Yesterday, while I was at the clinic, I met Elaine, a college student. Elaine is a cat rescuer and she had just brought in a sporo cat. While we were there, the FIV-FeLV test was being done, and the cat was found to be FIV positive. I suggested that Elaine request for the RetroMAD1 since it has shown very good results with FIV symptomatic cats.
I also offered our medical help for the cat, should Elaine require it.
Upon further discussion, it turned out that Elaine is a student from my college!
These are photos I took yesterday:
While I was there, Elaine told me that the vet had given her the option of euthanasia for the cat should the FIV-FeLV results turn out positive. That’s when I told her about RetroMAD1, and I hope she would consider it.
As I left the clinic, I looked at the cat and said a little prayer for him. If only we could take in every single sick animal we encountered…if only. But we all have our limitations, so a little prayer was all I could offer, besides the medical help.
As I was driving home, the image of the cat kept appearing on my mind. Whatever decision Elaine had made, let the cat be “well”. I shuddered at the thought of euthanasia…how would the animal feel? What would it be like? Animals have a sixth sense, surely they know they are about to be killed. How does that feel? Would they be extremely frightened? Those scary and sad thoughts appeared on my mind and it was very, very unpleasant. I felt the pain.
I guess it’s different when we die naturally. I think we’d be more at peace with that. Dying naturally and being killed are two different things.
I later called the vet assistant to find out if any decision had been made, but the clinic had closed, so all night, I was actually praying for the cat.
This morning, I went to the clinic when it opened and enquired about the cat. The vet assistant said Elaine had taken the cat home. Phew…what a relief…! Hooray for Elaine.
And now, Elaine has written in for financial help:
I had recently rescued a stray which is infected with sporo and FIV. I’ve brought him to the vet yesterday for the blood test and check up, and vet says that he can be cured in around 2 months time under medication.
Updated situation: Previously I’ve contacted the owner of PPKSKL (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamilkucing-Ppkskl-Selangor-Kuala-Lumpur/104454572976604) and he agreed to take in the cat, but now another group of veterinary people offered help as well. I’m opting for people that can give great attention towards the cat. So if the veterinary group of people are willing to take care of this cat, I will go for it.
On my side: Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to pay for the medical fee alone by myself for this cat. Aside from the blood test which cost RM150, I also had to pay another RM300 of fine to my landlord because I kept the cat outside of my room. I’m not asking for any party to contribute upon this 2 amount which I’ve already came out with, but for the mean time I’m really lack of money to fully support the medication for the cat. So if it is possible, I’d like to ask for help in funding for the medication for the cat.
I really hope everyone can do something for this poor kitty to survive.
Sincerely,
Elaine
Elaine is also applying for help from several organisations so we will liaise with the other groups to work out an acceptable subsidy for Elaine.
Get well soon, Kitty. And kudos to Elaine!
Comments
2 responses to “Another sporo cat (Elaine’s)”
I have/had 3 FIV cats. Grumppy escaped, most unfortunately, and never found. Mei-mei passed away 3 years ago at age 12, at home. Skippy still with me and he is 16. Since I have so many cats, all these 3 cats were advised to put to sleep by vet in the US. I refused for the simple reason that if I left them in the nature, they would manage on their own. My only interest is how to prevent them from spreading to the other cats. AND they never did. All my other cats never never contacted FIV.
Initially I tried all kinds of medications, but eventually gave up. What I ended up doing is to make sure they have good food, good nutritions to boost their immune system. I would cook for them, also the other cats, pork bones soup with carrots, tomatoes, for example. Or chicken broth .. I think if these soups would improve my immune system, it should help them as well. And in many ways I think the soups did them good. Presently I am giving high nutritional drink to Skippy. He is showing signs of weak immune system such as diarrhea and weight lost. But if I have taken the advise of the vet, he should have been gone when he was only about 6 months old. Same for Grumpy and Mei-Mei.
My sentiment is, IF we fight to keep a HIV person alive, I see no reason why we should not fight to keep an FIV animal alive. A life is a life.
I did have to put a few cats to sleep but at very later stage of mouth/tongue cancer. Only when the cats no longer want to eat. I fed them soup using syringes. Giving up a life is always a very tough choice. I have a very good vet who knows how I feel about euthanasia. She would work with me until such time that she thinks, professionally, she has to ask me to let the cat goes when it is better for the cat. And most time I would listen. As long as the cat has no breathing problems, which is awful to deal with, I would fight till the end with my cats. Literally.
Godbless everyone who cares a lot for animals :).