Joey is a beautiful long-haired tabby cat...

Joey is a beautiful long-haired tabby cat that is now a year old. He

has had his share of good and bad luck.

As a kitten, Joey was the only one Suzanne Pijloo, a Costa Mesa

Ralph’s grocery checker, could save as his mother led him and his

littermates across a busy street and were killed.

Now, the only survivor that made it across the street that day has

been diagnosed with the feline leukemia virus. Veterinarian’s say to

separate a FELV-positive animal from those who are not in any

household.

As a pro-quality life organization, “The Network” is seeking a

home for Joey with a family who has a feline-leukemia positive cat

needing a friend. Joey would make a nice companion.

Cornell University studies show the FELV vaccine only to be 85%

effective. Cat owners should be aware that a vaccinated cat may still

harbor an infectious disease, and chances are that Joey had the

disease prior to his vaccinations. Vaccinations are not a guarantee

of protection.

According to his rescuer, Joey blood tested negative for the

leukemia virus using the “in-house” viral testing at her

veterinarians office. However, veterinarians know that the in-house

viral panel readings may produce false negatives. For this reason

“The Network” orders its’ rescue cats to have their blood panels sent

to the lab, which is more costly, but there will be no false

negatives.

The Network follows the vaccination guidelines of Elaine

Wexler-Mitchell, a local veterinarian who has written, “The Complete

Idiot’s Guide To A Healthy Cat” Veterinarians will confirm there is a

risk of cancer to vaccinating your cats on a yearly basis. New

vaccine recommendations for indoor cats at low risk are to vaccinate

every three years and forgo the rabies shot.

There is no law that requires cats to have the rabies vaccine.

However, groomers and veterinarians will often refuse service to

felines without it. The Network can refer pet-lovers to facilities

that support the “no rabies” for indoor cats belief.

Our experts and Cornell University do not recommend the highly

controversial FIP intra nasal vaccine. The Network suggests you

become aware of your veterinarian’s policies and become knowledgeable

about vaccines and their protection effectiveness versus their risks

of cancer.

* The Community Animal Network is a community-supported animal

organization linking people and pets through community action. See

other animals available for adoption at www.animalnetwork.org, or

stop by Russo’s pet store at Fashion Island between noon and 4 p.m.

on weekends. Information: (949) 759-3646, or write to the Community

Animal Network at P.O. Box 8662, Newport Beach, CA 92658.