Do not understand New shelter kitty

Thx cat woman...I did not call shelter cause I knew it was mostly because I was so upset and the shelter was a handy target. I am still holding onto the hope that it's just a cold. Do cats just get simple colds? It's been really cold here and I was thinking maybe coming from the shelter to my warm house she just caught a cold even tho my vet said she was sick when I got her I'm taking that slim hope and holding onto it. But last night she started sneezing and she's still sneezing.I also haven't yet saw any improvement tho she is still drinking and eating well. Also good news on the litter box front. Since putting litter in the box on Sunday she has used it every time![emoji]128512[/emoji][emoji]128512[/emoji][emoji]128512[/emoji]

mylucylou said:

Thx cat woman...I did not call shelter cause I knew it was mostly because I was so upset and the shelter was a handy target. I am still holding onto the hope that it's just a cold. Do cats just get simple colds? It's been really cold here and I was thinking maybe coming from the shelter to my warm house she just caught a cold even tho my vet said she was sick when I got her I'm taking that slim hope and holding onto it. But last night she started sneezing and she's still sneezing.I also haven't yet saw any improvement tho she is still drinking and eating well. Also good news on the litter box front. Since putting litter in the box on Sunday she has used it every time![emoji]128512[/emoji][emoji]128512[/emoji][emoji]128512[/emoji]

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 GREAT about the litter box use!!

Yes they do get colds, most often at kittenhood, the 2 most common are the 2 that are in the kitten vaccines for prevention.

However I don't recall you mentioning any signs, no stuffy nose, sneezing, runny eyes, or rattling in her chest or at least what most think is coming from the chest but is actually from their throat/esophagus so it's hard to tell the difference without a stethoscope.

It would not be surprised if she did catch a cold virus, despite being vaccinated on intake, as it takes at least a couple days to give protection. 

Likely the bit of stress that cats feel from going to a vet is what triggered her sneezing now. Which means she has at some point had a cold and was recovered, as cat cold viruses do not leave their systems completely and will pop up now and then when stress triggers it.

Eating and drinking are good, so basically it's the fever and sleeping all the time, no playing, etc? Well not really drinking enough if she were dehydrated which the fever doesn't help either.

Anything to help promote drinking more, chicken broth, tuna water, running faucet, anything. The more hydrated she stays the better regardless.

Took Lucy to vet today.good news was she is now only mildly dehydrated and slight fever as opposed to Tuesday's extremely dehydrated and high fever. But she is still losing weight. She has now lost over a pound,in spite of my keeping her crunchy food bowl full at all times and giving her cans of wet food. I tried the Pedialyte she wouldn't drink it,the vet said to try the tuna water. So today they took a blood sample which showed her to be slightly anemic. The vet is completely mystified as to why she is continuing to lose weight and sleep so much. She wasn't worried bat the sneezing,said her chest sounded fine. She also said that while she is not ruling out fip she doesn't think that's what's wrong
They gave Lucy another I.v. with fluids and sent me home with more antibiotics and another appointment next Wednesday. They also said that if Lucy hasn't improved by then and is still losing weight ( she is now down to 3 pounds) to prepare myself for the vet to discuss putting her to sleep.
If it comes to that I just don't know what to do. So I could use a little advice. I called the shelter yesterday to confirm her leukemia and aids test was negative and they said yes. I told them what was going on and explained that I had already spent $300 on the vet bills, which I don't mind but that I couldn't keep spending those amounts, I simply don't have it[emoji]128549[/emoji][emoji]128549[/emoji][emoji]128549[/emoji][emoji]128549[/emoji]. They told me I could bring her back and their vet would look at her and then decide whether or not to put her to sleep. I really don't want to take her back because I don't want her to die in a cage.
So here's where I need the advice. If on Wednesday there's no improvement and my vet broached the subject do I go ahead and have her PTS or would that be cruel. I only want to do what's best for her. Or do I take her back to shelter and let them have a go at fixing her. I'm just worried the shelter won't have the funds either and will just put her to sleep to. If it's her time than I would rather have her go with me holding her.

mylucylou said:

Took Lucy to vet today.good news was she is now only mildly dehydrated and slight fever as opposed to Tuesday's extremely dehydrated and high fever. But she is still losing weight. She has now lost over a pound,in spite of my keeping her crunchy food bowl full at all times and giving her cans of wet food. I tried the Pedialyte she wouldn't drink it,the vet said to try the tuna water. So today they took a blood sample which showed her to be slightly anemic. The vet is completely mystified as to why she is continuing to lose weight and sleep so much. She wasn't worried bat the sneezing,said her chest sounded fine. She also said that while she is not ruling out fip she doesn't think that's what's wrong
They gave Lucy another I.v. with fluids and sent me home with more antibiotics and another appointment next Wednesday. They also said that if Lucy hasn't improved by then and is still losing weight ( she is now down to 3 pounds) to prepare myself for the vet to discuss putting her to sleep.
If it comes to that I just don't know what to do. So I could use a little advice. I called the shelter yesterday to confirm her leukemia and aids test was negative and they said yes. I told them what was going on and explained that I had already spent $300 on the vet bills, which I don't mind but that I couldn't keep spending those amounts, I simply don't have it[emoji]128549[/emoji][emoji]128549[/emoji][emoji]128549[/emoji][emoji]128549[/emoji]. They told me I could bring her back and their vet would look at her and then decide whether or not to put her to sleep. I really don't want to take her back because I don't want her to die in a cage.
So here's where I need the advice. If on Wednesday there's no improvement and my vet broached the subject do I go ahead and have her PTS or would that be cruel. I only want to do what's best for her. Or do I take her back to shelter and let them have a go at fixing her. I'm just worried the shelter won't have the funds either and will just put her to sleep to. If it's her time than I would rather have her go with me holding her.

