Sam: Feline Leukemia Survivor

Ranked #2,912 in Pets & Animals, #74,897 overall

Rescued Cat Gets a New Life Despite Feline Leukemia

Fighting feline leukemia has become a cause for my friend, Susan Golis. She is a friend of animals and writes about the plight of homeless or feral cats. Personally she has rescued a number of cats from the horrors of homelessness.

This lens profiles a special cat that Susan rescued. His name is Sam and he's a Siamese cat with feline leukemia. Without Susan's intervention, Sam would be probably be dead now from the disease or because shelters and vets routinely "put down" cats with feline leukemia. As you can see, Sam is enjoying his life with Susan. His disease is in remission but that does not mean that he will not get it later on in his life. Sam is the poster cat for feline leukemia on Susan's webpage on that topic (see below)

Here's Susan's comment, ""Thank you everyone....I am so happy that we are able to share Sam with you and how he was able to fight off feline leukemia in the 4th stage....You see our Vet told us to put him down when he tested positive a year ago. but we said NO...if you take care of your cat and build up their immune system they may be able to fight off the virus within 6 months....just like Sam did . Of course he is still an aids cat but we can live with that.

So I say NO to putting down symptom-free cats with feline leukemia. Now maybe more people will say NO too.".

Siamese Cat Mousepad mousepad
Siamese Cat Mousepad by Susang6

Feline Leukemia Health and Treatment Tips

by Susan Golis and guest bloggers

This updates regularly, whenever Susan adds more about Feline Leukemia or about her cat, Sam.
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Sam's Pictures Adorn a Number of Gifts on Zazzle

He's in remission with feline leukemia

I love the look on his face here! Siamese Cat Happy Birthday Card card
Siamese Cat Happy Birthday Card by Susang6

Sam Is Even Featured on Postage Stamps

Click on the stamp to buy a supply at Zazzle

Susan Golis advises

There is no reason to put a cat down that is symptom free and I believe that some veterinarians are starting to realize this. Of course you need to be cautious especially if you have healthy cats in your house. But you can make this work, just as I have. A FeLV cat can live a long and healthy life.

Here's Sam on a Tote Bag

Sam raises awareness of feline leukemia

Susan Golis created a tote bag with Sam's picture. Here's the description: Sam has a tote bag...that is funny...It says "My Stuff" and it is the image of him with the death grip on his toy, giving me the look...that says..."get your own toys" He is so funny....He plays with my boxer Lily....cat chases dog. They sleep together.
Siamese Cat Jumbo Tote bag
Siamese Cat Jumbo Tote by Susang6

Sam Makes Headlines on the eHow Site Blog

Now more people know about Sam and feline leukemia

eHow Blog - eHow Member Stories: Virginia and Susan
Sam's picture leads the reader into the account of the collaboration between Virginia Allain and Susan Golis to get Sam's story out.

Sam Gets Lots of Buzz on the Blogs

Searched on "Sam feline leukemia"

Community Calendar
VVA also offers heartworm screenings and preventatives, flea and tapeworm medications, and feline leukemia and AIDS tests. Visit: www.lowcostvacc.com. Danny O'Flaherty and Noel Nash present an evening of Irish folk music at 7 pm at the Josephine ...
Animal Attraction: SPAY/HOUSTON Offers $5 Cat Neuters In Celebration Of ...
In addition to the significantly discounted neuter service, Spay/Houston will be also offering $10 rabies vaccinations, $10 FVRCP/C vaccinations, $10 Feline Leukemia, $5 nail trims, $5 Advantage flea treatment and $20 microchips.
North Central Community Calendar
VVA also offers heartworm screenings and preventatives, flea and tapeworm medications, and feline leukemia and AIDS tests. Visit: www.lowcostvacc.com. Dillard's at North Star Mall , 7400 San Pedro Ave., hosts ?Ropin' with Reba? at 1 pm The event will ...
Community Calendar
VVA also offers heartworm screenings and preventatives, flea and tapeworm medications, and feline leukemia and AIDS tests. Visit: www.lowcostvacc.com. Churchill High School baseball program benefits from its fifth annual hit-a-thon and fajita lunch 8 ...

