These are photos of Tabitha, our oldest cat with her family in her last days.
I realize that the content of this post may be difficult to some readers, so please be advised.
I want to bring an awareness, to a feline illness that is rampant, but not well known.
FIP- Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Above photo:4 days before Tabitha died, she loved to be by the fountain, she would keep cool with the water splashing on her.
She's becoming week, but still managed to walk to the water with help.
Mr.B is beside himself with grief... he has had her for 18 years.
Tabitha died 5 days after diagnosis.
There is two versions of FIP the wet and the dry, we believed she had the wet.
**please see the web site for more information.**
Above:Lilly wants to play but Tabitha is too weak.
We give Tabs steroids to bring the swelling down, and vitamins to boost her immune system.
Vanilla comes to visit Tabs...all the cats knew something is wrong.
Unfortunately FIP hits hardest in multiple cat house holds, like ours!
Above,Tabitha finds strength to stand and give Snuggles a kiss,buddies for 15 years.
The doctor assures us that this virus can not be passed to the other cats.
Even at her weakest she still is motherly towards Frankie.
Tabitha is the most affectionate cat I have ever met...so willing to love on all.
Tabitha and Frankie...
she has lost so much weight in such a short time.
The virus saps the moister from the body and pools it in the abdomen, leaving the belly swollen and difficult to breath.
This FIP can lay dormant for a very long time before it shows its self, as it did with our cat.
As Tabs grew weaker we kept her indoors and comfortable... that is all we can do FIP. is fatal,in all most all cases.
All our cats showed compassion towards Tabitha, but especially our newest kitten, Lilly.
Lilly Pad loved on Tabitha right to the end with her continual kisses.
The above photo is taken a day before she passed.
When Lilly was too tired to kiss Tabitha any more, she just sat next to her step mom.
*Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a coronavirus that can infect any cat, though young cats and very old cats (14yr and up) appear most susceptible.*
We have decided to give our kitten, Lilly vitamins to boost her immunity.
Saying good bye to our dear old girl...
Tabitha still purrs even in her last hours.
FIP is nicked named the "Purring Disease"
because cats will continue to pur even when close to death.
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Tabitha in happier,healthier days...
Last Christmas 2009
Tabitha's favorite place.
Mr.B. will miss "Babber Tabs" ...
This little missy loved her daddy so very much.
Tabitha knew she was also loved.
Tabitha died August 22/2010
at the age of 18 years
You will be dearly missed old girl....
FIP-Feline Infectious Peritonitis
I'm so sorry! I know how terribly hard it is to love a beloved pet. One of our cats died a little over a year ago and it sounds much like what your cat had. Molly's temperature went way down and she was swollen. When she laid down, she spread out like a glob. She also hung her head over the water bowl a lot.
ReplyDeleteWhen we took her to the vet, he wanted to keep her on a warming pad for the night. She died during that night.
hi,
ReplyDeleteoh Tracey I am so sad and so very sorry.
Your pets become like a member of the family, and no one likes to say good bye to anyone and this cat leaves behind an empty spot. Please I pray for a BLessing of comfort for you today.
God Bless you and your lovely family
hugs,
jamie
e-mail me when you get a chance, I have lost your e-mail address
jamiegibbs@hotmail.com
So this is your sweet Tabitha! My heart goes out to you both. She was beautiful. And I love the photos, especially the first one...she looks so content.
ReplyDeleteBlessings & Aloha!