Interview! Julia Pesek, Community Outreach Coordinator for the MSPCA at Nevins Farm (MA), and Vice President of the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC)
July 30, 2016
Interview! Susana Della Maddalena, CEO and President, Central OK Humane (Oklahoma)
August 2, 2016
This week’s blog may be a bit surprising, but I want to share my take on Why It Is Okay to Return a Felv+ Cat to a colony.
First off, I want to say VERY clearly that cats being trapped, neutered and returned should NOT be tested for FIV (Feline Immune Deficiency Virus) and Felv (Feline Leukemia). Why? Because testing for this disease can be inaccurate without follow up tests. It also doesn’t provide us with any valuable information. However, there are times when rescuers will test for Felv and once a positive test presents itself, there is an emergency scenario of what needs to be done next. Here are my thoughts on the issue of an Felv+ rescued cat.
Why It Is Okay to Return a Felv+ Cat
Over the years when I have spoken about trap, neuter and return, I have focused on the MINDSET that we all need to have when we trap cats. We need to remember that we don’t own them, we are borrowing them from the community to sterilize, with the initial intention of putting them back into the community. Often times as trappers and rescuers, we have a sixth-sense if a cat is abandoned or a stray once we trap them. We have a check-list that we go through to determine if a friendly cat is stray, as well. Now, say we determine that a community-feeder decides that a cat is stray and that will be rescued and not returned. As trappers, when we are in this situation, we always need a back-up plan for a Felv + test. Many organizations don’t accept cats that test positive for Felv and either turn the cat away or offer euthanasia. To many rescuers it seems like the only choice is euthanasia, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Bring him back home to his colony if there are no other options!
- No, you say? Why is it so terrible to return this kitty back home? We originally trapped him with the intention of returning him if he was feral, so what is different now? Some people will say he is sick and will die a horrible death. People who have adopted Felv+ kitties they know that when their time comes it is usually quite quick, compared to other more debilitating diseases.
- Some would also say that he will spread the disease out to others in the community. My response? A high percent of cats are naturally immune to the disease! If you aren’t relocating the cat, then the cats in the colony have most likely been naturally protected. The cats will all be fine.
- Another point to think about is that if this cat is in good condition, it very well may already have a home that loves him just as much as if he were a negative cat (they don’t know). This is another reason to return the kitty.
- I also want to make sure that everyone knows that more testing is required to fully label a cat with Felv. Don’t just trust a SNAP combo test! You need to do an IFA test to fully confirm the cats condition, which takes time and costs more money. It is very important to determine if a cat is truly positive if you are going to euthanize him!
- Only about 3% of cats test positive for Felv, so remember that we are talking about a very small population, in general. Hopefully as a trapper or rescuer you don’t run into this situation very often, but when you do, it is helpful to know that there may be more options than ones that are traditionally presented.
In summary, while it may not be ideal to return a kitty that has tested positive for Felv, it needs to be put out there as an option on Why It Is Okay to Return a Felv+ Cat. I would also ask that everyone advocates with shelters they work with to begin saving Felv+ cats/kittens to adopt them out. These cats can have wonderful lives with their owners. But if there isn’t an option for Felv+ cats at the shelter, it isn’t terrible to let them go back home into the community.
Here are some good resources to check out and learn how you can help the Feline Leukemia positive cats in your community.
http://mrfrs.org/feleuk-fan-club/
Have you had a chance to listen to the wonderful and informative podcasts that The Community Podcast has been sharing? If so, consider submitting a review on iTunes! We can’t wait to get the word out, as much as possible!
