My beautiful baby was diagnosed with wet FIP about a week and a half ago. It has been killing the whole family. Barney has today stopped eating and drinking, and spends all his time sleeping and being clingy. His breathing sounds very funny and he falls over when he walks. He doesn't appear to be in pain, but we are worried that we are being cruel keeping him alive. Can anyone who has experienced this horrible illness help me out? Am I doing the right thing letting him die naturally? Or is it time to take him to the vets? Please let me know.
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I'm so sorry I can't advise you re FIP and also very sorry to hear this.
By now I'm afraid he will be dehydrated; he is so young and small, and I would definitely get him to the vet as an emergency; even if it means putting him to sleep, it's the last loving thing you can do for him.
But how long have you had him? I caught a glimpse of your facebook page (I'm not a member of fb) and so I would guess he's a pedigree? While I realise you're totally concerned with him at the moment, I feel his breeder should be aware and also take responsibility (ie full refund and thorough check of their breeding stock because this is awful.)
I'm an ex-breeder myself and would always take full responsibility for difficulties with kittens - poor little Barney and poor you too, going through this heartbreak.
I'm so sorry to hear this, its such a cruel disease. I would never let a cat with FIP die naturally, it isn't pleasant and it sounds like it is time for the vets. I'll be thinking of you
I am so sorry for you, that is a heartbreaking diagnosis. Until a couple of years ago I had never heard of FIP, I don't know if we are getting better at diagnosing it or if it is actually becoming more common, but it is one of those diseases I dread my cats getting as there is nothing that can be done.
I can only say that if he has stopped drinking then either he needs fluids put into him one way or another or he will die soon from thirst, which isn't a pleasant way to go. My thought is it is his way of deciding it is time to go and the kindest thing you could do is help him on his way and minimise his suffering.
Lilith wrote:I'm so sorry I can't advise you re FIP and also very sorry to hear this.
By now I'm afraid he will be dehydrated; he is so young and small, and I would definitely get him to the vet as an emergency; even if it means putting him to sleep, it's the last loving thing you can do for him.
But how long have you had him? I caught a glimpse of your facebook page (I'm not a member of fb) and so I would guess he's a pedigree? While I realise you're totally concerned with him at the moment, I feel his breeder should be aware and also take responsibility (ie full refund and thorough check of their breeding stock because this is awful.)
I'm an ex-breeder myself and would always take full responsibility for difficulties with kittens - poor little Barney and poor you too, going through this heartbreak.
Hugs to you and fusses to Barney x
Lillith,
We have had barney for a little under 2 months, so not long at all. We contacted the breeder and explained situation and she said that none of her health checks ever showed FIP. She is a regular breeder and offered us another kitten the next time she has a litter, but I feel that it would be too much of a reminder
Thank you all for your kind wishes. Since I posted this, Barney seemed to have peeked up a bit and had been walking around and attempting to eat, however today he has had two small episodes that looked like a sort of fit, so we feel it might be time to make the trip to the vets tomorrow
Lilith wrote:I'm so sorry I can't advise you re FIP and also very sorry to hear this.
By now I'm afraid he will be dehydrated; he is so young and small, and I would definitely get him to the vet as an emergency; even if it means putting him to sleep, it's the last loving thing you can do for him.
But how long have you had him? I caught a glimpse of your facebook page (I'm not a member of fb) and so I would guess he's a pedigree? While I realise you're totally concerned with him at the moment, I feel his breeder should be aware and also take responsibility (ie full refund and thorough check of their breeding stock because this is awful.)
I'm an ex-breeder myself and would always take full responsibility for difficulties with kittens - poor little Barney and poor you too, going through this heartbreak.
Hugs to you and fusses to Barney x
Lillith,
We have had barney for a little under 2 months, so not long at all. We contacted the breeder and explained situation and she said that none of her health checks ever showed FIP. She is a regular breeder and offered us another kitten the next time she has a litter, but I feel that it would be too much of a reminder
If he's 12 weeks old now, and you have had him just under 2 months, how old was he when you adopted him? If she is a registered breeder, kittens shouldn't be sold till 13 weeks, even a reputable rescue wouldn't home till at least 9 weeks. Unfortunately FIP doesn't show on a health check, only the Corona virus.
Hi Molly I'm so sorry to read about Barney - my thoughts are with you & your family at this sad time. Please take time to process your grief & post whatever & whenever should you wish advice & support. RIP little Barney you were & are so very much loved. Vivian