My Heart Is Breaking

[MillersMom]

I just got off the phone with our vet. The news that he gave me wasn't good at all. My precious Higgins, has full blown FIP (Feline Infecttious Peritonitis. He is the third cat to get this disease since last November. Our old cat, Bea, came to live with us in October and was diagnosed with FIP in November and was put to sleep. Before any of us knew what exactly was wrong with Bea, she was constantly around our 3 little kittens, Meeko, Higgins and Jingles.

On May 1st, we had to put Meeko to sleep because of FIP. Now this Friday morning, Higgins will be put to sleep with the same disease.

It just isn't fair. Both Higgins and Meeko were real lovers, wanting to be either in my lap or on my shoulder watching me type. Both would curl up with me at night and purr me to sleep. Both were talkers. Both would meet me at the door when I came home from work.

Now I have to wonder and worry, will Jingles also come down with FIP and die in 4 months like the others? IT SUCKS!!!!!!!! We have other cats but none can take the place of Meeko and Higgins.

I just needed to talk to someone. My hubby is at work and isn't near as upset as I am about this. He told me that after the first 2 being put down, it gets easier. BULL!!!!!! It gets harder if you ask me. He's not being mean, just being the typical man. He keeps his hurt inside and I cry my eyes out.

So if you aren't doing anything Friday morning at 8am (est) please send good thoughts my way as another of my babies goes to the Rainbow Bridge.

Cathy

[captorquewrench]

(((((((((((((((((((((millersmom))))))))))))))))))) ))

[mficke0713]

I am so sorry for you. My dear Maggie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 3/26/03 from kidney failure. For 2 months we gave her IV's every other night and she had been doing better and then took a turn for the worse. Even though I have other cats I still miss her so. She slept with me every night and followed me around like a puppy. I was going to have her put to sleep but thankfully she left this life on her own. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking of her and what you are going through. She will be in my thoughts on Friday morning. :(

[tiffany21]

oh I am so sorry hugs to you.

[Willow]

I just looked up some information. I hope this helps.

http://www.newmanveterinary.com/fip.html

The virus may persist in the environment for several weeks, but is easily killed with common household disinfectants. However, consider that cats with clear symptoms of FIP infection are rarely shedding virus.

[BeanieLuvR]

{{{{MillersMom}}}}

[Missysmom]

((((((((((MillersMom))))))))))

[~Roxy~]

((((((((((MillersMom))))))))))

[Barbi_Route66]

(((MillersMom)))

[jcw]

{{{{MillersMom}}}}

[blueeyes18]

Im So sorry for you and your kitties now im have to go hug my babies :(

[Lisa03]

oh no!

I would be devastated as well

my heart breaks for you too

I am so sorry!!

{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}

[katzenberg]

i am so sorry .i have cats and they are like my babies . i had a cat die from fip so i know what you are going through

[ShamrocGal]

I know just how you feel - those are parts of our families and to lose one is like loosing our kids. I've been there with my dog and 2 cats - my thoughts are with you

[brumzoo]

{{{{{{{{{{Millersmom & kitties}}}}}}}}}}

[MillersMom]

Thank you all for your thoughts and kind words. Higgins left this world for the Rainbow Bridge at 8:58am this morning. He died very peacefully. Mom (me) was the wreck.

We had our oldest cat March and the youngest cat, Jingles tested for FIP as well. Our vet recommended using these 2 as baselines for the remaining cats. The FIP vaccine was ordered and will be given in 2 doses three weeks apart. It has a 75% protection rate and in my book, that's alot of protection. Won't help a cat that has a high FIP titer but will afford those who have been exposed some protection.

Hubby and I have agreed no more cats for at least a year and then no kittens, only teenage cats. We want to give anyone who is going to get sick, the chance to get sick before bringing in another cat. That doesn't sound good, but hopefully you all will know what I'm trying to say. Anyway, at this rate, with 9 cats, our vet will soon be able to build a new wing on the animal hospital. Hope he names it after Meeko and Higgins.

[mficke0713]

My thoughts are with you--it brings tears to my eyes just reading that. I know what you are going through. I miss my Maggie so much and I still remember how much it hurt the day she passed. :(

[KitaKat]

(((((Millersmom)))))))

I'm sorry about the loss of your pets... I lost a dear friend of 14 years this year and it was very hard... My thoughts are with you...

[dustedwing]

((((((((((MillersMom))))))))))