02/06/2026
A few weeks ago, we were still hoping for a different answer. When Okra started getting sick, losing weight, and becoming less like himself, we went through the same thoughts that so many cat pawrents know all too well. Maybe it was something simple. Maybe there was another explanation.
This past Sunday, Okra had his follow-up appointment, and we finally got our answer. The medication is working. And because it is working, we now know that Okra does have FIP.
No matter how much we suspected it, hearing those letters was still difficult. No one ever wants to hear that diagnosis. At the same time, there was relief. For weeks, we knew something was wrong but not exactly what we were fighting. Now we do, and we know what comes next.
Okra will continue his medication, and for now we are taking things one day at a time, one dose at a time, and one small step at a time.
One of the biggest concerns leading up to his medication trial was a change in his mobility. Okra had developed a noticeably wobbly gait, which immediately raised alarm bells for us and his vet team. Because this can be associated with neurological FIP, we decided not to wait and began a medication trial as quickly as possible.
Looking back, we are incredibly grateful that we acted when we did. Within a short time of starting treatment, we began seeing subtle but meaningful improvements. Those early changes gave us hope and ultimately helped confirm what we were dealing with.
Right now, Okra weighs 3.6 kg, and closely monitoring his weight is an important part of his treatment. Because FIP medication is dosed by body weight, his dose will need to increase as he gains weight. Since Okra has neurological FIP, he is already on a higher dose than cats with other forms of the disease.
We know this journey is far from over, but today we are holding on to gratitude. Grateful that we caught this when we did, that treatment is helping, and that so many of you have shown up for Okra through donations, shares, kind messages, and love.
Please keep sending him strength. We will keep fighting for him every single day. 🧡
