Mana Nak Sama Sidney Seorang…

In the midst of joy having adopted Gabby, our first son fell sick. Sidney was diagnosed with feline leukemia (FeLV) and is FIP positive (Click here to know about FeLV) + (Click here to know about FIP). We understand Sid may have been transmitted through his mother at birth since SPCA didn’t know his origins.

It all began when Sid started having fever and swollen lymph node. The active and playful Sid suddenly became a passive and quiet cat. We were devastated to know that with FeLV Sid would have a maximum of 6 years lifespan but because of the existence of FIP in his body, his lifespan is shortened to six months only.

We feel disappointed to suddenly see Sid becoming sick. It is very unlikely of him to just sit quietly at a corner in the house. The vet told us, and of course from our reading, there isn’t a cure to the diseases. Sidney started becoming very thin as FIP will shrink the organs; liver, kidney, lungs, heart – everything! He lost his appetite and we have to force feed him.

We seek for a second opinion from Auntie Tata’s vet but were told the same – no cure and a suggestion to put Sid to sleep. We were told that looking at his condition Sid has less than a month to live. Auntie Tata was also there, thank you for being there for us and for Sid. We cried at the vet. I felt like it was the end of the world. So this is how it feels to lose a child.

After much thinking and discussing with Ayah, we decided not to go ahead with the suggestion to put Sid to sleep. To us it’s unethical. We rather take care of him until he breathes his last breath. Our main intention when adopting Sid was to give him a good and happy home. We tried our best and taking care of him was the least we could do.

However, since FeLV and FIP are highly contagious through sharing of litter pan and food, transmitted to bodily fluid and stool, we were advised not to keep Sidney in the same house as Gabby.

Currently Sid is in Taman Melawati, caged and separated from the rest of Atok’s 20+ cats. Uncle Syafiq offered to look after him. We would visit him whenever we can and spend quality time with him whenever possible.

Our days pass by longing for our son’s presence in the apartment. We dearly miss you Sidney. We’re very sorry we cannot keep you here, for the sake of your sister Gabby and your brother Troy. Deep inside we know you understand our decision. We hope these last days of your life are filled with lots of love and happiness.

We love you dearly Sidney.

“Dua tiga kucing berlari
Mana nak sama Sidney ku sayang
Dua tiga lagi boleh abah cari
Mana nak sama Sidney seorang”

Love,
Abah, Ayah, Gabby & Troy