Poorly kitten with cat flu.

[ToffeeWhirl]

Our six-month-old Balinese kitten has a recurrence of cat flu again . 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 .

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.

sorry Toffee .... X post.
Whatever works for you and the family and KS is the right strategy now.
All you should concentrate on is what is going to work best for you all.

Take advice that works and bin the rest.
x

DS1 has just come in and stroked kitty and said we must do absolutely everything to keep him alive as long as possible - vitamins, everything. I explained that I was already giving him vitamins. I think he's really worried we are going to whisk him off to have him put to sleep. I reassured him that that is not at all the case.

[hug]
...and a large [medal] for your son, who is being tremendously brave.
I suspect he gets it from his mum

Toffee if/when you decided to buy another Balinese from the money you will get refunded from this breeder, give me a yell and where you can travel too and I can start asking around

My facebook is full of cat breeders, and one of those breeder knows another 2000 and I am still a member or some cat clubs and a few yahoo groups too. So finding another Balinese shouldn't be a problem.

Terrible you were sold him tbh very sad that he was even bred. It's very unfair on your family and the kitten.

Ah bless DS1, must be very difficult to understand and comprehend.

get me, a wise sage

The pumpkin!thing is weird. I never have pumpkin so cannot see if they'd like it without chicken. Is almost tempting to try it at some point, apart from the bit where I don't much like pumpkin...

Definitely good to be clear with DS1 about what will happen with KS if he's scared you might have him PTS at any moment. As well as reassuring him you won't do that you maybe need to have a wee chat with him about how a time will come when Baby is so poorly it's not fair to him to keep him alive because you don't want to have to say goodbye

Memoryboxes/scrapbooks can be v useful tools: making them can be therapeutic in & of itself. DS1 might find himself inspired if he sees you making one & I thinkhope will find it helpful to be reminded of Good Things. Particularly important to have lots of pictures of Kitten Strachey looking well so he doesn't lose sight of the fact he did look okay at one stage.

Mum - have only just had time to read your links. Thank you. They are really useful.

Diary - thank you very much for offering to help us find another Balinese one day. I'm not sure if I'm entitled to ask for a refund from the breeder, to be honest. She has offered me a replacement, but, of course, I'm not sure I want another cat from her, although I realise she had no idea this kitten was going to become unwell. She has replied to my latest email to say how very sorry she is, but no mention of a refund.

Zebra - yes, making a memory box/scrapbook will be very helpful to me. It's the sort of thing I do that DS1 mocks me for, but he will benefit from the end product, hopefully. I remember trying to get him and DS2 to keep a travel journal in France one holiday. It was farcical. Ended up with me doing all the entries whilst they ran around outside.

cozie - yes, you are quite right about me needing to preserve my sanity. I'm holding off on the kitty sling for now, but I can't promise I won't succumb later . How is Seniorboy doing tonight?

Kitty sat up next to DS1 whilst he fell asleep, but watched me intently whilst I did stuff in the kitchen and hopped straight onto my lap when I sat down. He keeps reaching up his paw and patting me to make sure I pay him attention and don't look at the screen too much. Am looking forward to cuddling him tonight, though I can't sleep down here indefinitely. DH was a bit surprised I was going to sleep down here again. Hopefully, I'll be able to use my own bed again tomorrow night, although I'll let DS1 sleep down here provided kitty is ok. He is less wobbly at the moment, so not such a danger to himself.

I'm sure DS1 will benefit from the end product. Is a good tool for encouraging accessing & exploring feelings rather than pushing them away with OCD behaviours & useful in terms of being a reminder of all the Happy Things when swamped by The Sad. Really hope that DS1's OCD doesn't flare in response to this - I can just see the risk either in terms of response to stressor or as a Magical Thinking one ("if I do X then Snowy won't die after all" &/or "Snowy is ill because I didn't [compulsive behaviour]"). Hopefully your openness & the psych input will help stave that off. (Not meaning to be unhelpful/give you something else to worry about, sorry. Is part of the reason I thought him helping make the memory box might be good though...)

Someone I dance with was telling me the other night that her husband is a bit jealous of the cat cos kitty insists on claiming night-time snuggling privileges... Am glad you're down with him again tonight though.

I suspect the breeder is unlikely to offer a refund but think she'd find it difficult to refuse. Not sure on the legal side of things but imagine refusing risks damage to reputation, which they'll be desperate to avoid. Hopefully Diary &/or some of the others will be able to advise you. As you say, she'd no idea KS would become so poorly, but not wanting to get another kitten from her is completely understandable!

Toffee, the approach to the breeder is actually pretty much a 'given' because of the probable FIP.
Any breeder will understand that, as you "obviously cannot introduce a another kitten for a very considerable length of time because of the FIP factor, it will not sensible to take a replacement in the foreseeable future and you would therefore appreciate a refund"
That said ....check your insurance policy ....you may be covered for the original price.

