited in the kidneys, blood vessels, or joints.

Reproductive Problems: FeLV infection is often associated with infertility in cats. Abortions, stillbirths, and fetal resorption are also more common in FeLV-infected queens. "Fading kitten syndrome" may result from FeLV infection of the fetuses or newborn kittens.

Approximately 30% of FeLV-infected cats will develop cancer.

Gastrointestinal Disease: FeLV-caused cancers of the stomach or intestines, as well as FeLV-associated changes in the intestinal wall, can cause anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Parasites and bacteria more commonly multiply and cause diarrhea in FeLV-infected cats.

Neurologic Disease: Seizures, blindness, paralysis, changes in behavior, and ataxia (loss of balance) can be seen in FeLV-infected cats. These symptoms may be caused directly by FeLV or by parasites (Toxoplasma gondii) and fungi (Cryptococcosis), which occur more often in immunosuppressed animals.

Platelet Disorders: A decrease in the number of platelets, (thrombocytopenia), or a dysfunction of platelets sometimes occurs in cats infected with FeLV.

Lymphadenopathy: Lymph nodes in the abdomen and other parts of the body are often enlarged.

Neoplasia: Approximately 30% of FeLV-infected cats will develop cancer. Usually, the cancer is in the form of tumors of lymphocytes or red blood cells, and includes lymphosarcoma, lymphoid leukemia, myeloid leukemia, and erythremic myelosis. Not all cats infected with FeLV will develop leukemia or lymphosarcoma, and not all cases of leukemia and lymphosarcoma are caused by FeLV.

What are the clinical signs of disease?

The clinical signs of disease are going to be variable because so many body systems can be affected. Loss of appetite, fever, weight loss, and weakness are the first signs most commonly seen in infected cats.

How is FeLV infection diagnosed?

It is estimated that 2-3% of apparently healthy cats are infected with FeLV.

Serologic (blood) tests are commonly used to test both asymptomatic and symptomatic cats for FeLV antigen. The ELISA test can be performed in veterinarians’ offices. The ELISA test can be performed on blood, serum, saliva, or tears. Using serum will reduce the possibility of obtaining a false positive test (a positive test in an uninfected animal).

Another test, the immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test uses blood smeared on a slide and is performed in special diagnostic laboratories. Fluorescently-tagged antibody made in the laboratory reacts with the FeLV antigen in the blood and fluoresces when viewed through a special microscope.

In Spring 2001, The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) revised their guidelines for FIV testing, and made the following recommendations:

FIV FeLV
During Sickness When cats are sick, regardless of previous negative results. While many signs (such as fever, stomatitis, vomiting, and diarrhea) are obvious indicators of illness, other signs are subtle and may include changes in behavior, grooming, and eating habits. Same as FIV, including sick cats that have been vaccinated for FeLV.
New Adoptions When cats and kittens (regardless of age) are newly adopted, whether or not they will be entering a household with other cats. Same as FIV.
Multi-cat Households When cats live in households with unknown FIV infection status. Infected cats can remain asymptomatic for years, during which time they may transmit the virus to uninfected cats. Same as FIV when cats live in households with unknown FeLV status.
After Potential Exposures When cats have had potential exposure, such as a bite inflicted by a cat of unknown infection status. Such cats should be tested a minimum of 60 days post-exposure. When cats have had known or possible exposure to other cats of unknown infection status (e.g., cats that go outdoors unsupervised). Periodic testing may be justifiable in cats at continued risk of exposure even though adults are relatively resistant to FeLV infection.
Routine Testing Annually, when cats at high risk of infection. Cats are at high risk of infection include those that fight or those that live with FIV-infected cats. No recommendation at this time.


In addition, it is important to note that:

The vaccine will not interfere with FeLV testing.

In most cases, the ELISA test should be used as the screening test, and IFA as the confirmatory test.

