I don’t believe I will ever understand why God gives me the path of responsible rescue of these wonderful kittens and then removes them suddenly from my grasp.
Pippi being diagnosed with dry FIP based on the strangeness developing in her eye baffles me. There are no concrete tests for this disease- it has been around for ages and it is merciless-claiming all in its path, not something even one cat has proven to outlive. There is no discharge from the eye, just this gravy like substance pouring out of her one eye.
She stopped eating temporarily but I borrowed a pet mouse from a neighbor and put it (in its cage) inside the room and now the mouse is back safe with his little boy and Pippi is eating again full force.
She is, based on all the “experts” pounding their wisdom into my brain- “a kitty on death row.” But for me, she is a sweet, sweet seven month old tortie girl with a comical look and an enduring character. So what if she has a funny eye? Who among us is perfect?
So, do I follow man’s wisdom and let her go, or do I bow to a Higher Authority, the One who really decides the life and death cycle- the One Who Really Matters? In my opinion, it is never wise, easy or practical to play God, when we are in the overall scheme of things simply human.
On the Scotty front- this morning, after a rousing prey time with nekoflies, I sat in the room with all three kittens; Reese, Promise and Scotty laying relaxed nearby. Scotty is going to be a monster and I mean that physically not character wise. His legs are thick his paws are huge! He dwarfs Promise and she is by no means the runt of any litter!
He is handsome this little boy and of course when I stood up he darted back under the futon. But is is small steps that I celebrate and yesterday, all I saw of him was his head and on paw. It was so nice to see him in his entirety and marvel at his gorgeous mackeral tabby pattern.
She may have a terminal disease but as you said before, they can have up to a year with dry FIP but like all illnesses, it is an emotional rollercoaster for us and they will have down days but you are tuned into her enough to know when the bad is outweighing the good and will then do right by her. Until then, We are here for you to sound off to. Hugs, i know how hard it is to be in this position
I too wrestled with that heartbreaking decision with one of my sweet cats. In the end, I opted to have her put down. Oral cancer had destroyed her quality of life. The guilt still haunts me. A dear lady who was once a veterinary assistant told me, “God gave us dominion over animals for a reason. It is to care for them and also to make the best decision for them when the time comes.” It comforted me in the moment, however I still cry as I write this wondering if I should have let my cat and God decide her demise. As in all things I suggest prayer although even with that, sorrow remains and questions linger. I don’t understand either but perhaps that’s the point… maybe it’s more about trusting in God than trusting in ourselves.