R.I.P. Gryffyn

We are incredibly sad to report that the little orange tabby boy, Gryffyn, has died from the FIP virus (Feline Infectious Peritonitis).



Our hearts ache at this loss, as this little boy was so brave and hopeful. We thought that Gryffyn often wondered, 'Are you out there, my perfect family?' That he needed to know that someone out there thought he was perfect! Well, we did.

This little hopeful kitten was such a delight and so adorable with such a unique face, sometimes looking a little too serious, but we know he was just wondering if someone was coming for him soon.

Sadly, Gryffyn had to be pulled from the adoption program because of suspected illness when showing signs of his weak immune system, and though FIP is not a highly contagious disease, unfortunately, there is no known cure or effective treatment for FIP at this time, and once a cat develops clinical FIP involving one or many systems of the cat's body, the disease is progressive and is almost always fatal.

The way clinical FIP develops as an immune-mediated disease is unique, unlike any other viral disease of animals or humans,and is caused by a coronavirus that can infect any cat, most commonly the transmission of feline coronavirus occurs when infected female cats pass along the virus to their kittens and the disease rate is much higher in multiple-cat populations, such as some shelters, like where Gryffyn was pulled from, though quarantine is not necessary as FIP is not truly an infectious disease. Feline Enteric Coronavirus is shed in the feces and can be passed on to other cats, however, it is the mutated form of the virus that leads to FIP.

There is no cure for FIP; treatment is symptomatic and we did our best to prolong a qood quality of life for Gryffyn and made every attempt to make him as comfortable as possible.

This brave little orange tabby truly deserved a chance and we are so saddened that his life was cut short from the mutation of the corona virus that effects anywhere from 1 % to 5 % of the cat population and has no cure.

We hated losing Gryffyn but we don't think he suffered, as his foster mom was constantly aware of his status, keeping a close watch on him and when he stopped eating we knew it was time.

We miss Gryffyn and consider ourselves blessed with his presence for the short time he had here with us.

Gryffyn, you will all ways be remembered for the wonderful little boy you were.



Rest In Peace, Our Little Boy Gryffyn.