Hi Everyone - please prepare for the longest post in history!
I'm a first-time cat owner and two weeks ago I bought a male blue BSH from a GFFC breeder. He looked fine, bright and perky.
When I got him home he didn't really want to eat but the breeder said that this would happen. After a couple of days he still hadn't really eaten that much (although going to the toilet fine and eating kibble, just no wet food.) I noticed that his breathing was a little odd, but after making myself paranoid Googling ailments, I thought that I was being silly.
I phoned the breeder after seven days and said that I was still concerned that he wasn't eating enough, that he was losing weight and that he didn't really play much - just slept a lot. She said that it took a while (sometimes weeks) for BSHs to settle in.
Today I took him to the vets and she took one look at him, said I was right to bring him in. Too skinny, not breathing right.
I suppose I don't know what my question is - I'm just very sad. He has to go back for Xrays and blood tests first thing and I'm beside myself.
I would NEVER have thought I would get so attached to a pet so quickly, he is utterly adorable.
How do I know whether he was sick when the breeder sold him to me? She said that he was well when we took him home, so she is pretty much washing her hands of the situation. I just wanted some more info on what it could possibly be, if she knew.
Has anyone had similar? So sorry to drone on!
Oh - plus points: he eats his kibble and drinks water. He uses his litter tray properly, he is still alert.
If anyone can offer any words of comfort, I would love that! Otherwise this has been useful writing it all down.

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Firstly i have had 4 British in the last 18 years and within a Day or two they have been fine. Also lively as well.
Did this Breeder give you any pet insurance for one month? I think most breeders do this.
I am sorry i cannot help much but i hope someone on here that breeds will be able to help you.
For the breeder not to be any help with you are is awfull!
It is a worrying time for you and I can't say don't worry because he's your baby and i know how that feels.
It is amazing how in just a couple of days you can be so bonded with them.
I hope the vet will come up with some answers for you very soon.
If he is eating and drinking and pooing and weeing that is good. Try and keep him warm tonight.

please keep us all updated on your little fella. He is so cute

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Thanks so much Jill, I will definitely update. Yes, I got a month's free insurance and have checked with Petplan that all is valid so there is that at least! Poor little thing just seems to be getting worse. : (

Sometimes, a kitten will develop cat flu when moving house, even if he has been vaccinated. Stress affects cats very badly, it will make them very susceptible to infections. So it might be a''simple' respiratory virus, which still may make a kitten very ill, but, if treated properly in time, usually is not terribly dangerous.
There are many things that make a cat lethargic and off its food, but it is the breathing that worries me. It suggests there may be something wrong with the lungs or the heart.
If there should be a congenital heart or lung condition, you are entitled to get your money back, which isn't much of a consolation, I know. I am sure we all prefer it to be some infection, as infections can often be cured with medication and TLC, and we all just want your little boy to get well.

Was he tested for the corona virus, and were his parents both pronounced clear of the virus? The corona virus in itself does not make them ill, but it is contageous. However, the virus may mutate into FIP, at which stage it is lethal, but no longer contageous. A great percentage of moggies carry the virus, but it rarely mutates into FIP. But if it did mutate in the mother, the kittens may be infected before birth, or through the milk.

I don't know what the rules are in the UK, but breeders in Holland usually have their cats tested and only breed with corona-free cats from corona-free homes.

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Jiskefet & the mognificent Dutch bunch

My little angels at the rainbow bridge

If you mean that his breathing is getting worse then give the vet a ring Asap.

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I don't really care in what way he is getting worse, please get him to an emergency vet if he is getting worse in any way. Kittens do not have the reserves a grown cat has. If they are ill, they need to be treated ASAP.

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Jiskefet & the mognificent Dutch bunch

My little angels at the rainbow bridge

Sorry to hear your kitten is poorly sometimes the vaccination can make them a little off for a few days if he had it just before he came to you, plus the stress of moveing house, hopefully that is all it is. Im not impressed with the breeder mind

Did the vet take his temp?

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All my children have paws!

How is your kitty now?

Your breeder's attitude is outrageous-not eating much for this length of time is a very clear signal that something is wrong and at the very least she should have suggested seeing a vet.

Given the breathing problems I'm surprised the vet didn't admit him straight away or do a blood test. Did she listen to his heart?

Hope he improves soon.

Is your kitten at home with you or was he kept at the Vet's? If he is at home with you, then if there are any negative changes I would be calling the vet and taking him in as it is not worth taking chances. With a kitten, the sooner medical action is taken the better the response to it.

I am also not impressed with the advice of the breeder to be honest, but at least you are now getting the right advice from your vet.

Hope your little one pulls through quickly - he is gorgeous.

Please keep us updated x

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Having just bought a BSH boy myself I can understand how quickly you get attached. Saying that mine settled in less than 24 hrs but they are all different. Have a look at his vacc card and see when he had the last one, this can sometimes make them ill. How old was he when you got him?
Mine had his last vacc at 12 weeks but the breeder would not let him go till a week later to check no reaction to the vaccine (i didn't pick him up till 16 weeks old anyway)
It is concerning that its a breathing issue so I would say defo get him back to vets if you feel it has not improved.
Do you have air fresheners? Could it be that which is the problem. Have you changed him on to a new type of litter or anything.
I assume he is being given the same food the breeder had him on and no change? Just trying to rule out reasons he may be off his food.

I am appauled at the breeder for her lack of support!!

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