I had 2 cats- Kara (about 1-2 yrs old, stray I took in after owners abandoned her) and Kirby (6 months, from SPCA). Kirby passed away almost a month ago from FIP. Kara seems healthy and normal but super playful because I think she doesn't have another cat to play with/chase each other.
We think we want another cat in the next few weeks (the SPCA said we could have another for free). When my vet diagnosed Kirby with FIP, she said we didn't need to do anything with Kara but said we may want her tested for the coronavirus if we get another cat.
My question is-- since the majority of cats have or have had the corona virus then is it necessary to get Kara tested? I could have the vet keep checking her antibodies-- but it's most likely the new cat will be carrying the corona virus and just give it to Kara anyways. KWIM?
Since it's really genetics of the individual cat/stress that causes the virus to mutate, does it make sense to put Kara through tests when she'll probably get it anyways from the new cat? I've read it's not even worth keeping the new and old cat separate because the corona virus can spread through the air/on your clothing.
Maybe I should wait til I have both cats and get them both tested- but I'm not sure if that's even worth it. I'm just scared if I get a new cat and take it to my vet for it's first check up, she's gonna be like "what have you done!!"
Anyone with FIP experience have any suggestions?
We think we want another cat in the next few weeks (the SPCA said we could have another for free). When my vet diagnosed Kirby with FIP, she said we didn't need to do anything with Kara but said we may want her tested for the coronavirus if we get another cat.
My question is-- since the majority of cats have or have had the corona virus then is it necessary to get Kara tested? I could have the vet keep checking her antibodies-- but it's most likely the new cat will be carrying the corona virus and just give it to Kara anyways. KWIM?
Since it's really genetics of the individual cat/stress that causes the virus to mutate, does it make sense to put Kara through tests when she'll probably get it anyways from the new cat? I've read it's not even worth keeping the new and old cat separate because the corona virus can spread through the air/on your clothing.
Maybe I should wait til I have both cats and get them both tested- but I'm not sure if that's even worth it. I'm just scared if I get a new cat and take it to my vet for it's first check up, she's gonna be like "what have you done!!"
Anyone with FIP experience have any suggestions?