Nutrient Deprivation = Health Problems Later?

I don't know what you should expect regarding your question, though I'm sure there might be some difference. I took in a cat who was starving, and though he is now very healthy, his relfexes are only a little slower than my other cats. I have another who I know was taken from her mother a bit early and is afraid of other cats, but she is also funny and precious in her way. They all have a story. I'd say you probably did the best that could have been done for yours ('Bones' is it?) and in the nick of time! I hadn't heard of Nutri-Cal; good of you to know to use it and mention it. She'll certainly be very special and precious. I hope she lives a long, safe, healthy life from now on and you share lots of love.A.J.

Cindi, you don't say whether or not your cat has been seen by a veterinarian. There are certain diseases endemic among stray and feral cats which can be passed to a kitten in the womb. If you have not already done so, you should have your vet test this cat for FELV, FIV, and the corona virus which is a sign of FIP. I am particularly concerned about FIP, because a kitten which was rescued by our shelter, and which looked much as you described your kitten, turned out to have FIP.

Magie, our kitten, has received special care and feeding, and has blossomed. But she remains very thin, and her life expectancy is much shorter because of this disease. She must live in isolation from other cats.

For your own peace of mind, and to ensure that Little Bones gets the best care possible, I hope you will have your vet rule out any possibility of her carrying one of these chronic diseases.

Tara Ballance Montreal, Canada

There are two new tests out that test specifically for FIP. I am at work so do not have the info with me. There is a PCR-based test that is used primarily to test for the wet form (amplifies a region of the virus that is specific to FIP and no other corona viruses). There also is a test that is more-suited to the dry form, but I don't remember any details. I recently went through this with a kitten that we adopted in July 98; wanted to rule out FIP as a cause of symptoms. The tests are not inexpensive, and have to be sent out to a diagnostic lab. Perhaps posting to the vetmed group would draw replies with more specific info.

Carla H. and the gang of fur (Paps Gusto and Amy, Cats Tasi, Mena and Ember) State College, PA

For more info on the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests; indirect immunofluorescence(IIFA) and their use in detecting the Feline Coronaviruses:
www.wsava.org/inno-vetca/articles/1997/0597/d11597.htm or www.newmanveterinary.com/fip.htm (This one is neat it Purrs while you are reading!!!) web.vet.cornell.edu/public/fhc/fip.htm