FIP Question - Vomiting?

My 6-month-old kitten passed away from "wet" FIP on 11/7/03; up until a week ago, her half-brother (17-month-old half-brother) was in perfect health. Now he's vomited his soft food four times in 1.5 weeks (and appears lethargic/ possibly feverish afterward); I feel the terror rising in me again.

Is it possible for vomiting to be an indication of FIP? I wouldn't think so, because it seems to be his soft food that he's vomiting; but I'm still scared as hell.

Thank you,

Jenk

Jenk,

Vomiting is not one of the clear signs of FIP. Weight loss, diarrhea, is. It is more probable that the cat is gulping his food, or perhaps you have changed the diet recently all at once instead of gradually? Or it could be that food doesn't agree with him all of a sudden. I would make sure the kitty has enough water to drink and watch him closely. Take his temp if you have to- and if he is running a fever take him in to your vet tomorrow to be checked out.

I read on one website that vomiting can be a symptom of "dry" FIP and that it is possible for "wet" and "dry" FIP symptoms to be intermixed in some cases. Still, even if this is another virus (coming from where...I've no idea), I must be careful, so that Simon's immune system isn't distracted elsewhere for too long; I don't want his body's defenses to be let down, especially when it's not been long enough to determine if his body is carrying the Coronavirus.

I will stop his soft foods for the next few days, watch his water intake, and take him to the vet ASAP.

As for taking his temperature myself, how would that be done? Mercury thermometer? I'm somewhat bothered by the idea of putting our digital one up his you-know-what, when we put it into our mouths. Doesn't strike me as too hygenic.

Thanks,

Jenk

I use a pet thermometer, you can buy them at most grocery stores. They are rectal.

I will look for a pet rectal thermometer tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I want to add that I always elevate Simon's food dish, precisely so he does not wolf down his food. Also, I don't think he would be lethargic (plus feel warm to the touch and have a dry nose) if it were a matter of eating too quickly or experiencing a food allergy, although it may be possible to experience such symptoms from a sudden allergy. (Still, he was always fine with his canned food--IAMS--before.) *scratches head*

More bloodwork seems to be the only answer right now.

Jenk

Jen, while vomiting could be a symptom of FIP, as with any disease, it is not common unless other systemic effects of FIP are causing it. Generally, it is poor appetite, unrelenting fever, distended abdomen, depression, weight loss and poor coat condition that are the classical signs of FIP.

One solution to attempt is ceasing the soft food and gradually starting him on an adult maintenance dry food. Any cat can develop a sudden sensitivity to any food, and this just might be the problem at this point. Since he is vomiting more than normal, you can't risk dehydration, so ensure he is getting plenty of normal water intake on a daily basis. Also, if his stools are loose or has diarrhea, opt to get a fecal done by your vet to rule out parasites or bacteria.

As for the thermometer, you can get a digital rectal thermometer in any grocery store pharmacy dept, or pharmacy alone. Keep it seperate from the one you use for yourself and family. To keep it properly cleaned between uses, simply use a gauze or cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol, this acts as an antiseptic.

In the event you've never taken kitty's temperature, be sure you lubricate the tip of the thermometer with vaseline (regular, yellow type), then insert only 1/4 - 1/2 inch, wait for the thermometer to register or beep and record it. Normal feline body temperature is 101-102.5 ° . Anything significantly higher than 103 demands a vet visit. Remember, you cant accurately gauge a cat's temperature by the cat feeling warm to the touch or dry nose, these are inappropriate methods of gauging core body temperature. Lethargy, as you noted, does warrant a talk with your vet/possible exam........................Traci

Cat-Tech,

I am, unfortunately, much too aware of the most common symptoms of "wet" FIP, as my 6-month-old kitten recently passed from this nasty disease.

I've noticed that Simon is holding down dry food just fine; I've since stopped giving him soft food and am ensuring that he has plenty of water available to him.

Still, he definitely does not feel well at times, as he rests more than usual every now and then throughout the evening. I don't associate lethargy a symptom of a food allergy, at least not once the food item has been eliminated. And, so, I still worry like a crazy person about his health.

Simon's visit with his regular vet will be tomorrow evening.

Thank you,

Jenk