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.

DH left a message to be passed onto the vet about ToffeeKitten's eyes, so I expect the vet will ring if necessary.

I'd have thought so. He seems the type.

Just catching up here and hoping he is just having an 'off day'.

Dear Toffee ... I am sorry I have been out all day today. So glad though, that you have chosen to call the vet and hoping he will get back to you before too long. They never mind the calls, in this sort of situation.

I very much hope I am wrong, but would brace yourself for perhaps difficult things to hear from the vet. The eyes are not a good sign, sweetheart, and it may be that it is close to the time when you will have to do the right thing for your poor little one. The trouble is that cats, bless them, mask their discomfort so well. When they display obvious signs, it is usually an indicator that they are already feeling very poorly.
I am so sorry.

As I said ...wait to hear from the vet, but just wanted for it not to hit you like a steam roller if he does suggest the worst.

Very much in my thoughts.
x x x

Diary - I hope so too.

Mum - thanks for your kind words. I know cats mask their discomfort, but he is still asking for food and wanting cuddles, so that gives me hope. I assume if he was really ill, he wouldn't want food and might withdraw into his basket.

You are right to prepare me though. It is so upsetting, especially when I think of all the things we have here that will remind us of him. I have just ordered some more things for him - extra blankets to cuddle him when he's feeling poorly and is, maybe, not quite as clean as he'd like to be; disposable litter trays (cardboard, so I can cut the sides down if necessary); and a new litter scoop (the last one disappeared just before he developed D&V - typical!). But I know that kittens with FIP can deteriorate rapidly .

He has just finished some Applaws with biscuits and asked to be picked up. Now I'm cuddling him and he's annoyed that I'm typing and keeps patting at me with his paw. (Oi, I'm down here!).

Oh Toffee. I'm so sorry.

Sorry and wordless. Again. But I didn't want to not say anything.

Poor wee KS - poor all of you.

Toffee? concerned for you?
Are you OK?

How are things this morning, Toffee?

Checking back.
Here for you if you need us.

I'm fine, don't worry, Mum. Just had a busy evening and went to bed early because I felt shattered. (Just as well as DC decided to take it in turns to wake me up from 5am on - they are 7 and 13, not babies! Argh!).

Anyway, ToffeeKitten wasn't sick and didn't have an upset tum in the night and this morning he is very, very hungry. He was also very vocal about telling me so . He has been back to his food bowl three times to finish it off - biscuits mixed with kitten food, so all whole food to build him up.

He had a little wander round the house after breakfast, but is now curled up on my lap. He seems to have forgiven me for giving him another a/b tablet this morning.

His eyes are like coals though, so I know there is not going to be any miracle. Am hoping the vet will ring me later, but I suppose he'll only ring if he feels ToffeeKitten needs treatment for his eyes and I'm not sure there is any.

Thanks for your kind words last night, Zebra.

How is Seniorboy today, cozie?

Oh, and I've been thinking of whether I could take ToffeeKitten out into our garden so that he can feel the grass and smell the fresh air. I just feel it's something he should experience in his short life. Am not sure if I should buy a collar and lead though and then he might find that upsetting. Can I risk just holding onto him? He isn't very energetic these days, so I don't think he'd run off.

At least he seems happy, Toffee? That's something.

(Seniorboy is snoring away in his bed and I'm stuck up next to him waiting for him to decide to pee, Darnit. No work can be done so I've no option but to watch movies/read books/use the internet. Which sounds great except that it means rescheduling to some other time.)

Harrumph!

What's the weather like with you? Any breeze at all?

HUGE sigh of relief for you. Will be honest and say I was worried, there, for a bit.
So glad he is having a perkier day and tummy is improving.
This is such a rollercoaster for you.

And are you allowed to have a life without now keeping us updated? Weellll.......
At least you know there are people rooting for you!

First trips are normally very tentative, and he doesn't have the best levels of energy and co-ordination, so I think just staying with him while he potters freely should be fine.

If it's warm and sunny, why not go and sit with him on the back step if you have one? See how that goes.

Sorry to scare you, Mum. It is lovely to know there are people rooting for me and ToffeeKitten.

It is a beautiful day. Calm and sunny. No breeze.

And yes, I would say he is happy, cozie. (Oh, and I can't believe you are on pee duty again! ).

Tell me about it!

You're welcome blodyn: am so pleased to hear that Toffeekitten's feeling a wee bit better at the moment & hope it lasts as long as is possible.

As Mum & cozie have said, why not just pop outside with him for a wee while. He's not up to going leaping off & it would be lovely to give him the chance to find out if he likes being outside.

Poor cozie - good luck outwitting Seniorboy & getting the urine sample. It's almost a shame they don't make some kind of cat-nappy for this purpose. Bet he'd wee in a saucer for you only too happily if the alternative was a wee-collecting nappy...

Seriously, Cozie ... have you tried a litter tray with just something like matchsticks in it, so there is something to scratch for them ...but it doesn't absorb anything?
Must be easier than pee duty with a saucer!

The saucer's not the issue (it's actually very easy) - the blighter just won't pee!

I've given him lunch early, now, so maybe that will start the machinery.

Can't believe Seniorboy is holding out so long, cozie!

DS1 and I have just taken ToffeeKitten out for the first time. He loved it .

He stood stock still in the grass for about five minutes, just sniffing the air and occasionally nosing at the grass. Then he had a nibble on the grass leaves. Eventually, he grew bolder and started to explore, very tentatively. His senses must have been overloaded with new sensations.

I have taken lots of pics, but they are on DH's camera and I can't download them on here because the card doesn't fit my computer. Will sort it out later and post them.

Yay! cozie 1, Seniorboy 0.

So pleased the kitten loved outside, Toffee. Looking forward to the pics.

At last! Well done!