Early yesterday morning, one of our dedicated feral team leads was checking on some cats at one of the colonies while on her way to work. She came across a beautiful but emaciated Siamese Cross. The cat had a bulging belly which was assumed to be pregnancy and she was painfully thin, so our volunteer scooped the poor kitty and rushed her to the Victoria Veterinary Clinic to be checked out.

The cat was a beautiful female with blue eyes and both Siamese and tortoiseshell markings. She was named Victoria by her rescuer. She was sweet and calm, and we were excited to have such a lovely cat in our care. We quickly began planning her future, which included a spay, a foster home and finding a loving forever home.

Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. Late in the day, we received word from the vet that Victoria was not actually pregnant. The fullness in her belly was an accumulation of fluid which is never a good sign. She also had a mass on her liver and the diagnosis was Feline Infectious Peritonitis - a fatal illness for cats.

Since FIP is fatal, we made the decision to spare her any further suffering and have her put down peacefully. Thanks to the staff at the Victoria Veterinary Clinic, Victoria spent the day safe, comfortable, and most of all, receiving lots of love. The staff quickly fell for her and she received many pets and cuddles throughout the day before she crossed to the rainbow bridge, purring away, with another RCR volunteer by her side to send her off.

We may have only had her a day, but we loved our Victoria and are saddened by her passing. We may not have been able to save her, but we did give her lots of love and the best of care before her unfortunate passing.

Good night, sweet Victoria. We love you.

-Alanna