Would you put your cat to sleep if it was healthy?

I think many vets would recommend putting a cat to sleep as soon as it tests positive for FeLV, but to be honest, I would have trouble doing that,

If the sister kittens test positive for FeLV (which is not a sure thing -- some kittens in a litter born to an infected mother will somehow fail to develop the disease) they will have a short life. Most cats born infected with FeLV die before they are two years old.

I would have the kittens tested, and retested a couple of months later if they are negative the first time. If they are positive, I would keep them till their health began its inevitable decline and they were no longer enjoying their life, and then I would have them euthanized.

I don't think a complete isolation of cats who test positive for FeLV is necessary, but I would keep them away from your other cats while they go through the phase of biting and attacking that all kittens go through. They will have each other for company.

Twenty years or so ago I had, at different times, kittens who were born with FeLV. Both died before they were 18 months old. I had other cats at the time who had had their FeLV vaccinations, so I did not isolate the kittens. None of my other cats ever developed the disease.

If you sign the release to have your cat euthanized he can. It sickens me to think of a healthy kitty being euthanized, but the vet I used to use would as long as the paperwork was in order. I don't know if all vets practice this way. But why do you want to have a perfectly healthy cat euthanized? You need a better reason than you are just 'tired of it'! Is this what you plan to do with this kitten once it is a cat and no longer 'cute'. Pets are for a lifetime, not just a whim. Instead, take a little time and effort and re-home the cat. Check with friends and family members to see if one of them would like to adopt kitty. Next see if you have a humane society or rescue that will help you re-home it. It may need to live with you until it is adopted, but they can help you get the word out. If not, make posters with its picture and some fun facts about it. Put the posters up in the vet offices near where you live, at the animal shelter or humane society, at your and your friends and family members workplaces, on business bulletin boards, stores, laundry mats, etc. Put an ad on Craigslist. If you have any publications that are free to post ads, put one there too. Good luck and hope you find a home for kitty.

If the cats are doing well, there is no reason to put them down.

I would re test the sisters in 10-12 weeks to check their status. Regardless of the test outcome, if they are happy, healthy, eating well, I would not put them down until complications of the disease arise. Infected cats can live for several years symptom free.

The question is are you willing to do what it takes to help these cats live the best life possible (routine vet visits for physical exams and blood work) and protect other cats from becoming exposed (keep these cats indoors and do not introduce any other cats that are very young, old, or unvaccinated into the house)?

We rescued a cat that turned out to be FLV postive and being as we had no other cats decided to keep him. We ended up putting him to sleep when he was a couple years old, but that was only because of complications.... If you can keep them then do, it was a decision we never regretted and we got two great years with ours. If you're worried about your other cats, which is completely understandable, then I'd consider finding them another home. It might take a little more work then finding a home for a healthy kitten, but I'm sure with a little effort you can find someone who's willing to care for them and make sure that they are strictly indoor cats.

Let me make sure I am understanding correctly, you have two older cats of your own that have been exposed to the kitten, and you are also going to keep the two kittens who have been exposed. If this is the case, get everyone tested. If everyone comes up negative then keep them all. If they all come up positive (though unlikely) then I would keep them all as well, just keep them as indoor cats so they can't infect other people's cats. If only some or one of them come up positive then I would talk to your veterinarian, and ask what they would recommend, and follow their recommendations. I doubt that you would be able to do this, but you COULD try finding the FeLV positive cats a home where they would be the only cats in the house. This is a small chance, but you might want to give it a shot anyways. Good Luck with your cats, I hope they all come up Negative!!

it is always sad to have to put down a cat due to illness like that poor kitten

i am sure that his passing was easier for him and his siblings knowing that they were loved and cared for by your good self

although his sisters were exposed - it doesn't automatically follow that they are infected - maybe the best wtg is to find out if they are in fact infected before making the next decision - not easy but sometimes we can think too far ahead only to find that the initial problem sorts itself out

If they can survive it let them live for as long as they can. Until they're in so much pain and the end is near i'd let them live. A dead cat never has a chance.

As long as they are healthy, whether negative or positive, I would not euthanize them. If they start to develop problems and you feel that they no longer have any real quality of life, then it may be time to euthanize them.

well,if they arent sick i wouldnt.also....please tell me what flv is,i also rescue feral cats,we have 5

I am not sure I don't want to tell you something and you do it, but it doesn't turn out so good and then you resent me for it!!!

Do whatever you feel would be best!!!