Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Poorly kitten with cat flu.

561 replies

ToffeeWhirl · 05/06/2013 19:27

Our six-month-old Balinese kitten has a recurrence of cat flu again Sad. He first had it a month ago. This time, he has a high temperature, an eye infection, the sneezes and is sleeping all the time. He is still eating and drinking, thank goodness, but he is very underweight.

If he gets another recurrence, the vet will check for other diseases.

I have come away from the vet with a bagful of medicines and a much depleted bank account.

The vet did reassure me that this wasn't life threatening. We are all besotted with this kitten, particularly my oldest son. The other day, DS1 fell asleep during the day and I found him and the kitten tucked up under the duvet, both heads on the pillow Smile.

Has anyone else had a cat with cat flu? If so, did it keep coming back? Any tips?

Also, any tips on telling the breeder would be welcome. I chickened out of telling her the first time round, but I really feel I should this time. However, I don't know what to say without sounding as if I'm asking for a refund or blaming her in some way. Also, I'm not sure what she can do about it if her cats are carriers. Does it mean that she shouldn't be selling kittens, or is this just a risk you take when you buy a cat from a breeder?

Incidentally, the only reason we bought a pedigree was because I am allergic to cats and this was one of the few breeds that don't trigger my allergies. Am not particularly bothered whether I have a moggie or a pedigree, just don't want to spend my days sneezing and wheezing.

OP posts:
Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 20/06/2013 16:03

Can't wait any longer and had the excuse that I needed to check whether to keep the appointment booked for tomorrow, so I have phoned up. Vet will ring me back shortly...

OP posts:
Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 20/06/2013 16:05

And whilst I'm waiting for the phone to ring, just wanted to say that I came back from school run to find kitty sitting smugly on the table, which is meant to be out of bounds. I didn't have the heart to turf him off, although he hopped back onto my lap as soon as I sat down.

OP posts:
Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 20/06/2013 16:07

Diary - I hope your interview went ok. How nerve wracking.

cozie - thanks for the warning re clinginess! I like chatting to him anyway. I always used to chat to myself when on my own, so at least I now have someone who listens (and answers) Grin.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 20/06/2013 16:35

...sitting smugly on the table..... and with no sign of guilt??

You're going to have to watch this one. One hint of weakness and he's going to have you right under the paw.

(Being flagrantly disobedient to a house rule might also be a sign that he's improving though. Smile)

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 20/06/2013 17:31

Oh, cozie, he has us all under his paw.

Well, I finally have some news and it's not good, I'm afraid. The vet thinks ToffeeKitten has feline infectious peritonitis, which is incurable. The treatment is symptomatic and palliative. He will give him steroids when his symptoms get too difficult, but there is nothing else he can do. He can't say how long he'll live, but said it's a good sign if he manages to live beyond a year. You can't have another cat for six months after having a cat with this because the virus hangs around in the environment.

It is also possible that he may have Lysosomal Storage Disease, which is one of the diseases Balinese are susceptible to, but this is also incurable, so it makes no difference to ToffeeKitten. Both affect brain and balance.

The vet could go ahead and do X rays, scans, CT scan and a tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, but there doesn't seem a lot of point if there is no cure.

I have told DS1, who has been very brave, but is also very angry about it. I said we were going to have to live with the uncertainty and just make sure kitty has the best life possible in the time he has left. This was not what was meant to happen when we bought a kitten to help DS1 with his anxieties, but that's a risk you take, I suppose. I will tell his psychotherapist about it so that she can help him to come to terms with it. It's a hard lesson for a young boy to learn when he's been having a hard time of life so far already. The poor boy has his interview at his new school tomorrow as well.

As for ToffeeKitten, nothing has changed for him. He is still curled up peacefully on my lap. He is not in any pain or discomfort. We will just have to make sure it stays that way for him.

I'm so sorry I don't have better news. You have all been so lovely helping me cope with having my first kitten and then it being a poorly kitten. As always, any advice or experiences of dealing with this sort of thing will be gratefully received.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 20/06/2013 17:43

A short life but you'll make it a good one, then. Ah well. Sad

I'm not entirely sure that the situation with DS will work the way you think right now. Externalizing his anxieties might actually work for him (ie he was actually angry and didn't bottle up.) You'll doubtless be discussing with his psychotherapist.

You'll be emailing the sad news to the breeder?

I'm truly sorry the news wasn't better.

cozietoesie · 20/06/2013 17:44

I didn't mean 'externalizing' but I can't think of the right word. It will come to me later.

DiaryOfAWimpyMum · 20/06/2013 17:49

I'm so sorry to read this Toffee, it does sound like FIP sadly, you just have keep doing what you are with him and let him be as rested and comfortable as possible over the coming weeks.

I would be very surprised if the breeders cats do not have this as you say between cats it spreads so very easily, food bowls, litter tray etc.

I feel feel for you and DS1 Toffee and of course Toffeekitten

MumnGran · 20/06/2013 17:59

Truly sorry to hear this news Toffee. DS1's anger and frustration are very natural. This is an awful thing for your family to have to deal with.
FIP is such a lousy thing.

Not good news for the breeder, but definitely they need to know.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 20/06/2013 18:05

Yes, we will definitely make it a good life, cozie. I hadn't thought of DS1's reaction being healthy, but I suppose you're right. And at least he will have time to come to terms with the fact that ToffeeKitten is not going to have a long life.

