Orion

I love cats. I've had cats all my life. I moved to the USA 1 1/2 years ago. And since last winter I've been dreaming of getting a kitten. I also wanted to save one little purry life... That's why I decided to take a kitten from a shelter.

On the 29th of October, 2009 Forest chose me. On the 31st he came home. He was just 2 months old...

I loved buying things for him. The best we could afford! And he was so playful, so happy...

I had never heard of FIP, and wish I never did...

On the 1st of january Forest stopped eating. On the 8th he was diagnosed FIP. He was waiting for Virbagen Omega from the UK to give him a small chance... But he never got it. On the 25th of january he slipped away...

I love you, my sweet little baby! I swear, I'll come for you and I will never, never leave you, as I promised...

I'd never even heard of FIP. About three weeks ago it became clear our cat, Suki, wasn't well. I gave her a few days to see if she perked up a bit but it soon became clear she needed to urgently see a vet so the appointment was made. I looked her symptoms up on the internet and repeatedly came back to FIP. I then knew she wouldn't be coming home. The vet confirmed my worst fears. I only wish I'd realised sooner as although nothing would have saved her life the thought that she must have suffered in her last days breaks my heart.

We all miss you so much xx

2006 was the worst year of my life. On August 13th I lost my best friend Mae West. She was 15 years old. I was not able to cope with the pain of losing her, so I ran to the nearest shelter and bought two cats "Reglisse" and Ikori. I would rather see new kittens having fun and be alive than saying "If only Mae was still with me...".

During spay surgery, 7 month old Ikori died from respiratory arrest. I was sad and couldn't believe what had happened. I went back to the shelter and adopted Pretzel because I wanted to make sure Reglisse wouldn't be lonely.

No one knew that Pretzel was infected with FIP. She died on November 9th. She infected Reglisse who died December 1st. Everyone told me there was nothing we could do for them. Knowing that some people are now doing research makes me feel less sad.

Now, I have three healthy cats at home. I miss my other cats but the three of them bring me much joy.

Julie Courchesne, Quebec, Canada

Our beloved cat, our truly dear friend

You will stay in our hearts all the way till the end

You blessed us with joy every short day we had

And warmed up our hearts on the days we felt sad

You were lovably sweet, irresistably cute

And your absence we'll wear like a heavy, dark suit

But we'll smile when we think of the love that we shared

And we hope that you know of the depths that we cared

You will live in our hearts, and in heaven one day

We'll be with you again, but for now we'll just say

We love you, we miss you, we'll never forget

A little, black fuzz ball named Chloe, our pet.

My beautiful polydactyl, you had my heart from the start, and take a piece of it with you now. You are here with me even though you are gone. Until I see you again my love.

Love, Mom and the rest of your human family as well as "MeMe" your fur brother

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