I am not saying the breeder is going to be happy about it, but you do have absolute justification for declining a replacement in this instance.

KS sounds like a bright little button. (Keeping a close eye on you but sitting next to DS1 - those are good tactics.)

Seniorboy is OK. He has a little bit of a UTI (so said the urine analysis) so he has to go in again at the weekend for a final AB jab to make a full interim-length AB course and shall have another urine analysis next week. The vet's not overly concerned but just wants to clear it up now before it has any consequences. We've never been keen on giving him many (if any at all) ABs so they're having a good effect.

How is KS this morning? Did you all get a good night's sleep?

You are absolutely entitled to a refund, she sold you a kitten with FIP, as Mum said she wll know you cannot take another kitten and whats is the difference really, she can sell a kitten a give you the money from it, although she probably shouldn't be breeding at all.

Some most breeders may not offer a refund but I think you should ask, if not pm me the details and I will. Any good respectable breeder would be falling over themselves to make things easier for you and DS just now.

I hope you have all a peaceful night

Good news on your old chap Cosie

Sadly Diary one of the reasons I came out of that whole world is because there are a damn sight fewer of those really good breeders than we would like to think.

Its sad.
However, I know you have major links so should be able to point Toffee to someone who is actually 'one of the good guys' and not just gloss on the surface and all nails underneath (there are a lot of those!)

Yes, me too, it's also very very catty bitchy

Good morning all. We had a good night with KS, who clearly relished having two of us to cuddle. He seems a calm little soul this morning. I found him perched on top of one of the mattresses, which was leaning against the wall, when I came back from the school run. He couldn't get down, but miawed at me to lift him down so he could get back on my lap (where he is now).

He is still hungry, but being very fussy. He refused tuna Felix, but gobbled up a bowl of Applaws chicken and pumpkin. I'll try him on a different flavour Felix later. Also, we are going to the pet shop later, so I can stock up on more food. He isn't touching his biscuits, but there doesn't seem any point in pushing it now. He did have a bit of a runny poo this morning though - not sure if that is his diet or the illness. I need to get some unscented baby wipes to deal with that.

We are taking DS1 to his (possible) new school this afternoon, so KS will be on his own for a few hours. He seems to go into his heated basket when he's alone, so he should be ok. I'll move the mattresses so he can't get stranded up there.

Zebra - I am also concerned about the effect that this will have on DS1's OCD. I hope he doesn't think he's caused it by resisting his OCD habits. Hopefully, his therapist can help him with that.

Mum - I checked my insurance policy last night and, for some inexplicable reason, the higher level of insurance which I took out does not give you any money if your pet dies - but the lower level does. So I can't get any money from the insurers. That's a good point you make about my reason for refusing a replacement from the breeder and requesting money back.

cozie - glad to hear Seniorboy is doing ok and responding so well to the ABs.

Diary - I wasn't sure if I had a right to ask for a refund from the breeder, although I take Mum's point about there now being no point in getting a replacement from her. I thought perhaps getting a sick kitten was a risk you took when you bought a kitten from a breeder. After all, she didn't know he had FIP when she sold him to me. I will give her time to come back to me before discussing it (she said in her recent email, she was 'trying to get her head round it'). Thank you so much for offering to help with the email and also with getting another cat one day. I would really appreciate that help.

Have to get on with non-kitten-related duties now. KS may protest, but I can't sit here with him on my lap all day (appealing as it may be).

Glad you had a good night & that KS seems chipper.

While you're at the pet shop it might be worth investing in something like these as baby wipes might irritate KS's skin, even the unscented ones, because their skin has a different pH level. It might be fine but as he's already poorly & having some problems with his skin it might be best to be cautious?

I hope DS1's school visit goes well & that KS behaves himself while you're out

Are you able to talk to DS1 about his understanding of what's happening (& why)? Might help ensure OCD beliefs don't get the chance to take hold?

Am glad you're able to get guidance about dealing with breeders from Mum & Diary - I hope it makes you feel slightly more in control of the situation. Not exactly in control, I just can't think of the right words, sorry... Am meaning that hopefully their advice & support will help you feel more confident in dealing with the breeder & being assertive about what you expect from her. Yes.

Take care

Great advice about the Tushies wipes, Zebra. I'll look out for those.

Yes, I can talk with DS1 about it. He is still railing against the unfairness of fate at the moment, but I will keep an ear open for any indication that he's feeling responsible.

Am also wondering if DS2 is feeling guilty and magically responsible, as he was so jealous of the kitten and wanted him to disappear. He has only just started interracting with him. Oh dear, so much potential for worries.

Yes, it's wonderful that I can have advice on breeders here. Wish I'd asked here first now. I didn't because I felt guilty about getting a pedigree instead of a rescue cat, even though it was only because of my cat allergy.

