Help Astor Fight FIP

Astor came to us from a high-kill shelter in North Carolina. Like many of our fosters, the two-year-old beauty had a rough start to his life. He was brought into the shelter as a stray, and it was determined there that he was FIV+ (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). Cats with FIV are often killed in shelters for being "unadoptable" when, in reality, FIV+ cats can, and do, live long, healthy, happy lives. At Finally Home Animal Rescue, we believe every animal deserves a chance to live their best life, be loved unconditionally and have a place to be finally home.

Astor got his name because he's as beautiful as an aster flower. He's never met another dog, cat or human that he doesn't like. He loves life, despite his rough start in life. He is one of the most laid-back, chill cats his foster family has ever had. He loves to sit on laps, and he loves to be held like a baby. He has a calming presence that makes everyone around him feel a little more at peace.

On Monday, August 1st, Astor's foster mommy noticed he wasn't acting like his usual self. She also noticed he'd lost a considerable amount of weight really quickly. He wasn't acting like himself. He slept a lot more and didn't seem interested in his food. She made a vet appointment for him for later in the week. On Thursday, August 4th, his foster mommy noticed he looked considerably worse than he had the night before. He got up from his favorite spot on the couch and went to another bed, and peed. Something he's never done before. His foster mommy was immediately concerned, especially when she noticed blood in it. His stomach also seemed bloated. They rushed him to the vet. After doing bloodwork, pulling some of the fluid from his belly, and seeing it was straw-colored, the vet determined Astor had wet FIP.

FIP is known as Feline Infectious Peritonitis. It used to be a death sentence for cats. Without treatment, it is progressive and quickly fatal. However, medicine has become available with an incredible success rate. Finally Home has successfully treated and cured five (5) cats with FIP. The only drawback is that it is incredibly expensive. For a small, independent, volunteer-run rescue like ourselves, that is a huge hit. But...we have to help him. We promise all our cats that come in that we will do whatever we can to keep them happy, safe and healthy. If there's a chance he can beat this, we're going to try.

If you have anything to give to help Astor get a fighting chance with this life-saving treatment, he would be forever grateful. He's already been through a lot in his short life, and now he's in a fight for his life. He hasn't given up, so we're not giving up on him. He deserves a long, healthy life, and we'll do everything in our power to give him that. Anything, even a dollar, helps. Sharing his story helps, as well. As a small rescue, we thank you for helping Astor get the life-saving treatment he deserves.

For more information on FIP: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-infectious-peritonitis

For more information on FIV: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv