Callisto died today. She was only 3 months old. I only had her for 24 days and she is already gone. Last Monday I noticed she was throwing up clear liquid and after observing her closely the next day, I also noticed she had not been eating, drinking or using her litter box. She also was not her usual playful self but was acting very sleepy and lethargic. I brought her to the vet on Wednesday and he felt lumps in her abdomen. She had to get blood work done and the next day, the results were not good. Her red blood cells were very low so I had to take her in again for more testing and x-rays. I was hoping for good news but the vet called me the next morning to tell me there was fluid build-up in her abdomen. Along with all the other tests they did and Callisto’s symptoms, there really was nothing else it could be but Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).

FIP is a very rare but fatal disease. There is no cure or treatment and most cats die within a few days or weeks of the symptoms showing. The vet knew she did not have much time left as she was growing weaker and weaker. It was a hard decision but we came to the conclusion that she needed to be put to sleep. I went in there today for 11:40 to say my goodbyes and see her one last time. The doctor came in and told me she had died 20 minutes before I got there. I asked to hold her and I had some alone time with her. Her body was still warm. She just looked like she was in a deep sleep. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do to say goodbye to her.

It’s hard to believe she is gone. Even though she was only a part of my life for a short period of time, she was instantly a part of my family and I grew so attached to her. When I put Destiny’s leash on, I expect her to come out of nowhere and start chasing it. But she doesn’t. I had to take a nap when I got home because my eyes and head hurt from so much crying. I kept expecting her to jump on my pillow and start playing with my hair. But she didn’t. So little things like that are really hard and very weird. It’s going to be awkward adjusting to her not being around anymore. It’s amazing how quickly she became a part of my everyday doings. Even when I’m on the computer, I’m reminded of her because she would always try to attack the cursor on the screen.

Callisto, my darling, I love you so much. Even though you were taken from me way too soon, I’ll never forget you. Know that Destiny and Hercules miss their little sister and your mommy misses you more than she can say. You’ll forever be in my heart. I love you.