28/03/2025
Lowe’s cat update.
The injured cat found at Lowe’s trailer park was taken to our vet Wednesday morning by his medial foster to be assessed for the injury to his leg and receive medical treatment, including the known possibility of amputation. It was determined he was stable enough for surgery, so as he was being prepped he was rapid tested, in which he unfortunately tested positive for FeLv. After discussing it with the vet, it was decided that it was in the best interest of the animal to humanely euthanize, as no matter what outcome we went with.. LC would have a poor quality of life. Let me explain..
FeLv (Feline leukemia virus) positive cats are more susceptible to complications after surgery due to their weakened immune systems, potentially leading to delayed healing, increased risk of infection, and slower recovery. Because of this, they are more prone to secondary infections of the surgery site leading to prolonged hospitalization and take much longer to return to normal activities. FeLV can also cause or worsen other health problems, such as anemia, cancer, and immune-mediated diseases, which can further complicate recovery after surgery. But if we opt out of surgery he will be forced to live with whatever pain his leg is causing him and risk the possibility of it eventually dying or becoming more injured due to the compromised healing process. We felt that we couldn’t with good conscience, allow this cat to continue to suffer, and made the difficult choice to put him to sleep. He was comfortably sedated and loved on by the staff while he crossed rainbow bridge. He was not alone and no longer in any pain.
LC is a prime example why having your cat vaccinated is so important. Transmission of the virus takes place by infected cats shedding infectious viral particles in saliva, as well as in f***s, urine and milk. Any close contact among cats can spread FeLV, including bite wounds, mutual grooming, or sharing feeding dishes and litter boxes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. Though any cat exposed to the virus can develop an FeLV infection, kittens are at a greater risk than adult cats due to their immature immune system. And unfortunately, there’s no real way to tell if an unknown cat is infected or not. So unless your cat is vaccinated, it’s not protected against the virus. It’s also a major part of our TNR program to ensure that we not only sterilize to reduce overpopulation and unwanted litters, but we also vaccinate every single one to help stop the spread of these common diseases and viruses within our colonies as well. Take this as your sign to make sure all your pets are up to date on vaccines before it’s too late like LC.
🐾 Spay. Neuter. Vaccinate 🐾
100% volunteer run nonprofit, set out to improve the lives of animals in Grayson County, KY.
