update for Mons (cat eating cat litter)

Oh man that is a big bummer

We work with a rescue that is in the same boat... they've adopted out at least 5 cats that our clinic knows of that have come down with FIP. It's so hard to know because this rescue in particular takes these cats from shelters, and shelters are filled with all kinds of germs.

At least you are doing and have done all you can for your kitty, and up to this point they have had a good life

Originally Posted by Plebayo

Oh man that is a big bummer

We work with a rescue that is in the same boat... they've adopted out at least 5 cats that our clinic knows of that have come down with FIP. It's so hard to know because this rescue in particular takes these cats from shelters, and shelters are filled with all kinds of germs.

At least you are doing and have done all you can for your kitty, and up to this point they have had a good life

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that's why we're concerned since the rescue from where we got him is the biggest no kill in the state and houses hundreds of animals throughout the year (on average of 1200 I think).

I am not trying to get your hopes up, and I don't want you to have false hopes, because it sounds like it could be FIP. But so you are informed, the titre test tests for the corona virus, which can be a million things, it is NOT just FIP. And because they're carrying the corona virus does not mean they're sick with anything! When Tuxedo came down with something like Feline Hemolytic Anemia, our regular vet was on vacation and the vet we saw first thought "FIP" and got us into a panic, and we brought all the cats in for a titre test. Three of the five had VERY high titres, and the vet put them into quarantine rooms there until we picked them up. We were freaking that three of our kitties might die of FIP.

Then our regular vet came back from vacation, and explained that a high titre count does NOT mean FIP. There is no test for FIP. It can confirm other symptoms and say, yes, it is PROBABLE it is FIP, but that's the extent of it.

As it turns out, none of our cats (knock wood) have FIP. They may be carrying the virus that can cause it - but even that there's no way to know for sure.

If we hadn't had that second opinion for Tuxedo, he would have died of anemia, not FIP. As it is, thankfully we got a second opinion just by default of our regular vet being on vacation and seeing Tuxie when he got back from vacation. He is either smarter, more experienced, or better informed than the other vet that initially saw Tuxedo. But he looked at the exact same blood work results, and came up with a different opinion. With FIP, you do nothing except make Kitty as happy as possible. Anything else, and there is an active treatment - or at least choices to make.

Based on our experience, we'd always get a second opinion on a diagnosis like that, just to make sure.

for you and Mons. He has a loving home and caring meowmy, and that's what counts.



Laurie

I'm sorry to hear about your baby. I lost a cat last June to what the suspect was a advance case of FIP.

Starfish, I'm so sorry about your baby. He is a very lucky boy to have such a concerned and caring owner! I would get a second opinion, as said above, FIP can't be diagnosed 100%. Maybe they'll have some different ideas?

I've been reading about your struggle and just want to say how sorry I am, I'm going through a very similar experience with my 7 month old tabby.

Our vet is also suspecting FIP, but judging from what a lot of people are saying on here, I hope that you as well won't take it as a finality.

Right now all I'm doing is just trying to feed my little guy as much as he will eat and giving him lots of love and attention. I hope Mons is eating and that you are hanging in there as well.

Anyways, I'm sure this is all so scary and worrisome for you, so hang in there and I am sending all my positive energy your way so that Mons can get better.

thanks. He is due back in about 2 weeks. I plan to ask him more questions when I see him then. Right now, he is breathing somewhat better with the medicine.

Yes, the titer test is not accurate for FIP diagnosis. The signs/symptoms are typically the best way to diagnose, but even then it's hard to tell if it's FIP until necroscopy after death. Here's some vibes that it's not really FIP.

Earlier this week (or weekend, I forget), my mom called to my attention what appeared to be a lump on one side of Mons below his ribs. I felt something, but since he's so skinny, I thought maybe we're feeling his organs or something. I told her I'd ask about it the next time I take him in. But yesterday, she brought it to my attention again and this time it was obvious. Not only could I feel that there is one, but it is also visible now. You can really tell the difference when you turn him from one side to the other. I just called today, and the earliest I can get him seen is tommorrow - and if I drop him off. I already have to take Luna at 6 pm for a follow up, so I had to ask work to leave a bit early to have time to take care of both of them since they go to two different vets (Luna still has some months left on her Banfield contract).

To be honest, if it's a tumor - even a removable one - I don't think it will be in his best interest to do surgery with his current health issues. But I'm thinking it could also be a side effect of one of the medicines, but I really don't have anything to base it on. So I'll just let them take a look at it and see how we want to proceed.

aww, that poor little guy - prayers that it's nothing too bad, and prayers for you for all your strength in loving and caring for him.

the 'lump' is due to the fluid buildup in his abdomen (you can feel his tummy bulge) which in turn is pushing on his kidney. The lump we see on the side is the inflamed kidney. He has an appointment to be checked out again on Friday. However, at the rate he is progressing we hope it won't be too long for him. We may have to put him down very soon. He is still eating so it's sort of a tough call. We are trying to keep an eye out for signs of obvious discomfort. We love him so much, but we can't let him suffer.

poor baby....

I'm so sorry! But he's known love, comfort, care, and has a great meowmy. he enjoys what time he has left. I know he will!

Laurie

he is being such a good boy. He is still exploring the house and eating. My mom misses him and can't wait to see him again Sunday.

Mom and I really think Mons time is near. His fluid is building up at an obvious rate. Today, he had an accident in the kitchen. It looked like an obvious puddle of urine except there was some 'stuff' in it. It was kind of grainy like er, um, those grains in uncooked cream of wheat. He has an appointment on Friday which Mom will be taking him to since I work an extra hour on Fridays. If his condition is as grave as we think he is and he appears uncomfortable, we may put him down this weekend so we can both be with him and comfort him.

Originally Posted by mews2much

Sounds like he has crystals in his urine.
Sorry he is getting worse.

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If that's the case, I would take him sooner... He might be uncomfortable, and you are risking a blockage, which could be lethal.

I am sorry things aren't looking great for him, and sadly I would prepare yourself for losing him, he does sound incredibly poorly, and while crystals ordinarily could be treated, in his case i wouldnt, his kidneys could also be struggling.

I am in the library in school or else I'd call them right now. I think I might give them a phone call as soon as I log off (I have class at 6) and call my mother to see what he has been doing today. I don't want him to suffer at all. My mom is the one that's been trying to hold on for the most hope since he still walks around and eats, but I am concerned for him. The problem is that his vet is out today and tomorrow, but in case of emergency there is at least one other vet there that I know of.

also when they did the xrays last week his kidneys appeared inflammed (as mentioned in an earlier post) so they may be already losing function. poor baby.Even though I own him, my mom loves him more than she has any of our cats.