Adele's Story
Adele came into our care during the Fall of 2023. She was one of 14 animals rescued from a property in a small Alberta town. After three months in care, and following her spay surgery and vaccinations, her condition suddenly took a turn.
Within 24 hours, Adele went from a playful, cuddly, and energetic kitten, to not having the energy to hold her head up. We rushed her to the clinic for a check-up, and after struggling to get enough blood for testing, they finally came back with a tentative diagnosis—Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
While uncommon, FIP is a fast-moving and serious illness that can cause severe damage to a cat’s organs. Without treatment, it is almost always fatal, making early detection and care absolutely critical. Like most cats, Adele was very good hiding her pain. We immediately started treatment following her vet visit, but within hours we were rushing back to the clinic as her vitals were crashing. Sadly, we could not save this beautiful soul. Through this heartbreaking experience, we learned valuable information that proved to be useful as we carried on into 2024 and faced seven more FIP diagnoses.
As we were grieving the loss of Adele, we knew we wanted to do everything possible to support others facing a similar diagnosis with their own beloved cats. In response, we created a fund to help provide financial assistance to those who may not have the means to afford life-saving treatment for their companion.
Adele’s FIP Champion Fund was created in Adele's honour to ensure her brief but beautiful life, and her brave battle, are never forgotten.
Successfully Treated FIP Cats
FIP treatment costs can range drastically because all cases are unique. In our experience, treatment costs begin at $800 and can increase depending on the cat’s needs, with many cases running into the thousands. These costs cover a range of necessary care, including medications such as pain relief, anti-nausea drugs, and appetite stimulants, as well as monthly bloodwork, routine veterinary checkups, diagnostic testing, and more.
10% of all general donations to BHARS are put towards Adele's FIP Champion Fund. With these donations, we are helping cats through their entire course of treatment, complete with bloodwork, nutritional support, and medication.
No one should ever feel alone or out of options when faced with a diagnosis of FIP in their beloved cat. Below, you'll find helpful resources for FIP, along with supportive communities to guide you through treatment. If you require assistance or support with FIP treatment for your cat, please contact us — we’re here to help
