On February 3rd, I had to rush Percy to the ER due to difficulty breathing. This is something I noticed the night before, after his breaths very quick and shallow, and he seemed extraordinarily uncomfortable when I held him in my arms on his back. I knew something was wrong, and called my vet. After taking her advice, I discovered that he has wet FIP. Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a mutation of the Feline Coronavirus (not linked to COIVD-19), and affects about 5-10% of cats that contract FeCV (about 80-90% of cats have this benign virus). Unfortunately, the virus attacked Percy's body in a way he was unable to combat, and it has reached the stage where it is terminal. I was faced with the option to treat him with a relatively new, albeit very successful treatment, or euthanize him. After speaking with the head of the shelter from which I adopted Percy, I decided to go forth with treatment. 

I desperately need your help in order to afford the cost of the treatment and vet bills that will accompany it. I will try to break it down as much as I can:
It is a 12 weeks treatment, that requires me to give him a 1.3mL shot of subcutaneous liquid once every 12 hours for the first few days, eventually going down to once every 24 hours. The vials range in price, but I've decided on the more affordable one, which still, after needing 25 vials, comes out to be $1,875. Our vet bills have already reached $350, and that was just the emergency check up and X-rays. I will need to take him at the 4, 8 and 12-week benchmarks for blood tests to monitor levels and make sure he is on track to recover properly. In addition to this, I will need to have the fluid out of his lungs drained, which in total is projected to be around $1,000 in vet bills. I also need a supply of syringes, as well as 18, and 23 gauge needles to last the 84 days. Since he is a kitten, and it's a very painful shot, it may take me a couple of times each time until I get better at it. I'm projecting that it'll cost about $125 for the equipment needed. I also need to purchase a baby scale and a thermometer to monitor his weight to the .0th lb for correct dosage, and his temperature to make sure his fever doesn't return.

This is going to be an emotionally and physically draining process for me, Percy, and Lupo, as Lupo can already sense that something is wrong with his brother! I am so hopeful that this treatment will work, as it has not advanced to the ocular or neuro stage yet, which means that it's still early on enough to where the success rate will be higher.

I can't even explain to you the shock I felt when the vet told me euthanasia was virtually the only option I had. I haven't cried this much in my life. My head hurts, I haven't been able to sleep, and I am worrying about him constantly. All this pain I feel, I can't even imagine what my tiny man is going through right now. I am so determined to help him beat this and come out on the other side bigger and badder than ever. 

If you are able to donate, I can't even explain to you how much I would appreciate it. If you are unable to donate, please share this with all of your animal-loving friends and family. I am so hopeful, and I have faith that we will reach our goal so that Percy may live a long and healthy life with me and his big brother, Lupo.

I love you all, and thank you SO much for all of the prayers and support in advance. Of course, there will be updates and progress reports to come.

Much, much love,

Cory, Percy, and Lupo.