09/06/2026
*Long post*
This kitten is Nelly (Windy Litter). Nelly left home for and healthy- she was exactly the kitten the new family wanted…playful, engaging and loving. Several days after arriving at her new home she seemed a ‘bit off’. Nothing major- just not quite herself. Her owner took her to the vet where they suggested possible FIP (prior to any other testing than blood which were unclear and showed potential for other issues. The vet advised the owner that treatment would commence irrespective. Didn’t happen. Owner was not advised of this.
Nelly was subsequently transferred to a specialist hospital where she went downhill quickly and passed away. This is all within 24 hours.
I was in constant touch with the owner who graciously allowed me to request a necropsy be performed to get answers. FIP can happen, definitely but there were other indicators in her blood and she went from well to deceased in a day. No external signs or symptoms.
I had paid for her vet care and made the request the day I was advised. I was assured this could happen but…it had to be performed at a place requiring her little body to be couriered to. Ok- as long as the owner was ok with that, let’s do it.
The owner called Friday (a week since her passing) and was told she was at the necropsy service. I called that place today (Tuesday) only to be told that she was not there. Not only that-but that the testing materials required would have to be ordered from another place.
I asked the question as to whether this testing would he able to provide answers, given it would be at least two weeks if not longer since this little girl had passed by the time it was done. I was advised of the damage to blood cells after such a period would interfere and that answers may not be found.
Needless to say- I am horrified by the lack of communication and professionalism from the original ‘specialist’ care service.
After speaking with the owner, the decision was made not to go ahead and to allow them to have her cremated and find closure.
I don’t have the answers. I do have the initial blood test, which several blind consults with experts have suggested show a bacterial load similar to that seen in pneumonia and other potential diseases (toxoplasmosis, for example).
I have obviously checked on her siblings and they are all doing well.
So why am I posting this? The main reasons..
1. This little girl was born and bred in this cattery. I prefer transparency above all and think it’s important for people to know that whilst I have done everything in my power to get answers, I was unable to do so and it’s heartbreaking. Please always let me know how your babies are going. This is a first for me and I truly hope a last. I am heartbroken and angry and at a loss to explain.
2. Please try to ensure that any treating vet is communicating with you appropriately. Push for answers and ask to see results, to have things explained clearly and transparently.
3. I will post separately about this but even though now it is very unlikely that this was a case FIP, information and knowledge about this viral killer it’s important to all cat owners. I did reach out to an expert in that field who also advised necropsy as the bloods were very unclear. If at any time, any vet even suspects FIP, ensure that a) they have the medication necessary and b) they’re being administered. It could definitely be the difference between life and death. FIP meds do no harm but can save lives.
Finally- this is heartbreaking. The treatment of the owner by the vet hospital is unforgivable and they are taking it further. They didn’t deserve this and neither did Nelly. The death of a kitten is devastating. I know it Helen’s but it’s never happened to me and I do everything to try and ensure it never happens again. Hug your babies close and remember I’m only a phone call away
Sandi
