I've had two cats test positive for FeLV, and I didn't euthanize either of them. BOTH cats later tested negative. When I asked the vet about that, he said that they knew some cats tested positive when they weren't really infected, but they liked to play it safe and kill them all just in case. Always...always retest.
I am one of those who believe, as does PETA, that TNR does not work and is not humane. Unless you can keep and attend to an isolated feral cat colony they should be put down. Neutering them and releasing them back into the environment does nothing to help the indigenous species, such as song birds, that they continue to predate on. Feral cats are an invasive species. Euthanizing is the most human course of action.
@feriwarlock - then you are not going to be convinced by me, if you already haveyour narrow mind made up. I won't bother to quote numerous studies that disprove your theories. Humans kill more birds with our construction than any other predator. Please don't come to my page to spout your propaganda. I don't visit your site and state my opinions. Why am I wasting my time even now conversing with a fool?
@Fetcha200 Animals are literally "put to sleep," they are asleep when they pass away. I was there when my kitty was put to sleep (she was already dying of a massive heart attack). She actually seemed to be in less pain than before the injections.
You know, there are far worse things than a humane death. Such as slowly dying of FeLV or FIV without any kind of treatment, starving to death etc. While we allow FIV positive cats in the shelter I work for we absolutely cannot have FeLV cats infecting the others, it's easily transmitted simply by grooming one another. While many of these cats may "live into old age" as you put it consider the quality of that life outdoors suffering. There are far worse things in this world than death.
The reason for humane euthanasia is these are feral cats who I intended to TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) and nobody wanted to adopt them. I ONLY euthanize when the cat tests positive for Feline Leukemia or FIV, becuase it would be inhumane to release them with a fatal disease, to suffer slowly and die miserable deaths. The sick cats could also infect many other healthy cats with their fatal virus, so it is in the best interest of the community to humanly euthanize.
But FIV positives should not be put down. FIV is not as easily transmittted. And can live long lives even ferals. Many ferals don't die in their sleep anyway. To kill to prevent suffering sometimes isn't the way to go.
OMG! Why were they put down? Just because their positive does not mean it's a death sentace. Also their young, good chance they can become negative. Everyone has to die sooner or later, most never die in their sleep to begin with. But alot of Felv and FIV cats can live into old age. I have a cat that is Felv positive and I feed a FIV positive Siamese feral cat that I had neutered.
to dispeaking1: retesting isn't always an option for our small rescue
1. we have nowhere to isolate them for long periods. Some vets say to get true results, numerous tests can be done over a 3 to 6 month period
2. ferals don't fare well in a cage or trap for long periods, in TNR we return the cat after a few days, or it starts to go shack wacky
3. money - I have to pay over $60 for a combo test, same cost as a neuter basically for another healthy cat. My donors prefer my choices
katsonya 3 months ago
I've had two cats test positive for FeLV, and I didn't euthanize either of them. BOTH cats later tested negative. When I asked the vet about that, he said that they knew some cats tested positive when they weren't really infected, but they liked to play it safe and kill them all just in case. Always...always retest.
dispeaking1 4 months ago
I am one of those who believe, as does PETA, that TNR does not work and is not humane. Unless you can keep and attend to an isolated feral cat colony they should be put down. Neutering them and releasing them back into the environment does nothing to help the indigenous species, such as song birds, that they continue to predate on. Feral cats are an invasive species. Euthanizing is the most human course of action.
feriwarlock 10 months ago
@feriwarlock - then you are not going to be convinced by me, if you already haveyour narrow mind made up. I won't bother to quote numerous studies that disprove your theories. Humans kill more birds with our construction than any other predator. Please don't come to my page to spout your propaganda. I don't visit your site and state my opinions. Why am I wasting my time even now conversing with a fool?
katsonya 3 months ago
Do the cats feel anything when euthanized? Do they seem to struggle? Is it like anesthesia for a human except the human isn't killed?
Fetcha200 1 year ago
@Fetcha200 Animals are literally "put to sleep," they are asleep when they pass away. I was there when my kitty was put to sleep (she was already dying of a massive heart attack). She actually seemed to be in less pain than before the injections.
Shelleybeaches 6 months ago 2
You know, there are far worse things than a humane death. Such as slowly dying of FeLV or FIV without any kind of treatment, starving to death etc. While we allow FIV positive cats in the shelter I work for we absolutely cannot have FeLV cats infecting the others, it's easily transmitted simply by grooming one another. While many of these cats may "live into old age" as you put it consider the quality of that life outdoors suffering. There are far worse things in this world than death.
Chesirekitty20 2 years ago 7
sad ... :(
busafwine 2 years ago
Euthanasia is the most humane method. I agree.
StalwartSpirit 2 years ago 8
@StalwartSpirit True, sadly true
RememberApostrophes 7 months ago
The reason for humane euthanasia is these are feral cats who I intended to TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) and nobody wanted to adopt them. I ONLY euthanize when the cat tests positive for Feline Leukemia or FIV, becuase it would be inhumane to release them with a fatal disease, to suffer slowly and die miserable deaths. The sick cats could also infect many other healthy cats with their fatal virus, so it is in the best interest of the community to humanly euthanize.
katsonya 3 years ago 3
But FIV positives should not be put down. FIV is not as easily transmittted. And can live long lives even ferals. Many ferals don't die in their sleep anyway. To kill to prevent suffering sometimes isn't the way to go.
sweetvegan74 2 years ago
OMG! Why were they put down? Just because their positive does not mean it's a death sentace. Also their young, good chance they can become negative. Everyone has to die sooner or later, most never die in their sleep to begin with. But alot of Felv and FIV cats can live into old age. I have a cat that is Felv positive and I feed a FIV positive Siamese feral cat that I had neutered.
sweetvegan74 3 years ago