Kitten and Euthanasia?

Question

Some of you may be aware that I asked a question about my kittens eyes around a week ago. Well, the kitten was taken again yesterday and kept overnight, so that the vet (Goddard veterinary group - I live in the UK) can do a blood test and urine sample overnight.

They just phoned me up, and said that the kitten (Who is 5 months old), has something called FIT. What is FIT? He was saying that she has an underlying viral condition, and that she displays the classic signs of FIT, that she will have this problem for the rest of her life, and will most likely die soon anyway. He also said that it's up to me, but since treatment (And there isn't even any effective treatment for this type of condition) is going to be expensive, I can go to a charitable organisation and see what they can do. But he reckons that they won't be able to do much anyway, since even if they agree to pay for treatment, she will die soon enough anyway.

I'm at a loss for words. I've had this kitten for 14 weeks.

I don't know what else to do. Please advise. I've grown very close to her, and am stuck, as I don't know what would be best?

Oh yeah, and he recommended Euthanasia.

Thanks for all the answers so far. I just remembered that he said that the kitty's blood work has a high level of protein in it, looks to be suffering from anaemia and appears to have some sort of abnormality in the blood.

Before she was taken in by the vet yesterday - At home, she was sitting on my lap, and she appeared dead to me on several occasions. It's as though she had given up. Her eyes would stay open, looking off into the distance, at nothing in particular. If it wasn't for me checking she was still breathing, I'd have thought she had passed away. Also, she had a strange discharge coming out, but not sure if it was the mouth or nose that it was coming out of (Hence why I immediately went to the vet on the same day)..

Other symptoms she had included trying very hard to maintain her balance (It would look at though she is about to fall over) - She actually did when trying to go down one step, and fell on her side, but got up and carried on walking. She eats fine, but doesn't drink (It only just occured to me yesterday when the vet asked if she had been drinking - It dawned on me that I had not seen her drink for a couple of days, but she was eating though).

Answer 1

Would that be FIP, FIV, or FeLV??? Never heard of FIT.

If is FIP and the kitten has uveitis or other symptoms, euthanasia is a good option. FIP is fatal.

This kitten needs to be put to sleep. It is clearly suffering.

Answer 2

This is a decision I would not want to be faced with. It is quite obvious that you have grown accustomed to the kitten. The only thing I can suggest is to do what you can 'comfortably' afford. That means if you make the decision to euthanize, make sure you are in the room with her when she passes on. She will be needing you most then. She should be with someone who loves her when she passes away.
Should you decide to go with extraordinary measures to keep her alive, then by all means seek out a charitable organization that can assist you with the upkeep. I am sure that the vet would give you a list of places to start.
Even if they are unable to DO much for her at this point, she doesn't know this. My sister's little Manx lived three years longer than was diagnosed because she loved him so dearly and she was diligent about his upkeep. It was still tragic when he was finally 'put to sleep' but the vet sent her a sympathy card and she had a proper burial for him.
You can try and keep her comfortable until her time comes, but it will be much harder to let her go as you become more attached to her.
I don't know the answer, I am just giving you options, here. Whatever you choose, be sure that it is a choice you can live with. I am so sorry that you have such a gravely ill pet. I will pray for you both. (((HUGS)))

Answer 3

I know this is going to be very hard for you and breaks your heart since this kitty is getting attached to you and has been a part of your life. Unfortunately it isn't about you, it's about what is best for the kitty. Kitty will be suffering. It is just a matter of how long. The decision is ultimately yours though. I am a big cat lover (we have 6) but if one of mine were that way, I would hate to do it, but would put it to sleep if I really loved it. I actually had to do that to a couple of cats in the past. It isn't a pleasant thing and you will cry and will take a little time to get over, but it was the best that one can do and more humane than to let it suffer. We just have to believe that good kitties go to a better place romping in the clouds with wings and a halo.

Answer 4

I am so sorry for you. I know this is such an upsetting situation to be in. It sounds like you mean FIP and if that is the case, your options are very limited. You dont want that sweet kitty to suffer and I'm sure you dont have pockets full of money to experiment with. Do what's best and let the little one go in a peaceful manner.

Take a different perspective. You took this sweet kitten into your home and loved it. What better life could a kitten ask for? We can't win them all, but atleast you made a difference for this little guy.

Answer 5

Spending money on a expensive procedure when the kitten is going to die soon anyways is prolonging the poor things suffering. Best to humanely put your kitty down, even though it's hard, it's the kindest thing to do if it has no chance of surviving even with treatment. Why drag it out, getting poked with needles at the vet and the suffering is not worth it.

Answer 6

She does not have FIT. She has FIP. I am forwarding you a link to a website, so you can read about it.

www.dr-addie.com

I found this by googling FIP, and there are plenty of other links, but this one is specifically about FIP for breeders and true cat lovers. It offers some hope in that, unlike other sites, it does not say it is 100% fatal. And it IS possible that you could contact a cat breeder's association -- there are some very active associations in the UK -- you might be able to speak with a breeder who has dealt with FIP successfully.

If you love her, it is worth a try.

I live in NYC and have done volunteer work with a number of local cat rescue groups. Oftentimes, the cats and kittens that have succumbed to FIP were weaker kittens to begin with, and for some reason, the disease just took root in them. The coronavirus that causes FIP is present is most cats, and no one really knows why this cat's coronavirus will mutate to a killer while that cat's coronavirus remains benign.

I certainly hope you learn something good, if you do decide to follow up with a breeder who has fought back and won. These little guys who come to us or who we adopt and take into our lives are so innocent and trusting -- and so vibrant. It is just crushing to get news such as you have gotten.

Perhaps she will be a lucky one. I wish you the very best of luck.

Answer 7

I can't find anything on FIT, but I am wondering if you mean FIV or if it is a different name here...it's basically the kittie version of aids...if so, then you need a different doctor....I have 2 that have it, & while they do have a tougher time when they do get sick...takes longer to get better...they are otherwise fine & can live long lives...mine are 1 & 4....good luck...

Answer 8

When the issue becomes one biased by your own interests -- it is no longer a decision about what is best for the animal.

If it will have a bad life -- you already know what needs to be done.

Answer 9

Vets do their jobs because they love animals. If he suggested you put her down, please do so. It will only be more difficult later. I can certainly feel for you, I too, have had to put an animal down. It truly is the humane thing to do. May God bless you and help you through this.

Answer 10

never heard of fit.....because your so close to the cat..if theres any way you can keep it alive and not in pain...then by all means, go for it.
but if the cat is truly suffering....then euthanasia may be the better option.