R.I.P. Georgie

It's kind of funny with how hard I tried to get rid of giardia in my cats, and I ended up losing Georgie to something totally different - Feline Infectious Peritonitis. He was only a year and a half old and I am devastated. The vet made a clay imprint of his paw for me. His sister Susan is still alive and still struggling to overcome her own health issues. I ended up giving her to my vet because I could no longer afford the medical treatments she needs. It looks like she will pull through and recover and be adopted (although the vet has fallen in love with her and might keep her).

My apartment is very empty and still. I do OK at work and stuff and then lose it when I'm home. I feel like I failed both cats even though one of them is still living. The vet says I did everything I could, and it was the breeder who was responsible for all their health troubles. I hope that's true because I can't stand the thought that they suffered even an extra minute because of me. I love them so so much.

Thanks to everyone here who offered such good advice.

Sophie

R.I.P. Georgie - 4/17/14 - 9/27/15

I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet Georgie-- so young and innocent.  You need to forgive yourself- you did not fail your kitties; all we can do is our absolute best with the knowledge that we have at the time.  I feel certain Georgie knew this and loved you for it.  That is neat your vet made the imprint for you.  FIP really sucks :-( 

Fly free sweet Georgie and land softly- you were so loved.

I am truly sorry for your loss. It is heartbreaking when our kitties must leave us, especially one so young as Georgie. I will never understand it. Poor innocent little kitties, so sad. Georgie was loved and cared for though and she knew that. She knew love and that was thanks to you. You showed her love and she loved you in return. You never failed your kitties. You loved them and did all you could for them. They knew that and they loved you for it Please believe that!
RIP Sweet Georgie!
You were greatly loved!

You did more then help them through their health issues, much more.....you gave them true love and cared for them as only a person who loved them could. You also committed the supreme sacrifice, that of giving up someone you love so much to get them the care they need. You will surely be blessed. Georgie had a very brief time on this earth, but he had the one thing he needed the most, you and your love, I'm sure it comforted him at the end, he died knowing you will carry him forever in a loving heart. Believe your vet, he's seen so much, you did do all you could, but at times it's still not enough. Susan is alive because of you, and she will know love again, she is already receiving the best care she could. Don't let this horrible tragedy harden your heart to another little soul in need, there are so many that will give you a lifetime of love, i can't believe that something as horrible as what happened could happen again, My heart goes out to you, I'll pray for Georgie's safe journey to the Rainbow Bridge, and that Susan recovers fully and finds happiness. I pray that you will find peace, and know what you did was the only thing that could be done.....take care...... RIP sweet Georgie, you will never be forgotten and will be forever held in a heart that loves you!

Thank you all so much. I knew the awesome cat loving folks here would understand. I know some people need a long time to recover after losing a beloved cat before opening their heart to another one. It does take me a long tim me to stop feeling so acutely sad, but I'm someone who finds another cat comforting during that process. Not a replacement by any means, but just another feline soul on whom I can shower my love and affection. I think both ways are valid and everyone has to decide for themselves what's right for them.

One of my coworkers has a cat that just had kittens. They will be old enough for new homes in December. She has promised two of them to me. One will be a tiger and one will be all black. I think kittens will be an excellent Christmas gift to myself. :-) Also it will mean I can still hang out with you guys. They won't be Maine coons, but they will be adored and treated like royalty.

In gratitude,
Sophie

I am so sorry for your loss.  It sounds like you have a very special vet.  I am glad that Sophie seems to be improving.   You have made a kind and selfless decision for her.  Bless you.

And you are welcome to hang out with us anytime you want, even if you don't have kittens.  

I'm very sorry for your loss. FIP is one of those things we're helpless against. RIP, little Georgie.