We just had to say goodbye to our cat. Possible FIP death.

Hello all.

This week my fiance and I are dealing with much heart break of losing our Ragdoll at just 11 months old. Between pancreatitis, enlarged heart, and fluid in the lungs, the vet at the animal hospital ruled out that it was indefinitely FIP. We made the decision to just say goodbye.

We have 3 other cats in the house. 2 which are leaving fairly soon because they belong to our roommates and they're moving. Just one will remain who is our's. I spoke with the vet about this and she said it should be okay considering all of my cats may have coronavirus or have been exposed to it from my Ragdoll kitten, or vice versa.

It's not very clear if my Ragdoll had already had the virus. Regardless, it seems coronavirus is up in the air now.

I have researched that it isn't safe to get another kitten if other cats are in the home.

I'm just wondering if anyone has gone through something similiar, and could offer me advice on what to do. I would greatly appreciate it. This is so difficult to deal with, but my fiance really wants to get 2 new Ragdoll siblings, and we can't risk anything happening ever again.

Thanks!

Hi

I'm truly very sorry for your loss.  Most of us here have had a cat leave us at one point in our lives and it is very painful, and one is never prepared.

As to your question, I'm not sure I understand it. "I have researched that it isn't safe to get another kitten if other cats are in the home."  There is nothing unsafe generally speaking about introducing a kitten to a home with adults cats, people do this all the time.

If you mean, is it not safe when coronavirus is present, well lots of cats are exposed to this virus, and by itself it isn't generally serious, and a cat exposed may get  a cold.  There is a connection between mutated coronavirus and FIP, is that what your getting at?  You seemed to suggest that your vet ruled out FIP....

Can you clarify your concern?

Thanks

Stephen

I am aware that FIP is a mutation caused from the Coronavirus.

My vet did rule out FIP as the most probable case.

However, yes, that's what I meant. If my cats have been exposed to the Coronavirus from my kitten that had just passed (or even vice versa, the cats exposing it to my kitten) and I wish to bring home 2 pure breed Ragdoll kittens... then I'm scared they will be more prone to develop FIP from being exposed to Coronavirus that my other cat may potentially have.

I fear that due to their young immunity, and pure breed, it will increase the chances. I was seeking advice from anybody who may have been in this position before.

I am so sorry for your loss

I only know a little about FIP unfortunately.
But I don't see why pure breed cats should be any more at risk of developing FIP than domestic cats.

I sure others will respond to your thread when they come online.
@cprcheetah and @vball91 are two members that I can think of off the top head at the moment that might be able to help.

Thanks so much!

If FIP was ruled out then the most you should be facing with a coronavirus is a cold. They can be small colds, or big ones, but if the resident cats don't  come down with anything in the next few weeks then you generally should be ok, although some cats can be carriers without being sick.  Why not wait a few weeks before you introduce new kittens?