Let’s meet again, in the next life. 💞Sora 9/10/25 - 1/13/26
the same disease that weakened our kitty boy Haru that passed in November from lymphoma- the same kitten that we adopted to ease our pain the day before Haru passed away- the same kitten that we only had for 53 days of his very short life- the same kitten that purred and cuddled against our faces while we were sleeping in bed - the same baby that should never have had to go through this - FIP is a horrible disease and it takes away so many babies from their families - how am I supposed to go on and live my life normally when I had barely met him, barely gotten the chance to show him how great life could be. I miss him so much every single day and I will never forget the way he tried to purr the morning that he passed away when I picked him up and held him for the last time. It’s been almost a week since he passed and it still hurts so much. You were too little and just too sick. My only guilt is that I just wish we’d had more time with you, Sora. I’m still looking for you reflexively around the house and I’ll look for you in every single life until I find you again. Fuck FIP. Fuck FIP. FUCK FIP.
Losing a pet to a disease like FIP is one of the hardest experiences a pet owner can face. From my own experience as a pet lover, the suddenness and severity of FIP—Feline Infectious Peritonitis—can leave families devastated and searching for answers. Unlike other common feline illnesses, FIP often strikes kittens or young cats, and despite advances in veterinary medicine, it remains a largely fatal condition. The emotional toll of caring for a very sick kitten is immense. Every purr, every small cuddle, every wagging tail is a precious memory etched forever in the hearts of owners. For many, like with Sora, the time together is heartbreakingly brief but intensely meaningful. I’ve experienced that reflexive habit of looking for your pet in every room, wanting to see their little face or hear their familiar sounds—it underscores how deep the bond is. Modern veterinary care offers some new hope with recently researched antiviral treatments, but access to these varies and often comes at a high cost. Compassionate support groups online and outreach communities can provide invaluable comfort and practical advice when navigating this difficult journey. If you’re currently facing the heartbreak of FIP, remember to treasure every moment with your beloved pet, seek out counseling if grief feels overwhelming, and connect with others who understand the unique pain of this disease. Sharing stories and personal reflections, like this tribute to Sora, helps keep the memory of these precious lives alive and supports those undergoing similar losses. In honor of kittens like Sora, many of us advocate for more research funding and awareness to one day overcome FIP’s heartbreak. Until then, may we hold our furry companions a little closer and honor their spirits with love, patience, and hope.