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A few things that come to mind, I wish you knew whether the vet has seen much fip in the past.

While it is considered uncommon, it's really not all THAT rare either. I've found vets who have seen it so much they are pretty quick to spot the signs, while others have not had many fip cases, especially the younger vets, and do feel puzzled by the signs. I wonder what made her say she didn't think that is what is wrong? FIP varies a good deal among cats, each case is different, but the same unknown cause of fever, weight loss, sleeping, anemia, those are typical signs. Some will show elevated protein and wbc, among other things in the bloodwork.

I personally, unless of course it happens to be some very rare thing going on, believe that she does have fip. I hope you understand my frankness saying that. I'm no good to you beating around the bush, and despite my huge compassionate heart for cats, feel obligated to call it the way I see it. Of course fip is one of those very tough calls since it is like a dead end road, no options of meds to help, nothing.

So I wish I knew of her experience in fip cases, I wish you had a copy of her blood work results you could post here, I wish there were other possibilities, there just are not, an 8 month old kitten who has a fever of unknown origin, weight loss, lethargy, sleepiness, anemia, depression, dehydration, the ugly fip bell goes off in my head pretty loud.

Also, it is the norm for the fever to drop down from it's high point but not go back down to normal. fip kitties actually end up often times with lower then normal temps but at that point the kitten should not be having to suffer through to this stage.

For your questions.

Jumping ahead to your mention of it being cruel to end her life, and I say absolutely not, it is cruel for you to have to go through this, but certainly not cruel or wrong to end a life peacefully rather then watch her struggle it out and deteriorate more and more. That would be cruel.

She is approx 8-9 months and weighs 3 lbs.......what a little 11-12 week old would weigh.

She is not enjoying life, and unless she wakes one day very soon and seems to be improving, then this may be something you want to be thinking on.

I did have a thought about the shelter, you don't have to leave her there, why not ask for an appt with their vet and YOU take her? They have a vet they work with or on staff, that vet would spot fip much easier, as she would have very likely seen many cases since shelter life means the percentage of cases goes up substantially due to the virus and stress environment.

Perhaps this will be a good thing for you, I understand how difficult it is not knowing, or what if, or hold out hoping she has something else that is found, I get that.

If you were to hear from another vet that she likely does have fip, I think your heart will tell you what next.

Regardless, she knows love. That is BIG.

Thx cat woman you really put my mind and heart at ease if I do have to make that decision. The vet has seen cases of flip before. I wish I had a copy to post as well, I explained to them that I had a traumatic brain injury that sometimes plays havoc with my memory especially if it's something outside my routine or when I'm stressed and asked for copies of everything. They said they'd give me them but when I got home all I had was the rundown of what they did and the cost.but I do remember her saying there were a couple points why she didn't think it was flip. I just can't remember what they were...grrrr...gets so very frustrating at times [emoji]128556[/emoji]. As for your frankness, I'm a Leo, so I don't respond well to beating around the Bush and appreciate direct answers and frankness, so thank you for that.
The day I went to the shelter I actually went to adopt a dog. The dog volunteer s were busy so I asked to see the cats. The first cat they brought into the catroom completely ignored me and when I picked her up she started kicking and struggling. Lucy was the 2nd cat. When the volunteer put her on the floor Lucy walked over to me jumped on my lap and started talking to me, like "get me the heck outta here". I told the volunteer I would take her,she said don't you wanna look at the dogs?. I said nope I'll take this kitten.
Call me crazy but I really do believe I was guided to Lucy for a reason. Maybe that reason was to give her a nice happy life, for however long that life may be.at least she got to find out about caresses, kisses, soft laps and beds with food and fresh water always nearby. I will update on Wednesday. Again, thank you for your advice and kind words throughout this whole ordeal.

mylucylou said:

