Raleigh, British Shorthair Kitten, Wet FIP, 5/26/14

I would first off like to thank everyone that contributes to this forum and site.  I have learned so much about the Wet form of FIP that my kitten had, and it truly helped me get through it.

My British Shorthair Raleigh was only 7 months old when he succumb to FIP.  This is a terrible disease, and I suppose I was lucky as he did not suffer (only the last moments of his life).  The breeder where I purchased him offered me a new kitten at no charge, and I did not even ask.  This is the first time they had a FIP kitten.  I do not blame anyone here, as I truly believe the breeder didn't know and is not trying to defraud anyone.

As far as the disease itself, I did get my cat's stomach drained of approx 240 ML of yellow fluid.  Initially I thought he was gaining a bit of weight after being neutered.  I took him to the Vet as his stomach was getting a bit large, and within one week he died.  I did do the PCR test and he came back positive for Feline Corona Virus.  This is my only cat, and he was 100% indoor at all times.

The only thing I regret is that I could not get him to the Vet Hospital fast enough to euthanize him.  He died in the waiting room.  His downfall was within about 20 minutes.  It was terrible to witness.  This really bothered me, and I do not want to get into details here as an animal dying in your arms is not pleasant and is something I will never forget.  

I will always remember him, and look forward to a new kitten.  That being said, I will wait at least 3 months as I have read that FIP can stay in the carpet for that long.  I disposed of all of his bowls, scratching posts, litter boxes, absolutely everything as I do not want to have to go through this again.  I will also get my carpets professionally steamed cleaned.  

I also may purchase a new kitten from another breeder, because I do not know if I could get another cat with FIP from the same breeder that my Cat got it from.  The breeder is spaying the female to prevent future litters from getting it.  I am not so sure if this will actually work though.

It has now been over a week since my Cat died, and I am remembering the good times I had with him.  Each day is a bit easier, but still hard as I was very attached to him.

Here are some pics:



He loved to lick my hair


Thanks again to everyone on this forum!

Raleigh

10/20/13 - 5/26/14

Awww, I'm so sorry!!  

He was very handsome!! He looked like a Raleigh as well, fit him perfectly! 

Oh, what a sweet little face, and those little mitten paws! I'm so sorry your time together had to be cut short, but I'm glad to hear you've found not only valuable information, but comfort in TCS.

Beautiful Raleigh.  I am so sorry for your loss.  His personality shines through in the pictures.

Nurseangel, pinkdagger, and kittymommy3, Thank you for your kind words.  It means very much to me that people really do care!  Thanks for your support!

Although you only had your precious Raleigh for a short time, it's amazing how soon they can command a place in your heart. I'm so happy that Raleigh had you for an compassionate and loving  companion, he knew he was greatly loved and cherished. The heavens are a brighter place with his presence, but your heart is heavy with pain that only time will help. I'm so happy you are considering another little soul to love, it would definitely help you in your grieving by honoring the love you shared with Raleigh, he would never want you to be so sad. You hurt so bad because you loved so much, take care........ RIP beautiful Raleigh!

l'm so sorry for your loss of beautiful Raleigh. FIP is a horrible disease that takes young lives very quickly. 

Thank you for sharing your pictures - it's obvious that he was a much loved and very happy little guy.

RIP Raleigh.

I just felt I had to leave a quick message offering condolences much like the others.  I recently lost a cat to FIP as well and it was very hard on me and I do not think Will and I were likely as close as you and Raleigh were.  Best wishes for you future friend, it sounds like they will be coming into a wonderful home.

Thanks again everyone.  Your kind words are very much appreciated!  

It's been over 2 weeks since Raleigh passed, and I am now really remembering the good times.  I still sometimes "sense" that he is around me.  This is hard to explain but whenever I have an animal in my house I know they are there, I just feel them even if they are not in the room with me.  I still feel his presence at times, even though he is gone.  Sorry if this doesn't make sense as it is very difficult to describe this, but I bet a few of you know what I am referring to.

 I will be attending a CFA Cat show this weekend, and am looking forward to seeing all the different breeds.  I think this will help in cheering me up a bit.

Thanks again!

Beautiful Raleigh

I'm so sorry about your loss of little Raleigh. FIP is simply horrid and makes you feel utterly helpless. RIP, little one.

Hi, May I possibly ask where you got your BSH from last year? I just wanted to know what area you were as I had a kitten last year also which sadly was put to sleep. Thank you

I feel terrible for the little guy - but you did what you could and that's what counts, and your post here shows how much you cared.  Why not adopt from a shelter or rescue organization rather than a breeder?  You would be saving a life.  That is what helped me adopt another cat after Back died -- the knowledge that I was saving another cat who would otherwise also die.