I will email the breeder, yes.

Diary - yes, I assume this is all floating around amongst the breeder's cats. It does mean that I am loathe to get a replacement from her. And I am also a bit scared of getting a cat from any breeder now, but how else do I buy another Balinese?

OP posts:
Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 20/06/2013 18:06

Mum - sorry, posted before I saw your post. Am not sure what it means for the breeder, but I suspect it means she shouldn't be breeding from her cats...

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 20/06/2013 18:17

Oh dear toffee, this poor kitten just didn't stand a chance did he?

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 20/06/2013 18:20

No, Fluffy, he didn't.

Do you think it's crazy of me to wonder if I could put him in a babysling? Then he would still get cuddles, but I would be able to get on with my jobs in the house. Anyone done this?

Am trying to think up practical ways to deal with his symptoms. I will also get a low-rimmed litter tray, as it looks as if he won't be able to deal with his normal litter tray again, and I don't really want to live with a mound of litter on my kitchen floor.

And will order lots and lots of Applaws Chicken and Pumpkin because he loves it Smile.

OP posts:
MumnGran · 20/06/2013 18:25

Toffee .... this is probably one of the most useful links to read on the subject of FIP: www.fabcats.org/cat_group/faq/fipfaq.html
from What is coronavirus serology on down is relevant in terms of the breeder, but sadly a huge number of cats in this country will show a positive for coronavirus, and no-one can tell when a variant will occur and cause the condition affecting your poor little one. Equally, other cats could be exposed to the same strain but not develop the 'full-blown' condition.

I know nothing of the Lysosomal Storage Syndrome although FAB have an item on it on this page www.fabcats.org/breeders/inherited_disorders/neurological.php
It seems to indicate it is fairly rare.

As to having another kitten. Toffee .... tha is a leap of faith. Given the time lapse to ensure that the house is virus fee, all should be well. Neither condition is specific only to Balinese (or even Siamese) so this is not a breed issue. Perhaps take advice from your vet.

Again, I am so very very sorry.

MumnGran · 20/06/2013 18:36

I am the worlds soppiest cat person, and have carried tiny orphaned singleton kittens in a specially sewn pocket in my sweater before now! BUT ....I think you have to keep a bit of a practical head!

It is OK to tell him that much as you adore him and are there for him, he is just as safe being in the room with you as he is sitting on you.... when you need to do chores. Your lap will still be there for him later.
Otherwise before you know it, he will still be with you in three months ( ) as a totally dependent limpet, who won't even let you take the children to school because you can't drive and cuddle him at the same time.

Your TLC brought him through the crisis this time, and your nurture is vital ...but you will need to find a balance, Toffee.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 20/06/2013 18:37

It's just him standing there, making whispery miaws and looking up at me is not doing me any good, Mum! And I feel guilty if I don't pick him up.

Am googling pet carriers, but will think about your point of view.

OP posts:
MumnGran · 20/06/2013 18:40

Honestly, have had to convince the aforementioned singleton handrears that they didn't need to live up my jumper permanently.

When he miaows, just bend down and giove him a stroke, and carry on chatting to him. Repeat as needed, Then pick him up for a cuddle before you do the next chore.
It does work.

Of course, baby slings are also an option ....only you can judge what is best for you Smile

cozietoesie · 20/06/2013 18:46

MumnGran gives wise counsel, Toffee. Finding a balance will be difficult, especially if you're not sure how long he has to go, but you'll recall that I mentioned preserving your sanity up there somewhere and if you're still carrying him around everywhere at a year old.......

ZebraOwl · 20/06/2013 18:48

Oh Toffee, I'm so SO sorry to hear this. It is just grim. Am glad that DS1 has psych support in place to help him process what's going on.

I hope that KS is able to have a while longer with you.

As for the sling: it is certainly possible & it sounds as though KS might enjoy being trotted about the place with you like that.

(My two think chicken & pumpkin is the best food ever too. As they have a similar reaction to salmon & pumpkin & are not that keen on fish, am v curious to know what it is about pumpkin...)

It might help to make a plan with DS1 (& DS2 if he's willing/able to engage) & your DH for what will happen as Baby becomes iller & also how you're going to choose to commemorate him - making a scrapbook/memory box, planting something special in the garden, writing down/drawing how you feel...

I don't have any Right Words. Suspect there may not be any just now. But I really am very sorry & hope that all of you are as okay as it is possible to be in the circs.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 20/06/2013 18:50

You are both wise sages Grin.

OP posts:
Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 20/06/2013 18:57

Posted too soon to see your post, Zebra. You are a wise sage too!

That is such a lovely idea about a scrapbook/memory box. I suspect DS1 won't be interested, but I will do it if he won't and then it's there for him to see when he's ready.

Am tempted by the sling again... God, I must be very suggestible.

I don't know what it is about pumpkin. I don't think I have ever seen ToffeeKitten eat anything as fast as he ate the chicken and pumpkin.

OP posts:
MumnGran · 20/06/2013 18:57

probably more "crone" category these days Sad

Stay strong, Toffee. You are handling this amazingly.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 20/06/2013 19:02

DS1 has refused dinner Sad.

OP posts:
Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 20/06/2013 19:03

My way of dealing with difficult situations is to have a plan and get practical, Mumn. It has got me through many a sticky situation.

OP posts:
MumnGran · 20/06/2013 19:03

He is processing
hug