Support Gilbert’s Battle Against FIP

My sweet kitten, Gilbert, has been diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a cruel and often fatal disease.

Right now he is fighting for his life.

With treatment, he has an excellent chance to make a full recovery—but it requires months of intensive care, daily medications, monitoring, and vet visits.

A FIP diagnosis is challenging and is based on a combination of clinical signs, laboratory findings, imaging, and specialized testing.

During the first few months after I adopted Gilbert he began suffering from a series of severe bacterial infections.

Each time, treatment would help briefly—but he never truly bounced back. Instead, he slowly declined, losing strength and energy.

By Christmas, he could barely walk. His decline became terrifyingly rapid and he stopped eating.

I learned that Gilbert had been exposed to cats sick with FIP at his foster home, so we then realized it was the untreated virus destroying his body while we were trying to stay ahead of the infections.

When I created this fundraiser, the unexpected emergency veterinary care, medications, and medical supplies had already surpassed $3,000, but that was only the beginning.

The generous contributions received here so far have been just enough to cover Gilbert's treatment through January. I will continue updating this profile and adjusting the goal to meet his treatment plan.

These costs are overwhelming—but giving up on Gilbert is not an option.

Gilbert isn’t just a pet—he is my medical companion animal, my only comfort in a world that has grown increasingly isolating.

I manage complex medical needs on my own, on a fixed SSD income, with very limited support. In that reality, the presence of a companion animal isn’t a luxury—it is my lifeline.

Before Gilbert, I experienced the sudden and devastating loss of Cisco, my beloved companion kitty of 13 years. I still struggle to manage my grief.

It took a long time—emotionally and practically—to find another kitten who was truly compatible as a medical companion. When Gilbert came into my life he brought light, calm, and connection.

Please, help me save Gilbert. The FIP antiviral treatment is his only real chance at survival.

How You Can Help

FIP treatment is intensive, long-term, and incredibly expensive. Every donation—no matter the size—goes directly toward Gilbert’s antiviral medication, supportive care, and the ongoing treatments he needs to survive.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this GoFundMe means just as much and helps reach others who may be able to help.

Gilbert is fighting with everything he has. I’m fighting for him with everything I have.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping me fight for Gilbert after already losing so much.

With gratitude,

Robyn Ruth

(Gilbert's cat momma)