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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 · 02/07/2013 13:49

Managed to stay off the gin this morning, cozie, though I was sorely tempted Wink. DS1 managed to get to the school and stay there for one whole lesson before his anxiety became too much. So - not the whole morning, as planned, but it was a start at least. The other children were absolutely lovely, so that will be an incentive for him to go back.

When we came home, ToffeeKitten jumped up at DS1 and clung to his chest. He had hated being alone Sad. I took him to bed with me and we fell asleep for about two hours (all that adrenaline is exhausting!). Thought that would help him, but he is still following me around the place, like a little shadow.

Maybe I should leave the radio on for him tomorrow to comfort him whilst we're out?

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 02/07/2013 15:48

Good news that DS1 managed a whole lesson at least. Has he aired any views about tomorrow or is it still too soon after?

I know that Seniorboy loves to have a TV or a radio on - it sort of acts as white noise for him. I had thought that it might be more to do with living with my Mom (who was an inveterate TV watcher) but he seems to find some noise surprisingly soothing, generally, as long as it's a constant type of noise and from the same place - ie TV or radio. I think it's well worth a try.

cozietoesie · 02/07/2013 15:50

PS - if it's a fairly new occurrence, I'd put it on at first while you're around so that he doesn't associate it just with your absence.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 02/07/2013 16:18

Yes, that's a good idea about leaving the radio on whilst I'm here, cozie.

DS1 hasn't spoken about tomorrow and I won't mention it unless he brings it up himself.

OP posts:
ZebraOwl · 02/07/2013 18:29

Well done DS1 for making it through a full lesson, at least: small steps are the way to go for lasting improvement, after all. Very glad the other children seem nice, as you say, that'll make school a more appealing place for him.

Think getting KS used to the radio (or similar) & then leaving it on as "company" for him when you go out sounds like a splendid idea.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 02/07/2013 23:01

ToffeeKitten has taken a turn for the worse. I noticed he didn't seem to touch his food today and kept offering him different things. I also noticed that, this afternoon, he seemed a bit hunched up and thoughtful. And now, this evening, he can hardly stand up straight because his back legs are so weak and he keeps falling onto his side. And yet, earlier, he was able to leap up at DS1 when we arrived home.

Anyway, I am sleeping downstairs with ToffeeKitten and DS1 tonight. Unless there is a miraculous change by morning, I will take kitty to the vet first thing tomorrow morning, which means I can't go with DS1 to the new school. He said he'd rather I took the kitten to the vet though.

Oh dear. I really thought he was doing well.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 02/07/2013 23:07

Things can turn suddenly with a serious illness.

All the best to the Toffee Family including little KS. Let us know how he gets on.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 02/07/2013 23:16

Thanks, cozie. Will report back tomorrow.

OP posts:
Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 03/07/2013 11:28

Saw the vet this morning. He said the disease has spread to the brain and there is nothing more that can be done. He recommended we put him to sleep.

ToffeeKitten is in a bad way now. He tries to walk, but simply falls over onto his side. It's upsetting to see. He can't use the litter tray, eat or drink. I have tried putting him on the litter tray and bringing food and drink to him, but he's not interested.

We have brought him home so we can all spend some time with him before I take him back to the vet this evening to be PTS. DS1 is being very calm and mature about it. It is obvious that our kitten can't survive like this, so he agrees that it is the kindest thing to do.

Lots and lots of cuddles for ToffeeKitten today, then I will be the one to take him in to the vet and stay with him until he's gone.

At least DS1 and I spent last night with ToffeeKitten sleeping in between us. We were all awake at 4am, so it has been a long day already.

And DS1 managed to go into his new school for three lessons today. Brave boy. He said he loves it there.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 03/07/2013 11:56

This is completely heartbreaking toffee, I can't tell you angry I am with the breeder for this kittens illness and suffering.

I just have no words for it.

The love and care you've shown this cat and the devotion he has for you doesn't deserve this as an ending.

crazynanna · 03/07/2013 11:58

so sorry Toffee Sad

cozietoesie · 03/07/2013 11:59

Brave boy, yes - and extremely brave ToffeeWhirl also, I think.

(I thought it might be bad from your description of him last night.)

A short life but one in which he was very much loved.

I'll be thinking of you all.

DiaryOfAWimpyMum · 03/07/2013 12:04

So sorry Toffee, I will be thinking of you and your family today. x

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 03/07/2013 12:07

Thank you. You have all been such a help and support for me - particularly cozie, who has been available online at all hours, it seems!

Am going to have a last nap with ToffeeKitten now. I will miss those cuddles.

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MimsyBorogroves · 03/07/2013 12:10

So sorry. You have all done so much to make sure his brief life was as happy and comfortable as possible.

Thinking of you all.

MumnGran · 03/07/2013 13:19

There are never words which suffice.
Very much in my thoughts this afternoon, Toffee.
Flowers Flowers Flowers

HansieMom · 03/07/2013 16:35

I am so sorry that you are losing your beautiful Toffee. He is such an unusual and beautiful cat.

frostyfingers · 03/07/2013 16:52

So sorry, you've all tried so hard with him. Small consolation I know, but at least you've given him the best possible chances you could have, and he has had some lovely experiences with you. It's a very hard thing to deal with and you're all being so brave, especially DS1 - he deserves a big medal for his maturity and courage.

He will be at peace and out of pain, you will be bereft and heartbroken, but you have done absolutely everything you could and you mustn't be hard on yourselves.

ZebraOwl · 03/07/2013 17:06

Oh Toffee, I am so SO sorry. Poor darling Toffeekitten.

I hope that it is all as ungrim as is it is possible for it to be.

It is all so utterly sucktacular & unfair, but you have given KS a wonderful life & should be really proud of yourself for how you've dealt with this.

Am really impressed your DS1 managed so much & so well at school today.

If you'll excuse me, I am going to go & wallop The Fates with my unbroken Gaynor Minden pointe shoes: hardest ones I have.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 03/07/2013 20:16

I have packed all his toys and things away. A friend advised me to do that. Good advice, I think, as it broke my heart to see them all when we came home.

I couldn't stay with him at the vet's. I feel a bit bad about that as I had fully intended to, but I was too upset, so DH took over. He said the vet was very gentle and ToffeeKitten seemed very relaxed. I think the illness had made him drift off anyway, as he didn't seem to recognise us today.

Before we went to the vet, I took him out into the garden, wrapped in a fleece blanket, and sat with him for a while, so he could feel the air and enjoy the smells. His body remained motionless, but his nose twitched, so I think he was enjoying the smells.

DS1 spent a bit of time alone with ToffeeKitten this afternoon. I could hear him chatting gently to him. After that, he refused to see him again and he won't talk to me now. That's his way of coping.

It feels all wrong in this house now.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 03/07/2013 20:19

It must be, he was a big personality.

cozietoesie · 03/07/2013 20:20

It will feel wrong.

You all gave him some wonderful dreams to take into his long sleep.

Rest peacefully little one.

ZebraOwl · 03/07/2013 23:54

I think putting away his things was the right thing to do. Don't feel bad about not staying in with ToffeeKitten: you did what was right for you & it won't have hurt him.

Much love to you all.

DiaryOfAWimpyMum · 04/07/2013 10:25

So very sad Toffee - very unfair on all of you I'm pleased he chose a loving family like yours though, your pictures of him with you all are lovely and heartbreaking at the same time.

maybeIwillmaybeIwont · 04/07/2013 10:43

So very sad, but you gave him such a loving end to his short life, you tried everything, it seems so unfair, but I take my hat to you for trying so hard to keep him, RIP ToffeeKitten, (something in my eye now!)

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