FIP has struck us for the first time

Our pregnant rescue cat Melian gave birth to seven kittens on 5/24, and all have been healthy and happy up until 7/12 morning at 3AM. Two began to have difficulty breathing at that time, the ones we called Tiny and Dirty. The vet said FIP, and I was heartbroken. We all know how FIP goes, and they were already in pain, so we went ahead and elected to put them to sleep. They were born premature and I worked so hard to keep them all going, and it only hurts more because of that. I don't think I can rescue kittens again for a while.

I'm also worried about my other cats too much to sleep, and I'm starting to feel physically sick.

chipmunk-kim said:

Our pregnant rescue cat Melian gave birth to seven kittens on 5/24, and all have been healthy and happy up until 7/12 morning at 3AM. Two began to have difficulty breathing at that time, the ones we called Tiny and Dirty. The vet said FIP, and I was heartbroken. We all know how FIP goes, and they were already in pain, so we went ahead and elected to put them to sleep. They were born premature and I worked so hard to keep them all going, and it only hurts more because of that. I don't think I can rescue kittens again for a while.

I'm also worried about my other cats too much to sleep, and I'm starting to feel physically sick.

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I'm so sorry for your loss. How are you feeling today ?  I have raised two kittens from days old. The bond is quick and deep.

Have you spoken to your vet about your concerns for the other cats ?

I'm feeling better but of course not great. The problem with asking the vets is they each give a different answer. They say 'it's contagious', or, 'it's not contagious', or, 'mothers pass it to their kittens through the placenta in utero'. It's a very poorly understood illness.

I would either bleach the litter boxes , even if the kittens had never had access and thoroughly sterilize all feeding bowls/water.  Perhaps steam cleaning any floors and carpets.  Lysol now makes a wide mist sprayer for furniture. Replace cat beds, wash your own bedding. 

I'm basing this advise on what I would do after reading about FIP which I'm sure you have exhausted via internet searches.

Mostly do not  blame yourself for something that was out of your control. Something I know about personally an still struggle with.

Was there a test run for FIP? It may be something else, it sounds like distemper too, I lost a whole litter one by one and mom too. This of course won't make any difference but if your other cats are older and have vaccinations you should be alright if it is distemper. My heart goes out to you, losing those little ones can literally feel like a kick to the chest, I still feel sick when I think about it. I hope you change your mind on rescuing kittens, although something like this happens, there are so many who desperately need someone to love and care for them, even for a little while. You are hurting because you have a big heart, it hurts to know nature isn't always kind and some little souls don't make it to adulthood. But you were there for them and gave them what they needed the most, love. You were strong enough to not let them suffer, even though it broke your heart. You validated their existence and will never let them be forgotten, the bond you formed will never be taken from you. I know how hard it is to not dwell on the end, but one day I pray you can celebrate what they brought to your life and let your memories comfort you instead of bringing you tears. Thank you for letting us know of these sweet angels, they will be properly mourned for by many as they so deserve. RIP sweet angels, you will be forever held in a loving heart, please send comfort to the one who misses you so very much and let your  little stars shine bright in the vast evening sky as a beacon of your love! 

I am sorry for your loss, It is heartbreaking when the little ones are taken away from us, and not given a chance. FIP is a heartbreaking illness. 

I'm so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. Tiny and Dirty knee so much love in their all too short lives.
What a lovely card from your vet...just beyond lovely.

[emoji]128149[/emoji][emoji]128149[/emoji]RIP Tiny And Dirty[emoji]128149[/emoji][emoji]128149[/emoji]

I'm very sorry for your loss. Their little lives were far too short.

I am truly sorry for your loss. Poor little babies were taken way too soon. Just totally unfair!
RIP Tiny and Dirty!
You were so loved and will never be forgotten!