Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Cats & Kittens

1. 

   I couldn't find a search function here. My eight year old and I were fostering a six week old kitten from Animal Services until she was old enough to be spayed and then we would be allowed to adopt her.

   After only six days with us, I had to bring her back because she had stopped eating and was one of many cats at the shelter that ended up having panleukopenia. We were both just devastated that she had to be put down. She was a great kitten and was really fitting in with us.

   I've bleached almost everything but obviously I can't bleach my carpet or furniture. I was wondering how long we should wait and what other precautions we should take before getting another kitten. We really want a kitten because my daughter's a little scared of bigger animals and I thought maybe with a kitten it would grow up used to her and be less likely to bite or scratch her.

   Any advice would be appreciated.

   Posted 2 years ago by Rhindon #

2. 

   The environment of cats with panleukopenia should be considered contaminated with the virus. A 1:32 dilution of household bleach should be used to disinfect floors, dishes, litter boxes, cages, and other items. Remember that this virus can last for years in the environment. A kitten should not be introduced into a cattery or household unless he has received his series of vaccinations.
   http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1352&aid=222
   Hi,sorry for your loss,it's always hard to lose an animal even if you only had it a little while. From what I understand it says not to bring an unvaccinated animal into your house. It doesn't say for how long and would depend on the exposure of your couches,etc to the virus. Maybe you can ask your vet?

   Posted 2 years ago by Buttercup #

3. 

   I agree with BC, please make sure any cat has been vaccinated..... I would however, suggest that you consider a slightly older cat that has already been vaccinated for some time, maybe one that's 1-4 yrs old (or older if you're willing) ..... I say this for two reasons..... one being that it's been vaccinated, and two because there are many older kitties that are very loving and gentle, just waiting patiently for a furever home.... kittens are difficult to tell what their temperment will be - they could turn out to be biters or little wild things... you never know..... but there are many adult cats that are in some of the shelters that you can visit and see how they react with your daughter.... wouldn't you love a cat that was a lover and wanted to be petted and loved on, grateful for the attention and care of a loving home.....the kittens seem to always go first, and many times the best cats are passed over because they're already grown....and if they've reached their adult size, well of course you can already see how big they will be...... just a suggestion, but I know many cat lovers have found their "cat soul mates" in a slightly older one. Best of luck to you and your daughter either way, please keep us posted.

   Posted 2 years ago by AV #

4. 

   Rhindon, I have to agree with AV....I, too, know the joy of adopting older cats! I wish you the best of luck! And welcome to TDK!

   Posted 2 years ago by katthays #

5. 

   Buttercup's post says the virus can last in the environment for 2 years, so you really need to choose a cat that has had all it's vaccinations. I will support the idea that a slightly older cat would probably be a better idea for your little girl. Kittens pounce and nibble and could be worrying for a timid child.

   Posted 2 years ago by Pollys_Mum_in_UK_2605 #

6. 

   Hello and Welcome to TDK Rhindon. I'm very sorry for the loss of the little one you'd hoped to be your furever kitty. This is truly sad to hear. I must agree with others here that the new adoptee should already have all it's vaccinations and be carefully chosen for it's known gentle nature. I have 4 of my own and their personalities are all different. Best of luck in finding your purrrfect kitty. =)

   Posted 2 years ago by Karenopa #

7. 

   Here is some good info on this plague

   http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_panleukopenia.shtml#summary

   Many yrs ago I lost my first meezer to this disease (it was called feline distemper then and the bleach deactivation of the virus was unknown). There was no vaccine either. The Vets at that time said 6 months before another cat could be safely brought in.

   Today, a vaccinated kitten can come home within a few days.

   Posted 2 years ago by ailuromaniac #

8. 

   You can get an older kitten that has finished it's series of shots, but I would agree with those above---you are better off with a grown cat. Bring your daughter to the shelter and let the CAT PICK YOU! I can assure you it will be a better match in temperament than a kitten who has not developed it's personality and may not be what you want. I am sorry for your loss, they always take a piece of your heart forever, no matter how short the time. Good luck!

   Posted 2 years ago by Sheba's Mom in Phoenix, AZ 10/8 #

9. 

   Don't know as much about this, but the feline leukemia virus can last on objects they say up to 7 years. Since I have had FeLV+ cats, I can tell you it is also a wicked disease. Please follow the advice of those here and look for a cat that already has had a vaccine. It will be worth a little wait to have a healthy and loving cat to share your life with! Prayers of peace and comfort to you and your daughter for the loss of your kitten.

   Posted 2 years ago by SoxsMom #

10. 

    Thank you for your replies. We would consider an older kitten, but where do you find one that you KNOW has already had all its shots. The ones at the shelter, they don't know their history.

    Posted 2 years ago by Rhindon #

11. 

    Check with the shelters, I'm pretty sure that they make sure the cats are current on their shots (otherwise they would risk spreading a virus, not good). You can also check with some local vet offices, I know that there are always ads up in my vet's office from people who are looking for a good home for their animals.

    Posted 2 years ago by NNGM #

12. 

    Rhindon - try someplace like craigslist, or the newspaper. Often people are giving away, or re-homing for a small fee, due to their own financial issues, or the 'new cat' does not get along with the 'old cat'... all sorts of reasons. I'm sure others will have different suggestions as well. I believe, too, that some no-kill shelters have cats that have been there for long periods of time and may know the vaccination history. Good luck !

    Posted 2 years ago by 2 Popoki #

13. 

    Thanks; anyone here had any experience with this virus that can offer any additional input?

    Posted 2 years ago by Rhindon #

14. 

    *Bump*

    Posted 2 years ago by Rhindon #

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