Although the vets ruled out FIP with Nutkin because he didn't have enough symptoms, after the autopsy I am sure he did have it. I have been reading up on it and now know that some cats are very asymptomatic, and he did have the main things - a recurrent fever that is resistant to antibiotics, variable appetite and fast respiration. Add that his chest cavity was full of fluid and it seems classic.
I am now of course worried about the other cats. During the five weeks that he was with me, he lived with Ginger Tom and my daughter Faith's two 7 month old kittens, Bilbo and Mina, in a separate part of the house to my cats. These four shared beds, litter trays and food bowls. I have now moved Ginger and the kittens into the cottage while I disinfect their original quarters. I have removed all bedding, washed all floors and surfaces with bleach and boiling water, and sterilised the trays and dishes. I shall not move them back for at least three weeks, the time that the virus can live in the atmosphere. But it feels a bit like closing the stable door long after the horse has bolted.
They all seem healthy, no signs of a primary infection like coughing or runny noses, which is the first sign. Is there anything else I can do? If they are already infected vaccination is useless and is controversial anyway. I know some of you have lived with FIP and may have some experience to share with me. I can only thank my lucky stars that I did not mix him with my cats - at least I have only three to worry about. Although there is always a remote possibility that I myself carried the virus into the main house on shoes or clothing. This is a nightmare.
I am now of course worried about the other cats. During the five weeks that he was with me, he lived with Ginger Tom and my daughter Faith's two 7 month old kittens, Bilbo and Mina, in a separate part of the house to my cats. These four shared beds, litter trays and food bowls. I have now moved Ginger and the kittens into the cottage while I disinfect their original quarters. I have removed all bedding, washed all floors and surfaces with bleach and boiling water, and sterilised the trays and dishes. I shall not move them back for at least three weeks, the time that the virus can live in the atmosphere. But it feels a bit like closing the stable door long after the horse has bolted.
They all seem healthy, no signs of a primary infection like coughing or runny noses, which is the first sign. Is there anything else I can do? If they are already infected vaccination is useless and is controversial anyway. I know some of you have lived with FIP and may have some experience to share with me. I can only thank my lucky stars that I did not mix him with my cats - at least I have only three to worry about. Although there is always a remote possibility that I myself carried the virus into the main house on shoes or clothing. This is a nightmare.