Save Oakleys life. FIP Treatment.

Hi, my names Christine Coutts. My kitten Oakley (who’s 17 weeks old) needs FIP treatment to survive but it is extremely expensive. FIP is a fatal disease that causes fluid build up in the stomach. It causes many other symptoms too. Oakley hasn’t been himself for a week. He’s been lethargic, sleepy and eating less. I thought he was getting chunky and being a typical relaxed Ragdoll cat but today I noticed his tummy was very hard. I made an appointment with the vet (Truscott Animal Hospital) and did X-rays. It showed his tummy was pure white and couldn’t see the organs. The vet felt we should see if it was fluid (FIP) and when she put a needle into Oakleys belly and pulled back, it was a lot of fluid. We were sent home with pain medication to make him comfortable while we figure out next steps. FIP eventually leads to muscle weakness, and fluid in the chest and around the heart. It will stop Oakley from being able to breathe or stop his heart from beating. Most cats get euthanized before they reach that point to minimize suffering. Treatments here in Canada have poor treatment results (there is no known cure and 99% of cats die) so we are trying a trial medication known to cure 80% of cats and they live normal healthy lives. The problem is, it is hard to obtain and costs a lot of money. Time is critical when it comes to treatment. Early treatment has the best results. FIP progresses quickly and can turn neurological.

I have officially started the trial treatment and we are seeing amazing results already which is very promising! My fear is not being able to continue the treatments due to costs and loosing my baby. I am disabled (going blind) and on disability which is very low income.

The treatment includes:

Medication which goes up with weight.

Treatment supplies.

X-rays, bloodwork and vet exams

Duration of the treatment is likely 12 weeks however that is a minimum and could be longer.

Oakley came into my life after so much heartbreak. I lost three elderly cats and the house became so empty. My remaining cat, Storm, was lonely and I just needed the sound and movement in the house. I did a lot of research into what cat would be best suited for my family. When I met Oakley, I spent two hours with him and he looked into my eyes and I knew he was the one. I instantly became so bonded to Oakley. He sleeps on my pillow and always wants his head on my face. He follows me from room to room and talks to me. He’s so vocal. Storm and my dog Autumn have bonded with him aswell. They all cuddle together. I can’t imagine my life without him. I love him so much. I am completely heart broken and terrified. I won’t give up hope. I won’t stop fighting to save him. I named him Oakley (Okie dokie for short) because everything’s going to be okay. So it has to be.