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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 · 04/07/2013 14:08

DS1 kept his brave face on last night until he opened a cupboard full of kitten food - then he howled. Poor, poor boy. Sad

He insisted on sleeping downstairs again last night, so I slept with him to keep him company. We both missed the little furry body snuggled up between us.

Today, he refused to go to his insight day. He was worried he would cry. I persuaded him to go in for a while, but he only lasted an hour. When I explained the situation to his teacher, he said DS1 could have an extra insight day next week to make up for this one, which is kind.

We miss that kitten so much. He really was the sweetest, most loving little thing. It would have been impossible not to fall in love with him.

Thank you for all the lovely messages.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 04/07/2013 15:32

In the circumstances, an hour is stupendous. Well done him.

Hope you're doing OK yourself.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 04/07/2013 16:25

Yes, he did well in the circumstances.

Am just so sad that our kitten is gone. And sad for DS1. Even with all the kitten stuff put away, there are constant reminders. Not to mention that my arms are empty now, as he did like to be carried around.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 04/07/2013 16:37

Of course. It will take a while.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 04/07/2013 19:25

Just printed out some photos for me and DS1. Have put my favourite on my profile. Isn't he beautiful?

He was a treasure and we were lucky to have him.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 04/07/2013 19:28

Wonderful photo. What a great boy.

Fluffycloudland77 · 04/07/2013 19:33

You could do a photo book album, it's a bit more permenant.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 04/07/2013 19:44

Yes, I will do that, Fluffy.

OP posts:
ZebraOwl · 04/07/2013 23:21

Is good DS1 managed even a tiny bit of time today - glad he's getting the chance to do another day next week when hopefully he'll be feeling better able to cope with it.

Now might be a good time to work on the memory box we talked about a while ago - if you can do it in the spaces where you'd've been focused on ToffeeKitten it will hopefully be therapeutic.

Importantly, grief on loss is the flipside of love in life. It wouldn't hurt so much if you hadn't loved ToffeeKitten & been loved in return. That's important.

Be gentle with yourself.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 05/07/2013 12:05

Thanks, Zebra, that's a nice message. Unfortunately, DS1 couldn't make it to school today as his anxiety has now gone through the roof. He was sick twice before school. No idea what's going to happen with the school now. He has another CBT appointment next week.

I don't think I can make a memory box because I don't have many things to keep in it. ToffeeKitten didn't often play with toys. And he didn't wear a collar that I could keep. I think I might just put some really lovely framed photos up on the walls (in every room!) and also make a photo book - one for us and one specially for DS1. I have already printed out some photos of him and blu-tacked them to various walls to comfort me as I move around the house.

DS2 asked me what my favourite animal was this morning. I said, "A Balinese kitten."

OP posts:
Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 05/07/2013 12:09

Oh, and I emailed the breeder yesterday. Haven't heard a thing from her yet.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 05/07/2013 12:38

The photos are the important thing and you have some great ones.

Poor old DS1 - rough days at the moment for him.

How are you doing yourself?

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 05/07/2013 16:19

Am not doing so well, to be honest. I'm stressed by DS1's stress and worried about what's going to happen about school. DH is ill (probably also stressed!). And I miss the kitten so, so much. He was a source of calm and sweetness in an often difficult world.

Bet you wish you hadn't asked now!

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 05/07/2013 16:25

Not at all - you sounded a bit tense. This is the worst point though.

Do you get a holiday at all? Get away somewhere?

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 05/07/2013 16:40

Yes, it's all a bit raw now.

We had a holiday booked, but had to cancel it because of DS1's anxiety/OCD. It is actually a relief not to have to go, particularly financially, as we have spent the price of a holiday on ToffeeKitten. We managed to go to Spain last year and it ended badly as DS1 couldn't cope.

We live in a beautiful part of the country, so we can make the most of the countryside and beaches this summer, weather allowing.

OP posts:
DiaryOfAWimpyMum · 05/07/2013 18:43

Toffee I'm so sorry you are all feeling so sad you have all spent so much time with toffeekitten he will leave a big gap, thankfully the weather seems to be going to be nice almost everywhere in the UK (in July) so hopefully you can go some nice walks, I hope the breeder gets in touch soon too, a little bit of compassion from her may help (slightly).

I don't know what to say, my words seem useless, I'm still thinking of you all.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 05/07/2013 20:16

Diary - your words are never useless. It's just nice to hear from people who understand. We really miss our kitten, yet it isn't something you can talk to most people about. To be honest, I wouldn't have wholly empathised with it myself before this experience.

Can you answer me this: how am I going to ensure that my next Balinese kitten (and there will be one, in six months' time - just in time for my birthday!) is going to be healthy and not die within two months? Or is that an impossible thing to hope for? I just can't inflict this on DS1 again - or myself, for that matter. When the time comes, can you point me in the direction of trustworthy breeders?

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 05/07/2013 20:26

Well you can't - although personally, I reckon you've had all your bad luck and trials in one great clod. It should be better next time.

When the time draws nearer, one of us will be able to steer you - and you could also contact the \link{http://www.thebalineseandsiamesecatclub.co.uk/\ Balinese and Siamese Cat Club} well in advance to have chats with one of their lot.

It'll be fine.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 05/07/2013 20:31

I thought I was asking the impossible, cozie. But FIP is not that common, is it? So, hopefully, we shouldn't have this again. I think in America buyers ask for a certificate of vaccination, but that doesn't seem to happen here for FIP.

I will definitely be back here to ask for advice nearer the time.

I wish we didn't have to wait six months. The house feels so empty without a cat.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 05/07/2013 20:34

Opinion on the waiting period seems to vary a lot (assuming you've cleaned really thoroughly) but a good breeder would likely be antsy if you said what happened to KS and want to be sure. The full six would also make you feel safer and give the family some time to adjust to KS going before someone new arrived.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 05/07/2013 20:37

The vet was adamant that we must wait six months and I will follow his advice, even though internet advice is not always so strict.

Your website is making me all broody for another kitten already. Am tempted to have two next time...

OP posts:
DiaryOfAWimpyMum · 05/07/2013 20:38

PM me your loction if you want nearer the time, or when you are ready to start looking, (I knew the yr before what colours etc I would have the yr after) and I can check and have double checked, (without them even knowing) good breeders tend to stick together no mater what kind they breed.

Sadly some less than desirable breeders are in the catclubs but not usually with the clubs knowledge, sadly if they pay into the cat club annually, they are a member (not checked by anyone) - but if the GCCF or TICA find out they are selling unwell kittens they can be stopped breeding, and checks can be made to ensure they don't/cannot start again whilst the FIP is still around.

This is why the breeder will be quiet, no doubt she will be worrying about her livelihood but she really should have done that whilst and during breeding and selling unwell kittens. I would be very surprised if toffekitten was the only one with FIP.

Sorry I have gone off and wee rant there.

The simple answer is yes, I would be more than happy to find you a new healthy kitten when the time comes. As Cozie said you have had a very bad experience.

Original poster
ToffeeWhirl · 05/07/2013 20:40

Thank you, Diary. I would be very grateful for your help nearer the time.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 05/07/2013 20:41

Good offer there from Diary, Toffee.

cozietoesie · 05/07/2013 20:44

Actually, if your breeder doesn't reply, Toffee - and bear in mind that this is the holiday season - I'd be very tempted to discuss the matter with Diary if I were you. She has the right contacts, I think.

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