[tiamarie]

We found a 4 week old kitten who was diagnosed with FIV. I was told by my vet that I could have her tested in 6 months but was told that there was a 25% chance she would come up negative and a 75% chance she would come back positive again. I asked my vet how many cases have they had kittens test negative in 6 months and they told me none. I have a 4 year old cat at home as well who is FIV negative. I did not do the research first and had her put to sleep. I am having a hard time dealing with this as I did the research after the fact and have read many different things. I truly don't know if she would have come back negative in 6 months. She was in an environment to where there were many stray ferile cats who would eat raw meat and attack a human if they came near them. Her mother had died and she was laying up against her mother. She was a very friendly kitten and otherwise appeared healthy. I took into consideration that I have a 4 year old female cat at home and didn't want to put her at risk. I have cried for the past 3 days and am very heartbroken because I feel that I let the little kitten (Star) down. The night we found her I was so excited because I felt my older cat would like a playmate and we had saved her. I also didn't want her to suffer from any of the symptoms. I am an animal lover (especially a cat lover) and am always rescuing strays and finding them good homes. Can someone please help as my heart hurts so bad. I want to get another kitten and I feel taht I may be wanting another kitten because I feel that I betrayed Star. No other kitty can take her place. Please help.

[Kallie]

A cat can live to the ripe old age of 17 with FIV..there is no reason to put a cat/kitten to sleep , unless the animal is suffering..ie not eating, losing wt..etc...I have 4 cats, one with FIV who showed up one day about 4 yrs ago..he lives with my other cats and the other cats are fine..they even eat out of the same bowl at times.and water bowl ..BUT they don't fight ..read about FIV it can be spread by bite wounds

[Kallie]

Also, I can't believe your vet did not tell you the cat can live a good life even being FIV + , I would change VETS !

[tiamarie]

No, I was not told that nor was I told that a kitten can show up positive due to the mother's milk, etc. I was toild that she showed a stron positive test result and was given a 25% chance of it coming back negative in 6 months vs it coming back at 75% positive. I have been very upset and distraught over this as she was a precious little kitten who trusted me. I have learned a lot through research after the fact and keep blaming myself for this.

[Kallie]

I wouldn't blame yourself , I know its hard, I would do the same thing..but your Vet should had given you all the info about a FIV+ cat

[Kitty Lover]

I am very sorry,I know you are heartbroken. Please do not let this spoil your life. You did not know.
Console yourself that you made her last days happy and showed her love
Have you heard of the Rainbow Bridge?
Make a tribute to her there.
I will send it to you if you like [moderator note: e-mail address has been removed]