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.

Yes, it is incredibly unfair, Zebra. I know I am not responsible for what is happening to poor kitty, but I am in anguish over the fact that I have made life harder, not easier, for DS1 by buying the kitten in the first place. The action was meant to be something wonderful that would cheer us all up and give him a much-wanted pet to love and cuddle when he felt stressed. And now this.

But yes, these things happen even when you'd really rather they didn't. And I hope we can help DS1 come to terms with the epic unfairness of it without becoming bitter, going OCD-crazy or refusing to engage with a pet ever again. I keep emphasising that we are lucky to have kitty, even if only for a short time.

I agree with you that talking to the vet might be exactly what DS1 needs. Normally, he can't get to the vet because it's outside his comfort zone, but he is motivated enough to manage it next time, i think. Am not planning on going soon, though, as it is such a stressful experience for ToffeeKitten.

Mum - thanks for the cooking tip .

It's hard not to feel that kind of guilt: that disconnect between what you know, logically-rationally, to be true; & then the feelings, the guilt & fear & subjunctive thoughts. That said, it truly is none of it your fault. It is just An Awful Thing. KS is lucky you are his person: I suspect a lot of people would've simply had him put down to save themselves the trouble of having to care for him. That's a big thing.

Really do hope that you all come through this as ok as is possible.

Is indeed v impressive DS1 feels able to go to the vet because [he thinks] it will help ToffeeKitten. Hope that the visit doesn't need to be soon.

DS1 was worried we were going to have ToffeeKitten put down straight away, Zebra. That wouldn't have occurred to me at this stage. He still has quality of life at the moment.

My best friend used to inject her cat twice daily when the cat developed diabetes. Later, the vet told her that owners hardly ever took that path; they nearly always had the pet put down. He was so impressed that she had continued to treat her cat (who died of natural causes, sleeping on her sofa, a couple of years later).

ToffeeKitten still had a dodgy tum overnight and this morning. He enjoyed a small amount of roast chicken for breakfast and is sleeping in his basket now.

Have to take DS1 to his CBT appointment this morning, but may ring the vet for advice later.

Good luck with the CBT appointment. Let us know how the vet phone call goes. Maybe he can suggest some meds for the dodgy tummy as it's not clearing by itself.

DS1 couldn't get to CBT appointment - too anxious. Never mind, it's not surprising at the moment. I still had a fruitful discussion with his CBT therapist.

Have phoned the vet and he has prescribed antibiotics and probiotic paste for ToffeeKitten. He said these symptoms fit more with FIP than the Storage Disease thingy because FIP travels round different organs, causing varying symptoms.

The vet also said he is happy to have a chat with DS1 on the phone if it will help DS1 to understand and accept what is happening. He is being so helpful and kind.

I'm not surprised he couldn't get to it given all the circumstances. At least you had a good discussion with the CBT therapist.

Shall you pick up the meds this afternoon?

(What a nice vet.)

Yes, this afternoon for the meds. He was going to give kitty an injection, but I don't want to put the kitten put under any more stress with a vet visit, so he said pills were fine and assured me that wouldn't make any difference to ToffeeKitten.

He knows we bought the kitten for my DS1 to help him cope with his anxieties and OCD and has shown a lot of concern about him.

He is really lovely.

How is Seniorboy today, cozie?

He seems fine - just belted down the stairs to get his lunch, not realizing I'd already taken it upstairs. (Or, more likely, wants to 'persuade' me to go back up there so he can eat it. He likes to have me there at food time.)

I have to collect more pee tomorrow but at least he hasn't got to go in.

That sounds very good, cozie .

Came back from school run to find sick on the floor. More mess in litter tray. Kitten sleeping in his basket. Just as well he will be on meds for his poorly tum soon (DH picking them up after he gets home - he just doesn't know that yet).

His eyes aren't blue anymore .

Not blue?

Give the vet a quick phone cal and let him know - or get DH to tell the practice when he picks up the meds.

No, they are dark pools. They were stunning light blue.

I daren't ring that poor vet again, even though he is lovely. I will tell DH.

What does it mean? I know that coppery eyes can mean kidney issues, I think.

Ah, found this.

It's not good, Toffee. I'm so sorry.

It's an indication of disease, isn't it?

I can't get in touch with DH. Should I ring the vet? Do vets expect their customers to ring them up frequently when their pets are ill?

Ring them, it's their job to help.

I think it depends on the vet and your relationship with them. In general, I probably would phone the practice with any new symptom for a cat on the off chance that it might affect the nature of any meds they prescribe. But with KS, I'm not sure it could make any difference. If you phone, probably enough to leave a message for the vet to put on file.

PS - then he can decide whether or not to phone you back to discuss.

DH phoned me from the vet's surgery because they couldn't find the meds, so I was able to tell him to tell the vet.

My friend just suggested it might be kinder to put kitty to sleep now, but I really don't think he's in pain or unhappy and I still think meds might help him.

Have a word with the vet on that once you see how the meds do. I fear that it might be coming close.

I know. I did tell my mum to say goodbye to him when she left today.