By Faith: My Post

There's no need for many more words regarding this post.

This is me.

Raw.

Functioning by my Christian faith above all else. 

Christian Song: "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns ©

Chiana’s Weight Journey and Its Role in Managing FeLV

This summer, we took Chiana to the vet for a routine wellness check. As part of her ongoing care for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), her overall health and weight were under review. While the vet reassured us that she’s a healthy and thriving cat despite her FeLV diagnosis, we made an important decision: to keep her weight at approximately 14 lbs. Since the weight range for female Maine Coons is between 12 and 15 lbs, this is perfect for her.

Weight management is an essential part of maintaining her overall health and possibly influencing her FeLV treatment outcomes. Maine Coons are naturally large cats, but even within her breed’s typical size range, we want to ensure Chiana stays in optimal condition. At her heaviest, she reached nearly 16 lbs, which raised some concerns about how extra weight might impact her health, energy levels, and medication needs.

Why Weight Matters for FeLV

For a cat living with FeLV, every aspect of health matters. While there’s no definitive evidence linking weight to viral load or treatment efficacy, keeping her at a stable, healthy weight may reduce unnecessary stress on her body. Obesity can lead to other health complications, and we want to minimize any additional challenges Chiana might face.

Tracking Chiana’s weight over time has been part of our efforts to understand her health more deeply. By monitoring her weight alongside her viral load and medication responses, we’re piecing together a clearer picture of how these factors interact. Even if her weight proves to have little direct impact on her FeLV management, it’s one variable we can control to help her live her best life.

Making Changes: From Unlimited Food to Controlled Portions

Chiana has always been a pretty easygoing eater, which worked to our advantage when we decided to stop offering unlimited food during mealtimes. Unlike her food-loving sibling, Talyn, Chiana isn’t particularly food-motivated, so the transition to controlled portions went smoothly. We now feed her measured amounts during separate mealtimes to ensure she maintains her target weight without overindulging.

This shift not only helps us manage her weight but also allows us to monitor her eating habits more closely—an essential aspect of caring for a cat with FeLV. Changes in appetite can sometimes signal shifts in health, so this setup gives us an added layer of insight.

Looking Ahead: Health and Happiness

As we move forward, Chiana’s weight will continue to be one of many factors we monitor as part of her FeLV care. However, we’ve decided not to let this become a central focus. Instead, we’ll integrate her weight updates into broader health check-ins and celebrate her milestones—big and small.

Chiana is so much more than her diagnosis or her weight. She’s our fluffy, affectionate, and resilient companion who brings joy to our lives every day. By sharing her journey, we hope to shed light on what it’s like to care for a cat with FeLV and inspire others to see the beauty and strength in these incredible animals.

Here are some pictures of Chiana over time.

December 2022; 4 lbs

April 2023; 8 lbs

December 2023; 14 lbs

February 2024; 13 lbs

June 2024; 16 lbs

December 2024; 14 lbs

Test Results: August 13, 2024: REGRESSIVE: Drastic Decrease

Background

On Tuesday, August 21st, I headed to the office early for a day-long training session. While at my desk, catching up on some work, I received an unexpected email from the vet.

We’d had Chiana’s blood drawn and were anxiously waiting for the results. By this point, we were at a crossroads: her progressive numbers were slowly increasing, and we were getting concerned about the high cost of the medication at 200 mg a day. We started wondering if we’d reached a plateau. We even considered trying a similar drug or adding a “helper” medication, knowing we couldn’t keep up with the cost.

The Surprise

Normally, our vet communicates primarily with my husband—he’s the “geeky science guy” who can decode the numbers. So, I was shocked when I received this email. And when I read it, I was completely stunned.

Chiana was regressive!!! Even better, it was the lowest number we’ve ever seen.

Good morning! Chiana's value went down----0.38 x 10^6! That is the lowest that she has been with any test! I will call later on today to discuss the result and see how she has been on the higher dose of the Raltegravir. Talk to you soon!

Test Results

Date	Status	Viral Load
6/11/24	Progressive	13.52 x 106 = 13,520,000
8/13/24	REGRESSIVE	0.38 x 106 = 380,000

The Reaction

I was ecstatic! I tried calling my husband (who was still sleeping at home). I left a voicemail, then followed up with a call to share the news. He was just as stunned as I was.

Reflection

When I look at the test results document, it’s so amazing that the most important words are almost impossible to find—they’re so tiny!

Next Steps

• Retesting Date: In October.

July 29, 2024: A New Facebook Group: FeLV Warriors: Raltegravir & Anti-Retroviral Support

The more I learned about Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and our use of raltegravir, the more I felt the need for a safe space to share insights and experiences. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy for groups like those discussing Retromad1, which had their own dedicated Facebook community. But despite my desire, I doubted my ability to create or lead such a group.

My insecurities were at odds with my faith in God. I feared that starting something like this would highlight my human failings and end in disappointment. So, I prayed and waited—patiently, but with hope.

A Chance Connection

Everything changed with one chance connection. Someone from the FeLV Owners group noticed my posts about Chiana and raltegravir. She reached out, seeking advice. Her situation was different but equally heartbreaking: she had adopted a kitten that tested positive for FeLV. The kitten’s mother had been euthanized, and she later discovered that the kitten had a sibling—another FeLV-positive feline, which she also adopted.

The twist? She was a researcher. Although not a veterinarian, her background in animal research brought an invaluable perspective. Her expertise in crunching numbers and calculating dosages, coupled with her prior experience working for IDEXX (a leading testing company), made her a unique ally.

When I expressed my interest in starting a dedicated FeLV group, she jumped in enthusiastically. We connected online and quickly hit it off. She took the reins in setting up the group and laying the groundwork for the standards we uphold today. I am deeply grateful for her contributions.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

Building the Community

Margaret Mead’s words became my guiding motto. I was determined to launch the group during FeLV Awareness Month, cementing its significance. On July 29, 2024, the group officially came to life. While the initial reaction was underwhelming—“no one cared,” as I jokingly say—the important thing was that it existed. That was enough to start.

Today, the group is a space where people can share their experiences, insights, and hope. It’s a testament to the power of community and collaboration, born from a small spark of faith and a chance meeting. To anyone reading this who feels alone in their journey, remember: you are not alone. Together, we can change the world, one small step at a time.

Thank you for reading. If you’d like to learn more or join the community, feel free to reach out here.