FIP Fear about getting new kitten

[juleshladik]

Hi everyone! I have a 6 year old Sphynx boy. I recently had the opportunity to adopt a 14 week old Devon Rex kitten (the owner is moving to Canada). I have not gotten the kitten yet, and now I’m having second thoughts. I know the chance is less than 10% but I’m terrified that introducing a new kitten who is more than likely shedding feline coronavirus, will re-introduce it to my 6 year old boy and potentially trigger FIP in him. I need someone to tell me I’m being ridiculous. I’m prone to terrible health anxiety. Does anyone on here have any experience with this? Will introducing a kitten increase his risk? Or if it was going to happen, would it have already happened when he was younger? I guess I’m just looking for some reassurance and guidance in my decision. So much love to all of you.

 

[Yoda mom]

@juleshladik , members will surely chime in. glad you are asking questions for peace of mind. does the devon rex kitten have known coronavirus or known health issues? is kitten from a breeder? can ask if any known viruses or health issues in cattery. I have all adoptees and no issues. when I adopted Toby I asked owner to please have a wellness check and email me copy of the report. hugs n head smooches.

 

[Yoda mom]

@Catzzzmeow , @Toa and Ross

 

[juleshladik]

@juleshladik , members will surely chime in. glad you are asking questions for peace of mind. does the devon rex kitten have known coronavirus or known health issues? is kitten from a breeder? can ask if any known viruses or health issues in cattery. I have all adoptees and no issues. when I adopted Toby I asked owner to please have a wellness check and email me copy of the report. hugs n head smooches.

Thank you so much for replying. The kitten is from a TICA breeder. No known health issues. I asked her about feline coronavirus virus and she said she normally doesn’t test for it since most catteries have it and it can even be brought in on clothing. She was honest and did she has had two FIP cases in her years of breeding, but she immediately spayed/neutered those lines. I might offer to pay for the antibody test for peace of mind, but if it comes back positive, I’m not sure what I’ll do. I would just hate to trigger FIP in my sweet boy cat. Although I know the risk is always there with or without the kitten I suppose.

 

[Yoda mom]

@juleshladik , glad you have good communication with the breeder. glad you are asking questions to make an informed decision. hugs n head smooches to your boy (love to see pic of him ). tagging @Catzzzmeow

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Introducing a new baby into the home can bring on a chance of many different things, but a slim chance. Most common is a URI due to stress followed most likely by parasites, so getting a stool sample tested before introducing them is key. Hoping this might be of help Introducing a new cat or kitten into the home

Above all trust your gut. If you think your resident cat will not do well, or it will stress you out too much don’t push it.

 

[Toa and Ross]

My both boys have the coronavirus. I introduced my girl Jade into the household when the boys were 2. Jade was 2 also. Later I introduced Foxy and last year I introduced a dog. My vet says that when you take the introduction slowly the changes are small they will get FIP.