[Newt]

Just out of curiosity, where do most people go to adopt kittens? Our cat, Newt, has seemingly contracted FIP. We adopted him a year ago from the county animal shelter. Are there better places to go?

Also, how rare is this disease? We have lived it night and day for over a month...but what are the chances that we will adopt another cat with this illness?

Newt is doing a little better. He still doesn't eat and has to be force fed, but he does move around a little better than the last two days and he does not seem to have fevers anymore. We don't know how long he will live before we have to put him down, for now we are going to take care of him as long as he is in no pain.

 

[AngelZoo]

Honestly, the lowest rate of FIP will be found from a GOOD breeder.
There are even some breeders out there who wind up with cats whom do have such deseases however.

I prefer a good no kill rescue, often you will find cats which have already been tested for such things, and have a clean bill of health, if not they will other wise be marked with such desease or condition.

Human Societies and other shelters, depending on how good the place is is what you will find for info on your next cat. Most deseased animals come from this place, but then again a lot of cats with problems or conditions are put to sleep and we never see them for adoption.

 

[tanyuh]

Aww poor Newt -sniff- -sniff- I hope he has quite a few pain-free days left ahead of him. I'm so sorry...

I don't know anything about FIP. I only know that our vet recommends vaccinating for it, which we did for Psi when he was 16 wks. Anything you learn about it would be very helpful to share with the forum. Is it spread from cat-to-cat? Does it lay dormant for a while and then suddenly appear? I feel so bad for poor Newt..both Newts that is. I know he is your best friend. Try and take comfort in the fact that you did EVERYTHING you possibly could for the little guy. And believe me, he has had a wonderful life with you compared to any life he would have had had you not rescued him.

I will have you both in my thoughts,
~t

 

[Newt]

http://www.**********.com/health/fip.html

 

[Ioana]

Is that Newt in the picture? He sure is handsome!
What does the vet say on the long run with him having contracted FIP? Just like Tanyuh, I didn't kow much about it. I hope sweet little Newt will get better and better :)

 

[kittygirl04]

Thanks for posting that site, Newt. I didn't know much about FIP either. I am so sorry for your precious little boy. We have to hope that there will be a cure for this someday. I don't understand why they have a vaccination for FIP--if they aren't even sure that it works. I understand your concerns about adopting from an animal shelter--how can we be sure that we are getting a healthy cat if they don't have one single test that can determine if the cat has FIP?

Give Newt a big hug from all of us! :)

 

[tanyuh]

My Russian Gramma says that black cats are lucky. I hope that Newt is one of the lucky ones that overcomes FIP! There is always a chance!

I will be hoping beyond hope for you guys.

Newt (kitty Newt), stay strong. You are very loved and we want you to stay with us for years to come!

And Newt (human Newt), we are all here for you if ever you need us. If you want, you can send me an ICQ this weekend at 103514405 - nomadland if you need to talk. Just jot down that you are Newt from the cat forum in yer authorization request.

Best wishes,
~t

 

[mike3k]

I got Cody from a co-worker who found a litter of kittens in her back yard and was giving them away.

Midnight was an abandoned stray who lived in my condo development. At first he wouldn't let anyone near him. A few of us started feeding him and slowly he would start to come over to us. For a long time he would come over & rub against my legs but wouldn't let me touch him. Eventually I was able to pet him.

Finally I got him into my apartment. He's now very sweet & affectionate. He loves to sit on my lap and purrs very loudly when I pet him. He rarely extends his claws & lets me handle him a lot.

 

[Newt]

Thanks for all the responses.

Yes, that is newt in the picture. It is very frustrating because there are two things going on:

1)His nose keeps getting stuffed up
2)He won't eat

I have been force feeding him for a little over two weeks, before that we were giving him appetite stimulants. Other than showing some signs of more activity, he has shown no signs of eating on his own or his nose clearing. Yesterday he didn't drink at all.

My wife and I wish he would get better, but sooner or later we are going to have to put him down due to the strain and any pain he may be in. The vets (all three) say we are going to have to bring him in to be put down. Survival from FIP is very low unfortunately.