Any positive ELISA test should be repeated. If the positive test was obtained using whole blood, saliva, or tears it should be repeated using serum.

ELISA tests using tears or saliva should not be used to screen individual cats, but to screen large numbers, such as those in a cattery.

All cats with a negative result should be retested 90 days later to be sure they were not recently infected prior to the first test, when viremia was not yet present.

All cats with a suspected or known exposure should be tested no sooner than 90 days after the exposure.

If the ELISA and IFA test results are not the same, the cat should be tested at 4-8 week intervals for at least 90 days.

If an FeLV-infected cat is found in a multi-cat household or cattery, that cat should be removed from the others. All other cats should be tested at 90-day intervals until all cats have had two consecutive negative tests.

The vaccine will not affect the course of disease in already infected cats. A "carrier," though, who is vaccinated and develops FeLV-related disease will appear to be a "vaccine failure".

Finally, a negative FeLV test does not imply the cat is immune to FeLV or was never exposed to it. A negative test could mean the cat:

Has never been exposed to FeLV

Is infected, but the number of virus particles is too low to detect. The cat may test positive at a later date.

Has overcome a previous infection and thus has not become persistently viremic.

Was infected with the virus previously, but for some reason does not have enough virus in the bloodstream to be detected at the time of testing.

To assist your veterinarian in determining the risk of your cat being exposed to or infected with FeLV, the AAFP has developed a history form you can fill out and give to your veterinarian at your cat's next exam. Click here to see a sample form.

How is infection with FeLV treated?

FeLV-infected cats can sometimes live for years. Stress and exposure to ill animals should be avoided. FeLV-positive cats should be kept indoors both to protect them from exposure to disease and also to prevent them from spreading FeLV to other cats.

By knowing a cat is FeLV-positive, your veterinarian may select different vaccination protocols, preventive care, and treatments of other diseases than for an uninfected cat. Any sign of disease will require early recognition and aggressive treatment.

Clinically ill FeLV cats will need to be treated according to the signs of disease they are showing. Supportive care such as fluids, good nutrition, and antibiotics for secondary infections are essential. Variable but encouraging results have been observed using staphylococcal protein (SPA), Propionibacterium acnes (ImmunoRegulin), low doses of oral human alpha interferon, and an aloe derivative called Acemannan.

Lymphosarcoma is treated using chemotherapy that includes a combination of cytotoxic drugs and prednisolone.

The antiviral drugs such as AZT and ddC which are used in human retrovirus infections (e.g., HIV), have had limited success in cats. Usually these drugs cause too many toxic side effects.

How is feline leukemia prevented and controlled?

Vaccination: There are a number of FeLV vaccines on the market. None of them produce 100% protection. Almost all of them are derived from inactivated (killed) virus or portions of the virus. Most of these vaccines have one or two additives called adjuvants that enhance the antigenicity (ability of the virus to cause an immune response) of the killed virus. One, Genetivac by Pitman-Moore, is a recombinant vaccine. This means a gene from the virus is placed in bacteria in the laboratory. The bacteria multiply and in doing so produce a large amount of the protein the FeLV gene coded for. This protein is collected and used in the vaccine.

In general, it is recommended that cats who go outdoors, to shows, are boarded, or otherwise have contact with cats other than those in their household should be vaccinated against FeLV. Remember, all cats should be FeLV-tested before they are vaccinated. Cats who are entirely indoors may not need to be vaccinated against FeLV. This is something you should discuss with your veterinarian. (See "What are feline vaccine-associated fibrosarcomas?" below.)

Limiting Exposure: As mentioned above, FeLV vaccines do not produce 100% protection. It is essential that the risk of exposure of a FeLV-negative cat to a potentially FeLV-positive cat be minimized. In single cat households this is best accomplished by keeping the cat indoors.

In catteries and multi-cat households:

Test all cats for FeLV.

Remove all FeLV-positive cats or totally separate them from the other cats.

