2 weeks Ago
An animal charity is “devastated” after a second kitten has been diagnosed with a fatal disease. Rafiki was rescued alongside his brother, Disney, and four other siblings as their owner was unable to look after them. Rafiki and Disney were placed into foster care in Bexhill, however both were diagnosed with the often fatal disease feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).
Disney was first to be diagnosed , with Rafiki being taken to the vets two months after when he stopped eating and developed a pot belly. Rafiki was taken to Happy Tails Vets in Bexhill, who are also overseeing Disney's treatment. Alice, left, Rafiki, centre, and Disney, right (Image: Paw Society) Rafiki was diagnosed with effusive or wet FIP, one of the two forms of the disease.
A spokeswoman for the Paw Society said: “The dry form causes inflammation in one or more organs. “The wet form is the more dangerous of the two and causes fluid to build up in the chest or abdomen. This is why the disease is so deadly.
“For many years, FIP was an untreatable condition and many cats have lost their lives due to a lack of affordable treatment options. “Disney’s treatment was almost £5,000 and we’ve received a conservative estimate for Rafiki of £1,800." Rafiki now (Image: Paw Society) The People’s Animal Welfare (Paw) Society is asking for donations to treat both kittens.
A Go Fund Me link can be found here. “Disney’s diagnosis was shocking, but to have a second littermate develop FIP is just devastating. “We’d hoped that after Disney recovered, he and Rafiki would be adopted together as they have the most beautiful relationship.
READ MORE: Woman's heartbreak after kitten diagnosed with serious heart defect “We’re hopeful the boys can still have the happy future we dreamed of for them, but they both need to be treated and recover first. “Our supporters have been wonderful helping us fundraise for Disney, and it’s awful having to ask for more help so soon after. “Despite the cost and stress, we’re grateful they ended up in our care.
We will always give every animal the best chance at life and understand this isn’t always possible for pet owners. “Nothing would break our hearts more than if Disney was given a chance to live but his brother wasn’t.”.
