He was doing very well for the first five day, but a couple nights ago we noticed that he didn't eat all day. He would have a couple bites, but then wander off. We tried syringe feeding him, but he would still only keep a couple bites and spit the rest out. Last night we could tell that he was hungry, but he was still rejecting his food. Then I noticed the dried vomit near the litterbox and also buried in the litterbox, and I knew we were going to lose him.
Panleukopenia is probably the most prolific killer of kittens in a shelter environment. It's a tricky virus that has an incubation period of up to 14 days, during which time a kitten can appear completely healthy. It is also extremely hardy and difficult to eradicate and can live in the environment for years if not properly sanitized.
Baby Biscuit was tested on intake because he was sick with a URI, but he tested negative. Today, seven days later, he tested positive. I'm very thankful that I know the symptoms to look for and we were able to catch it early, while he was still happy and playing, even if he had lost his appetite.
This is how I will remember him.
More information on Panleukopenia at animalsheltering.org.
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