Miracle’s Battle with FIP (Neuro)

My name is Terri and I am raising funds for my kitten, Miracle (Mira).

Mira is one of our rescues who came from the streets with her 4 littermates who were born to a feral mom. Of the 5 kittens, Mira was the most sickly one and when she was 8 weeks old, she got very sick and actually died in her fosters hands. Her foster dad refused to give up and he performed CPR and brought her back to life. Thus, we named her Miracle.

When I (Founder and CEO of our rescue) lost my own 14 yrs old dog from a sudden illness, I made the decision to adopt and of course as a rescuer, I knew I must adopt my own rescues! I cannot live in a home without an animal or in my case, three animals. I made the decision to fly to California to bring home Miracle, her sister, Haven and a tiny 5 lb Russian Toy pup named Chanel. All 3 were in the same foster home and are incredibly bonded.

It’s been six months since I brought them all home. All were thriving and Mira and Haven have continued to grow into very happy girls. They are gentle, sweet, and loving. Haven has never met a stranger and her thundering purrs can be heard across the room. Mira is a bit shyer and reserved with strangers but she’s incredibly chill and she’s a very good natured kitten. All three have always had very healthy appetites, and both kittens were filling out nicely with some good weight on them.

About a week before she was diagnosed, I noticed that Mira wasn’t eating all of her food and that she was losing weight. I then noticed that her gait was “wobbly” and when she fell jumping down rather than landing on her feet in the morning, I knew something was seriously wrong! By that evening, she could barely stand and could not walk.

Since COVID-19, getting vet appointments is so much more difficult, but we finally got an appointment for March 22nd at 8:45 pm. We were the last patient of the day. The news we got was devastating. Miracle weighs 6.5 lbs, was dehydrated, has bilateral yeast/bacterial infections in both ears and sadly, blood work showed that she has FIP (neurological) which is a cat owner’s worst nightmare. By March 23rd, Mira was practically comatose and I told my family I didn’t think she would make it through the night. I was absolutely heartbroken. Thanks to an amazing human Angel on earth, Mira received her first lifesaving injection that Saturday night, and it’s now 14 days later and she’s still with me. Mira is up walking (very slowly and still wobbly) but she’s eating well again and is slowly gaining weight. Mira and I have a long battle ahead and with her neurological issues, it’s a tougher case of FIP to conquer. We are giving it our all.

FIP is a mutated Coronavirus, which all cats carry, but it is primarily harmful in young, unvaccinated cats. When a young cat is sick with a viral infection, it can be treated, and the cat does get well; however, that viral infection will mutate in the cat’s body, causing FIP. The cat will start losing weight as Miracle has. The kitty will become lethargic and wobbly. Often, their eyes will change, the coat becomes nasty, and the blood work will look off.

Until recently, there was NO CURE. But now there is, albeit an expensive one. It is an 84-day treatment of daily meds (injections and pills) and then 84-days of observation. Time is of the essence. I’ve spent $1500 to date for her 2 vet visits and first 2 weeks of medication and supplies. I am switching her to the pill form since her dosage is pretty high at a cost of $84/week. We have at least 10 more weeks to go, along with at least 3 more blood draws.

I have devoted so much of my life to rescuing babies like Miracle, but now I am reaching out to our community for EMERGENCY HELP. Acting quickly is Mira’s only chance to live. She’s just a baby, and her life is just beginning. I am begging you for help to save her life.

Please keep this small and sweet girl in your thoughts and prayers, and if you can, consider giving a much-needed donation to this fundraiser. No amount is too small.

Thank you for your kindness and support for my girl.