Thx cat woman you really put my mind and heart at ease if I do have to make that decision. The vet has seen cases of flip before. I wish I had a copy to post as well, I explained to them that I had a traumatic brain injury that sometimes plays havoc with my memory especially if it's something outside my routine or when I'm stressed and asked for copies of everything. They said they'd give me them but when I got home all I had was the rundown of what they did and the cost.but I do remember her saying there were a couple points why she didn't think it was flip. I just can't remember what they were...grrrr...gets so very frustrating at times [emoji]128556[/emoji]. As for your frankness, I'm a Leo, so I don't respond well to beating around the Bush and appreciate direct answers and frankness, so thank you for that.
The day I went to the shelter I actually went to adopt a dog. The dog volunteer s were busy so I asked to see the cats. The first cat they brought into the catroom completely ignored me and when I picked her up she started kicking and struggling. Lucy was the 2nd cat. When the volunteer put her on the floor Lucy walked over to me jumped on my lap and started talking to me, like "get me the heck outta here". I told the volunteer I would take her,she said don't you wanna look at the dogs?. I said nope I'll take this kitten.
Call me crazy but I really do believe I was guided to Lucy for a reason. Maybe that reason was to give her a nice happy life, for however long that life may be.at least she got to find out about caresses, kisses, soft laps and beds with food and fresh water always nearby. I will update on Wednesday. Again, thank you for your advice and kind words throughout this whole ordeal.

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You're so very welcome, it warms my heart to hear this and that I was able to be of some help.

I would love to know what particulars made the vet think it may not be fip if you happen to have a chance to call and ask, even if the receptionist might email you the bloodwork results.

If not, that's okay, just very curious.

Lucy Lou was meant to be with you, clearly. So glad she got lucky and came home with you

Awww Lucy looks so much like my Sara.

She is so lucky to have found you, and you her. You are such an amazing person for giving this little soul all the love you can give her. I sure hope it's not FIP but if it is, you will know you've done all you can do, and that you are giving her the ultimately gift of love.

Sending lots of healing vibes and keeping you both in my thoughts.

She said while she wasn't ruling out fip it was lower down on her list because Lucy didn't have a distended stomach and there wasn't a yellowish fluid. I said wasn't there 2 kinds of fip? Wet and dry? And she nodded but didn't add anything else. So I dunno guess I'll just have to wait until Wednesday. It is gonna be a longggg week. One more thing the vet who saw her the 2nd time wasn't the same vet as the 1st time. The 1st vet will be the one we see on Wednesday.

Thx donutte

Update on Lucy. She's been sneezing and congested for a week so wasn't surprised when vet told me today she has a upper respiratory infection, but she also has pneumonia. So tonight Lucy is in the hospital[emoji]128549[/emoji]. But the good news is that she had gained a pound and last night she batted at toys[emoji]128512[/emoji]. So both vet and I are encouraged by those signs. I asked vet if she thought this was problem all along and she thinks so. So hopefully I'll have Lucy home in a few days. Here is Lucy using my lap for a bed and my hand for her pillow.

Aww Lucy! This is a relief huh??!

I'll take pneumonia any day of the week over the dreaded fip.

Wonderful! Glad she is doing well too  

She'll be out before you know it.  

It was a huge relief! And I don't know who had a bigger smile over the weight gain - me or the vet! Question: is this something she can reget from her germs when she comes home? She sneezed everywhere. I already washed everything I could that she laid on and went and bought Lysol to spray furniture and carpets but what about her toys? Do I need to throw them out? I had them close to her in my attempts to get her to play and she laid on a few of them. I just don't want her to get sick all over again.

Vet just called. Lucy Lou gets to come home today [emoji]128049[/emoji][emoji]128512[/emoji][emoji]128049[/emoji][emoji]128512[/emoji]

mylucylou said:

It was a huge relief! And I don't know who had a bigger smile over the weight gain - me or the vet! Question: is this something she can reget from her germs when she comes home? She sneezed everywhere. I already washed everything I could that she laid on and went and bought Lysol to spray furniture and carpets but what about her toys? Do I need to throw them out? I had them close to her in my attempts to get her to play and she laid on a few of them. I just don't want her to get sick all over again.

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No, you can always run toys through the washer too, but uri germs won't reinfect her like that. She's got the uri for good but will be able to keep it at bay once she is well again.

Pneumonia is not re-caught. It's when the viral illness causes the immune system to work hard to get rid of it, which allows bacteria to invade her while her system is preoccupied working on the virus part.

Pneumonia is caused from the bacteria.

mylucylou said:

Vet just called. Lucy Lou gets to come home today [emoji]128049[/emoji][emoji]128512[/emoji][emoji]128049[/emoji][emoji]128512[/emoji]

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Great to hear! Let us know how she is doing!

Lucy is doing so much better[emoji]128512[/emoji]. She's not sleeping as much and is playing with toys. She even got into trouble this morning[emoji]128049[/emoji]. She still let's out an occasional sneeze but no longer sounds congested. Vet appt on Tue so hopefully she'll get an all clear.

Lucy had her follow up today and is completely better[emoji]128049[/emoji] and she gained another pound and is up to 5 pounds so one more pound to go. I was so relieved,especially after the vet told me she hadn't really thought Lucy would make it so my kitty has really come a long way.[emoji]128512[/emoji][emoji]128512[/emoji]

I saw this thread earlier but lost track of it...just rediscovered it tonight. So glad your beautiful kitty is doing better. Really great news!![emoji]128516[/emoji]

Thx Tay. The change in Lucy is huge,I can hardly keep up with her.