Disinfect all dishes, litter boxes, and bedding. Remember, FeLV can be transmitted through saliva, urine, and feces.

Prevent or minimize the movement of cats in and out of the household or cattery.

Retest cats after 90 days. If an FeLV-positive cat is found, all cats should be retested at 90-day intervals until all cats have had two consecutive negative tests.

Test and quarantine all cats before introducing them into the household or cattery. Ideally, 2 tests at 90-day intervals should be performed.

Only FeLV-negative cats should be used for breeding.

What are feline vaccine-associated fibrosarcomas?

A fibrosarcoma is a tumor of the connective tissue. These tumors tend to invade deeply into the underlying tissues. The frequency of these tumors is increasing in cats and has lead researchers to believe some of the tumors may be caused by a local reaction to a vaccine. Although these tumors are seen more frequently, they are still rare. It is estimated one in every 5,000 vaccinated cats a year will develop a vaccine-associated tumor. These tumors are most commonly associated with the FeLV vaccine.

A national Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force composed of veterinarians, researchers, and vaccine manufacturers are working to determine the exact cause of these tumors and how they can be prevented and treated. Possible explanations for the tumors include abnormal reactions to the adjuvant in vaccines, genetic predisposition, and infections with another virus.

The possible risk of vaccine-associated fibrosarcomas has led to a reevaluation of vaccination protocols. This is why it is recommended that cats without potential exposure to FeLV may not need vaccination. In cats with potential exposure, the risk of FeLV infection is greater than the risk of developing a sarcoma so vaccination is advised.

A small, painless swelling sometimes develops at the site of a recent vaccination. This should disappear in several weeks. If it persists, however, it could mean it is developing into a sarcoma and should be checked by your veterinarian.

If a vaccine-associated fibrosarcoma develops surgical removal is attempted, but generally, this tumor is so invasive it is difficult to remove it all. Radiation or chemotherapy are often recommended in combination with surgery.

Generally, the FeLV vaccine is now given in a rear leg, in an area distinct from where other vaccinations are given. If a tumor would develop, knowing which vaccine was given where will help us determine with which vaccine the tumor is associated. Also, if a tumor would develop, amputation of the leg would, in many cases, be curative. Cats do incredibly well on three legs, and many owners prefer this to having their cat succumb to a tumor.

I've heard of something called FOCMA. How is it related to FeLV?

The acronym FOCMA stands for Feline Oncovirus-Associated Cell Membrane Antigen. It is a protein present on certain feline cancer cells, especially lymphoma and leukemia cells. It can be present in both FeLV-infected and noninfected cats. Cats who generated antibodies to FOCMA are protected from developing lymphomas and certain other cancers. They are not, however, protected from FeLV infection or other FeLV-related diseases. The presence of FOCMA antibody in healthy cats may indicate a latent infection with FeLV. FeLV-negative, FOCMA-positive cats are more likely to develop immunodeficiency than FeLV negative, FOCMA negative cats.

trip to the beach to watch the seagulls

well i love so much to sit in the window and watch the bird mommy and daddy took me oreo to the beach to look at the seagull in Galveston i cryed the whole time going down there i dont like being lock in a carrier at all
well they brought bread to feed them and there was so many of them that when they started to fed them they started flying around the car igot scared and went from on the dash board to under daddy seat in the driver side mommy told me that it was ok but she got me out and i saw so many of them i went right back into hiding . mommy and daddy thought it was funny i knew that i really never want to come back there again

well up date time it been a while

ok here the up date gadet went to a family here wilshire went to a lady and chucky aka chucky went to a ranch well all is well here at the clain we getting back to normal as it can be waiting for that call that bring another foster into our lives .

new addition to the foster family

well hit by car or rolled in fan belt not really sure but chuck here for the time it takes for him to heal he just started walking around gingerly and is doing great now we nedd to find him a forrever home up date on this one new home on a rnach inside cat and doing great