Feral Cats

Articles about Feral Cats

by Susan Golis

How to Humanely Trap Feral Cats | Cats | FireHow.com
Trapping a feral cat is the only humanely way to transport cat to veterinarians for medical care or to place the cat in a caregiver's colony.
How to Find Homes for Stray Kittens | Cats | FireHow.com
It's kitten season, if you see a kitten pick it up. Be a hero and save its life by finding the kitten a new home. Millions of kittens are born each year and millions of kittens die. Only a small percentage survive. These kittens become

Answers for Your Questions about Feral Cats

Frequently Asked Questions About Helping Feral Cats.
by AlleyCatAllies | video info

15 ratings | 3,137 views
curated content from YouTube

A Book for Anyone Helping Feral Cats

The Stray Cat Handbook (Howell reference books)

Ms. Kreuz's book is truly the textbook for all things feral cat-related. The book even contains some extremely useful information for anyone considering starting their own cat rescue organization or for the average person just wondering what they can do to help that scrawny stray without getting an arm clawed off in the process. Well-written, clear, and concise- I can't recommend this book enough to anyone interested in feline welfare. (review by Amanda on Amazon)

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Gifts with Photos of Rescued and Adopted Cats

by Susan Golis

Susan Golis developed these gifts from photos that she took of the feral cats that she cares for and of the cats that she domesticated, rescued or adopted out into loving homes. She photographed the kittens when a queen cat brought two kittens to Susan's old shed during a horrific storm. She fed the family of cats and watched out for them and finally they were trapped and saved from a life of hardship.
powered by Zazzle.com

Books and Products about Feral Cats

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More about Cats

Cat Care Articles

by Susan Golis and guest bloggers

How to Keep Cat Hydrated by Susan Golis | Cats | FireHow.com
Cats like humans need water to sustain their health and well being. A cat can skip meals however they need to hydrate their bodies to prevent illness.
How to Prevent Cat from Destructive Scratching | Cats | FireHow.com
Prevent cats from destructive scratching by understanding your cat's needs. React to their negative attempts to scratch destructively on your rug, upholstered sofa, mattress, bedding or hardwood furniture. Teach your cat where they may scratch and you and your cat will have a stronger bond.

Adopting a Cat

by Susan Golis

This will update as Susan adds more information. You can subscribe to her blog about cat adoption.
Manx Cat Mug mug
Manx Cat Mug by Susang6
View other Sleepy Mugs
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Cat Adoption Guide

blog by Susan Golis

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Finding Someone to Adopt Your Cat

Putting a Cat up for Adoption - Cat Adoption Guide by Susan Golis
Putting your cat up for adoption is not an easy thing to do. You must prepare your cat for the adoption and then go through the necessary steps to network the community for adopters. (click on the title to see the whole article)

Books for Cat Lovers

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Cat Adoption Items on Zazzle

by Susan Golis

powered by Zazzle.com

We Would Love to Hear Your Comments

Feed a Feral Kitten Greeting Card card
Feed a Feral Kitten Greeting Card by Susang6

