Lost Cat Possibly to FIP

[gabcat]

I wrote at length some weeks back about my cat who had fever of undetermined origin. She continued to decline, even though she had some good days (which were not all that good, just better). As I said in previous posts, the local specialist was convinced it was FIP. Whatever it was, it was obviously not going to go away and on Thursday I had her put to sleep ending a two month struggle. While at this time I don't feel that I ever want to experience such pain again, I am wondering about how long you should wait after losing a cat to FIP. I have read that the virus has been found in vet's offices to still be viable after several weeks. My guess is that since it seems they know so little about FIP, that there is no definitive answer to this question.

[Ash]

I can't answer your question cause I don't know anything about FIP, but I'm very sorry for your loss.

Heartfelt,
Ash

[Traci]

I'm so very sorry, gabcat, my heart goes out to you.

Waiting 1 - 2 months is suggested, and during that time, you should thoroughly disinfect all areas completely with a solution of 1:32 bleach and water (porous surfaces, floors, etc), and toss any toys, bedding, food dishes, litterboxes, etc that an infected cat may have been in direct contact with. (in the outdoor environment, the virus can survive for days, longer in freezing conditions....in an indoor environment, it is crucial that all items that may contain traces of dried feces or otherwise are to be thrown away)

If you intend on adopting a new kitten or adult kitty, make sure you test him/her for FELV/FIV and vaccinate according to your vet's recommendation. I do NOT advise vaccinating with the FIP vaccination, there is insufficient data to determine efficacy.

I still wonder about the specialist's diagnosis, it would seem a small chance Gabby could have been infected if she were indoors only and had no contact or exposure to an FIP-infected cat. The only way to confirm would be through a necropsy.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you....Safe and gentle journey, sweet Gabby...

[gabcat]

Traci said ...you should thoroughly disinfect all areas completely with a solution of 1:32 bleach and water (porous surfaces, floors, etc), and toss any toys, bedding, food dishes, litterboxes, etc that an infected cat may have been in direct contact with

That thorough of a cleaning does not really seem possible, in that she often slept on the rugs and furniture. I did throw away the obvious things like her bedding and litter box. I washed her bowls in bleach, but at your suggestion, I will toss them and her brushes too.

I agree with your doubts about the FIP diagnosis. I wanted to ask about a necropsy when I was at the vets, but I was too upset to think clearly so now I will never know. I doubt if they were equiped to do that anyway.

Thanks for your kind words.

[Traci]

Your vet should have been equipped to do a necropsy....and the confirmation of FIP could have been made through various tissue and fluid samples...some of them could have been sent to a pathologist for true confirmation.

But, I understand your hesitation to do so, and you shouldn't put yourself through the "what-ifs".

As for rugs and carpets, you can steam-clean them but they should be thoroughly dried (and air-dried) completely before allowing a new cat into the home. (the 2 month waiting period would suffice). With furniture, you can use Woolite, etc, but be sure you hand-vac afterward once or twice and let completely dry. Would also recommend, if you had a carrier, replace it with a new one.

Bleach is the best recommendation, as lysol or other cleaning agents won't affect/eradicate these viruses.

Again, I'm truly sorry for your loss, it sounds like Gabby was loved unconditionally and you did your ultimate best for her.

(((HUGS)))