Sick Kitten-Horror Story....Help!!!?

Question

This story is a little like some horror story, unbelievable...It all started when my daughter brought home 2 feral kittens. They were like wild animals, at first I said no way..hissing, spatting, so wild..poo all over. I already have 3 kids, adult cat, dog, 4 hamsters, gerbil, bird, and fish. I told her we would train them, and then take them to a shelter after they acted normal, no money to keep them, our cat was attacking them. I tried to find them homes, kept them for almost a month, they were very happy here. While they were here, a raid on the feral cats took place, and now their real family was gone, probably put to sleep by animal control, who set live traps. I called everyone to find them homes, no kill shelters, no luck. I took them to the main animal control center, and changed my mind when I saw the treatment of the kittens, and other animals there, asked for them back, they said NO! I then went to a local county board member to try to get them back. Animal control officer fired for rudeness, and mistreatment. I was told the kittens were lost. Took numerous trips there to ask about them. Finally, got one of them back- they could not find the other. He was half dead, at 1st, I thought they hurt him. Took him to the best vet hospital in the area. He had a virus, so sick. I got him meds, but he had a virus, electrolite treatments. Then fed him by mouth for the last 8 days, as he had stopped eating, and drinking. He seems to be improving, and today started to eat on his own. Now, our 4 year old cat is sick- WHAT IS THIS???? I blame myself, and have cried endlessly for these 2 babies, and my mistake. The kitten won't even let me put him down, and clings to me. Does anyone know what this is? How long it lasts? The vet warned me it may be a virus? Worried about adult cat now too. Please help?

Answer 1

Cats often are exposed to viruses in animal control shelters. It often never goes away and can reappear during times of stress. If it gets really bad you will need to take your cats to the vet. The problem is that virus can't be treated with antibiotics so often you have to let it take its course. You will really need them to keep eating and drinking because thats the best way to fight it off. There are many cats that need to be put down because they get too sick in shelters. It is really sad, but it is common everywhere and there is no way to get rid of the virus because of the constant flow of animals in shelters.

Answer 2

Call the vet and tell him the adult cat seems to have the same thing as the kitten.  They should give you meds without having to see him.

Answer 3

Animal control facilities are at the bottom on the barrel - they have no money, very little staff, and a huge influx of animals.  The animals are not treated well, and illnesses just run rampant.  The people there aren't mean or cruel (well, usually not) but they have nothing to work with and too many animals.

What your kitten (and now adult cat) probably has is a form of the calici virus.  It spreads like wildfire in a shelter environment due to all the unvaccinated cats that are brought in.  It can be a pretty wicked virus, but it sounds like your kitten has turned the corner and will get better.  If your adult cat is reasonably up to date on his vaccines (the distemper one - often called FVRCP) he will still get it, but a more mild case.  It will run it's course in about 10 days to 2 weeks.  For your adult, just make sure he keeps eating.  His appetite is bound to be "off" but try his favorite foods to keep him eating.  This is the time to offer all the normally off limits foods like tuna, shredded chicken, deli meats - whatever will keep him eating.  He'll get better with supportive care, just as the kitten did.  He at least was a healthy, cared for house cat, so he's got that going for him.  If he seems to get worse, refuses to eat, or ends up with green goopy discharge from his nose and eyes, then call the vet.  Otherwise he'll get over it on his own.  

It's terribly sad about the other kitten, but don't beat yourself up over it.  You did what you thought best at the time, and had no idea it would turn into the nightmare that it did.  In rescue we keep reminding ourselves that we can't save them all - look at your baby and know that without you he wouldn't be here right now.   You made the difference between life and death for him, and that's significant!

Answer 4

This is a really good example as to why even with an indoor cat, that they should have their shots.  

I am so sorry you went through this, as it will stay with you forever.  

Yes, some of these places are just terrible.  You can usually tell just by the smell and how the employees act.  That they didn't give you back the little girl is just terrible.

The kitten has been through so much, that he sees you as security and safety, which is awesome.  I would follow through with the vet, get blood work and ensure that whatever it is, they can treat it.

I am so sorry.