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  • Reply
    DavidDove Sep 19, 2011 @ 2:19 pm | delete
    An important subject, thank you.
  • Reply
    A-Redneck Jul 3, 2011 @ 8:43 am | delete
    Wonderful lens on the need to care for the animals in our society. So many times they are treated like a throw away toy. I am glad that there are so many individuals out there who help to take them in.
  • Reply
    Photahsiamirabel Apr 1, 2011 @ 7:30 pm | delete
    Changing my neighborhood for April 1st has helped me find this wonderful page on surviving feline leukemia. Happy to bless it today! :)
  • Reply
    skiesgreen Feb 21, 2011 @ 3:02 pm | delete
    Had to returnh with my wings to *-*bless*-* this lens and feature it on Angel blessings for dogs on Squidoo - Other pets.
  • Reply
    darciefrench Feb 11, 2011 @ 11:28 am | delete
    Go Sam, Go!! Angel blessed by the Animal Rights angel, and to be featured on Blessed Pets -:)
  • Reply
    ChrisDay Feb 5, 2011 @ 2:11 am | delete
    You're absolutely right! FeLV+ or FIV+ is not a reason of itself, to put a cat down. We have even seen ill cats survive using natural medicine AND natural methods have apparently been able to stop spread within a colony. Great lens.
  • Reply
    vallain Feb 5, 2011 @ 7:51 am | delete
    Thank you, Chris, for validating Susan's effort. Your experience as a veterinarian makes your comment especially valuable here.
  • Reply
    nightbear Dec 21, 2010 @ 2:27 am | delete
    Oh what a lovely page. I am so happy about Sam, such a wonderful looking little guy. Great job!!
  • Reply
    reasonablerobinson Nov 10, 2010 @ 2:03 am | delete
    Its great to hear about a cat that survived this awful disease. Our neighbours cat caught it and we were really worried that our Siamese Orientals would catch it. Luckily Harvey Wallbanger and Willy Swizzle didn't contract it. A close shave I think.
  • Reply
    WordCustard Sep 13, 2010 @ 2:26 pm | delete
    Good on you Sam! And well done Susan too. He's gorgeous, isn't he? And looks such a character! MiaBellezza makes a good point, I would happily give a home to a black cat or a white one. Any cat is a good cat!
  • Reply
    Kerry-Lynn Jul 25, 2010 @ 11:11 am | delete
    I actually had a cat , his name was patches, he dies a couple of years ago to FELV. In patches case we had to put him down he had alot of symptoms and we knew he was suffering. So I am glad to her that Sam is symptom free and he is living a great life, Something i would have wanted for patches. I am happy for you Sam, you are very lucky!
  • Reply
    MiaBellezza Jul 15, 2010 @ 9:27 am | delete
    Sam is beautiful. Yes I feed feral cats whenever possible. I just bought a one year old cat from the Humane Society and he is a sweetie. Never mind the kittens people. Buy a cat 1 year old or older and for heaven's sakes buy a black cat. Nobody wants a black cat because they are superstitious ~ such nonsense.
  • Reply
    d-artist Jun 28, 2010 @ 11:57 am | delete
    oh what a sweet and sad lens...I lost a cat to feline leukemia, she was my mom's cat and mom had just died from leukemia herself...so this was a very sad time for me. will lensroll this lens to "my feral cat name Kitty" lens
  • Reply
    VickiSims Jun 26, 2010 @ 2:17 pm | delete
    Great lens for sharing this important information about feline leukemia and giving hope to others with cats who have this disease.
  • Reply
    Frankster Jun 22, 2010 @ 10:34 am | delete
    Thank you fort all you do for cats. I have an FIV cat rescue and I know how shelter and vets feel about cats with both Feline Leukemia and FIV (Feline immunodeficiency Virus) (squidoo.com/fiv-cat-rescue). I wish you well on your efforts. Congrats on the well deserved purple star. Bear hugs, Frankster aka Cat-Woman
  • Reply
    Pukeko Jun 21, 2010 @ 2:31 am | delete
    Congratulations on your purple star!
  • Reply
    OhMe Jun 19, 2010 @ 10:55 pm | delete
    Sam sure does make a great model for Zazzle products. This was very interesting and it sounds like your friend Susan is doing some amazing work with Feral Cats and Cats with Feline Leukemia and other problems. I am featuring this lens on my contest lens, Squidoo's Summer Sunshine Award Nominees. Good Luck to you and the Humane Society.
  • Reply
    skiesgreen Jun 19, 2010 @ 7:50 pm | delete
    Great lens on this important topic. *-*Blessed*-* and featured on Sprinkled with Stardust and also listed on Pets Health
  • Reply
    Susan Golis Jun 19, 2010 @ 3:54 am | delete
    Thank you for featuring Sam on your lens. It is so important that his story is shared with cat owners. Feline Leukima is a very common virus and so many animal care workers recommend euhtansia when a cat tests positive. They believe the virus will take over the cat and the cat will suffer. We were told it would be best to put Sam down, but for me I thought he is healthy, and I said NO. Well that was in April of 2009 and currently his virus is in remission. I am so glad that I had read up on feline leukemia and knew that a symptom free cat did not need to die. Thank you for believing in Sam and I and supporting our cause, thank you for this beautiful lens.
    Susan Golis
  • Reply
    sandyspider Jun 18, 2010 @ 2:53 pm | delete
    Beautiful Siamese. I had a cat that died of leukemia. Such a common disease in cats.
  • Reply
    alienangel555 Jun 18, 2010 @ 8:30 am | delete
    Great lens Susan. Good luck with Sam. He's a beauty
  • Reply
    alienangel555 Jun 18, 2010 @ 8:29 am | delete
    Great lens Susan. Good luck with Sam. Hes a cutie
  • Reply
    eclecticeducation Jun 17, 2010 @ 11:52 pm | delete
    Great lens! I hope it helps get the word out about feline leukemia.
  • Reply
    Genevee Swanagan (jswana) Jun 17, 2010 @ 8:14 pm | delete
    Wonderful blog featuring my favorite animal. Love the guidelines, suggestions and ways to adopt, rescue, care for and remember. Thanks for sharing.