And you are saying all the right words. Thank you.

Not that I really wish to talk about it right now, Toffee, but you can get pedigree rescues - including Balinese and Siamese. (Older owners die, people emigrate etc.) I think, if/when it comes to it, that might be your way forward - and arguably better for DS1 and DS2 to adjust to in light of your current problems. (Giving a new home to a lonely older cat etc.)

I have the general cat-cleaning version of the tushie wipes - they were incredibly useful on the occasion Nijinsky decided to try to climb the chimney. He only got as far as climbing up onto the fake coal in the gasfire but that was enough to make him filthy. Trying to clean chimney grime off a black cat was a bit tricky, funnily enough...

Oh dear, poor DS2. Maybe worth having a chat with him too to make certain he understands it was nothing to do with him wishing Baby away?

Can understand why you felt anxious - it is a tricksy one as it's such an emotive issue. Part of the reason my Ballet Cats don't get to sleep in with me is the fact I am allergic to them. Am on huge doses of antihistamine all year round anyway - along of other allergy meds in varying combinations, hitting time of year where I HAVE to use The Eyedrops Of Doom, boo - so they don't cause me much trouble on the allergyfront, but several hours (including the point where lung function is naturally at its lowest) with them draped over me would be pushing it. I groom them to reduce the allergen effect & do other Allergen Dampening Things but know that I'm lucky to be able to cope with Normal Cats. My best friend has only ever admired my kitties through the windows as she is terribly allergic to cats - a discovery she only made after going away to university: when she came home for the holidays she was suddenly allergic to her beloved had-since-being-a-tiny cat.

I should be getting myself ready to go to class. The temptation to instead stay at home with the cats is quite high. They certainly think that's a better idea...

Firstboy went up the chimney one day in an old house - and ended up black. (He got on to the ledge inside where the fine soot drops down and he was a young Siamese - very pale at that stage.) Only time in my life we've ever been forced to bath a cat. I carry the mental scars still.

Again it's good he is eating.

read this when you get a minute - scroll down to 'the breeder'

Her head will be spinning as she should really shut down and have all her cats tested to try eliminate the carrier(S) but like Mum I do know of breeders who had herpes and flu going around and didn't stop.

She should be giving you a refund and I would be more than happy to email her a very strong email on your behalf once she has her head round it and if she does not offer you a refund.

I have just had a reply from a vet in the US who I emailed asking about
Polyprenyl immunostimulant, which he used to treat cats with the dry form of FIP. It extended their lives. Am going to pass it on to the vet and see what he says. Worth a try, I thought.

DS1 is going through the denial stage of grief by deciding that kitty doesn't have FIP, or, indeed, any serious illness, after all. I am not spoiling this fantasy for him. He can come to terms with it in his own time.

On our way back from his visit to the new school (difficult, but he has nevertheless been invited back for a trial week - phew), we visited a pet shop and I bought some more complete wet food and lots of tins of Applaws. The wet wipes were shockingly expensive, so I bought unscented baby wipes from Tesco and will hope they are ok to use.

Kitty was sleeping in his basket when we arrived home. He spoke to us when we peeked in, then came out to find a lap.

Couldn't find a baking tray big enough to use as a litter tray, so I'm going to use the spare litter tray, which has lower sides than the main one we use, and see if he can cope with that, as his legs seem a little stronger. Am getting a bit fed up with the mountain of cat litter on the kitchen floor and the soggy newspaper.

cozie - I didn't realise there were pedigree rescues. Will bear it in mind when the time comes.

at cozie's and zebra's chimney-climbing cats.

Diary - thank you for the link on breeders.

Good news about DS1's trial week. I'm sure you'll be letting them know about the problems at home and they'll take that into account and (hopefully) help him with them.

Maybe ask DH if he can help on the litter tray front? If he's handy he could maybe cut down the sides of a standard one a bit with a hacksaw or lino knife and then sand off the raw edges to make smooth. He'd maybe welcome the opportunity to do something practical.

Another thing my cats love is fish - I sometimes go and buy a frozen bag from Lidl - pollock usually stick it in the microwave with water and voila and it's gentle on the tummy and full of good nutrients my female cat would live on it if she could.

I will do some more googling later so see if there is any advice more on easing symptoms etc. I did find a cat which had lived 3/4 yrs with FIP last night

3 - 4 years would be great, Diary. I know, from googling, that it is often within 6 months of diagnosis. Afraid kitty won't touch fish - neither the tinned variety, nor fresh. I was surprised, but my friend, who has always had Siamese, said none of her cats liked fish either. Maybe it's a Siamese/Balinese thing.

cozie - the last thing I would describe my DH is is 'handy' or practical . I'd love to see his face if I suggested what you just said! It's a nice idea, but I have as much chance of getting him to do that as I do of winning the lottery.