12/06/2026
✨ UPDATE ON IOLO ✨
In April, young Iolo came into our care during a routine TNR (trap, neuter, return) carried out by one of our volunteers. But once he arrived at the vet, it was clear something was very wrong.
He was weak, lethargic, and struggling to breathe with rapid, shallow breaths.
He was given immediate life saving treatment, and once stabilised, the vets began running tests to find out what had made this young cat so desperately unwell. Eventually a diagnosis was made:
FIP – Feline Infectious Peritonitis.
A diagnosis that used to mean certain death.
FIP is notoriously difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat. But in recent years, new antiviral medications have changed the outlook — with success rates of around 85%.
The downside?
Treatment is extremely expensive, takes up to 3 months, and requires a fosterer willing to give medication every single day and monitor symptoms closely.
Iolo is a gentle, sweet natured boy who deserved a chance.
But the financial cost was huge.
The emotional cost was huge.
And there was always the fear that treatment might not work.
We chose to give him that chance.
We took a leap of faith — trusting that our funds would stretch, that our fosterer could manage the demanding regime, and that the treatment would save his life.
Our incredible fosterer has cared for him every step of the way.
And the wonderful team at Swansea Cat Clinic Veterinary Richard, Owain and the Team have supported and guided his treatment throughout.
And yesterday… we got the news we had been hoping and praying for:
✨ IOLO’S BLOODS ARE NORMAL — HE IS CURED OF FIP! ✨
After a couple more weeks weaning him off steroids, Iolo will be ready to find his forever home.
At Swansea Cats & Kittens, we always try to give every cat the best chance we possibly can taking vets advice — young or old, feral or domestic. Every single one deserves help in its own way.
And it’s because of your support that we were able to save Iolo’s life.
Iolo is living proof of what compassion, teamwork and community support can achieve.
PLEASE SHARE to give other owners hope if their cat is diagnosed with FIP
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