Save Cat's Lives with This Charity

FIV Cat Rescue's mission is to 1) stop the killing of FIV cats, 2) find lifelong homes for them, 3) educate the public about FIV (Feline immunodeficiency Virus), and 4) promote spay and neuter to reduce cat over-population, spread of FIV and euthanasia.

Awards That This Lens Has Received

An angel blessing -
Siamese Cat - Twilght magnet
Siamese Cat - Twilght by catartgifts


Siamese Cat Mousepad (purple) mousepad
Siamese Cat Mousepad (purple) by alinaspencil


purplestarThis is a purple star lens

More about Cats

Webpages by Virginia Allain

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by

vallain

Susan Golis and I became friends through our work on eHow. We share a passion for gardening and cats.
I'm Virginia Allain, a retired librarian. Now I...
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Test for Feline Leukemia 

Susan advises against using this with an adopted cat. If they've been vaccinated against feline leukemia, it will give a false positive on this test.

Assure FeLv Feline Leukemia Virus Antigen Test Kit 25 tests

Amazon Price: $269.99 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

I think my title says it all ;-) Very easy test to do. Beats the heck out of dragging kitties off to the vet, spending much more money and having to sit around and wait for results. (review by Shari Fedewa on Amazon)

Product Description: A non-invasive saliva test accurate enough for general FeLv testing, pre-vaccination & health screens. Ideal for detection of viral shedding or to confirm blood ELISA positives. This versatile diagnostic tool utilizes saliva, whole blood, plasma or serum. Pre-measured reagents plus your sample. Must be refrigerated until ready to use. Warm to room temp before using.

Treatment for Feline Leukemia 

Fel-O-Vax LV-K Vaccine - 10 Dose Vial

Amazon Price: $82.99 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

What Can the Community Do about Abandoned Cats? 

Community Approaches to Feral Cats: Problems, Alternatives, and Recommendations (Public Policy Series)

Amazon Price: $22.50 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

An important documented title with an extensive bibliography, directory of organizations, and index. Obviously, the supply of incompetent pet owners will never cease. The specific question is: How can the wandering cat (owned, stray, and feral) be humanely managed? This book discusses how organizations have made a difference by working with various components of their own community. The feral cat problem will not be solved, but this book will help animal kindness organizations put in place policies and action plans which involve education, implementation, and cooperation. (review by C. Wagner on Amazon)