Has anyone had to deal with their cat having FIP? I did many years ago but she also had Leukemia. I have a female Tortoiseshell cat that is 1 1/2 years old. When she was a kitten, she sneezed alot and I was told that she had an upper respiratory infection and that it wouldn't go away but was not fatal. Even though she had that, she still played like a normal kitten. Now she doesn't play at all. I also have a tom cat about the same age and he tries to play with her but she just hisses at him. She lays around alot but doesn't really act lethargic. She has an appetite but has lost weight. The biggest problem is that she breathes heavily, especially when she moves around alot. The other night, my other cat was chasing her and she was hissing and growling at him. Then she started breathing real hard and panting. I got her to come to me and I calmed her down so she wasn't breathing so hard. It almost looked like she was hyperventilating. I'm scared to death that she has FIP and I'm also scared that, if she does, she'll give it to my other cat.
I'm taking her to the vet Saturday but wanted to see if anyone has any ideas or experiences.
Thanks!
Well no one responded to my post but I had to have my precious Penny put to sleep on the 25th. She did have FIP. What a horrible day for me.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I worked as a vet tech for quite awhile and saw quite a few cases for FIP and FeLV in my career. I would also recommend testing your tomcat just in case, that way you have the knowledge for the future as far as treatment protocols. I would also not recommend having any new kitties in your home until you have your tom tested. If tested positive please do not underestimate having a FIP positive kitty in your home, there are plenty of adoptable kitties that need loving homes where most wont be accepted because of their history/test results.
Much luck to you, and kindest thoughts.