Your Gift. Their Cure. A Future Beyond FIP.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) was once considered unbeatable. For decades, cats diagnosed with FIP had almost no chance of survival. But today, hope exists—and Barnie’s Place Feline Rescue is committed to giving that hope to the cats who need it most.

We specialize in caring for injured, sick, stray, and feral cats—many of whom arrive frightened, fragile, and medically complex. When FIP enters the picture, their journey becomes even harder. Treatment is long, emotional, and expensive, but these cats deserve the chance to live, love, and heal.

Thanks to donors, fosters, and compassionate supporters, Barnie’s Place has helped multiple FIP cats recover and thrive.

What Is FIP?

FIP develops when a common, usually harmless feline coronavirus mutates inside the body. Most cats exposed to the original virus never become ill. But in stressed or immune-compromised cats—like many strays and ferals—the virus can transform into FIP.

There are three primary forms: Wet (Effusive) FIP, Dry (Non-effusive) FIP, or Neurological or Ocular FIP.

FIP is notoriously difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mimic many other illnesses. At Barnie’s Place, we rely on experience, veterinary guidance, and intuition to recognize when things don’t add up—and when it’s time to start treatment before it’s too late.

Treatment: Long, Difficult, and Worth Every Day

FIP treatment typically lasts 84 days, followed by 84 days of observation. It often involves: Daily specialized medication, Regular bloodwork, Strict monitoring, Potential feeding tubes, and Supportive care (fluids, appetite boosters, etc.).

Meds can cost $250+ a month, depending on weight and complications. Many rescues cannot take on this level of financial and medical responsibility—but Barnie’s Place was created to help the ones who need more.

Because every cat deserves a chance at a full life.

⭐ FIP Spotlight: Luci — The Cat Who Beat FIP Twice

Luci first came to Barnie’s Place as a kitten and survived FIP during his early months. He was adopted into a loving home, where he lived happily—until years later, he suddenly fell gravely ill.

He lost weight.He became jaundiced.An abdominal mass appeared.His condition declined rapidly.

His veterinarian removed the mass, but Luci remained in critical condition. His adopter reached out to Barnie’s Place, desperate for help. With no other options, we restarted FIP treatment—hoping for a miracle.

That miracle came within 24 hours.Luci perked up.His color improved.He began responding.

He returned to his original foster home with a feeding tube and requiring intensive care. For three months, he received medication, tube feedings, and constant support.

And then—he won. Luci recovered and returned home to his adopter, happy, healthy, and full of love.

Luci reminds us that FIP is no longer a death sentence when compassion and medical care come together.

⭐ FIP Spotlight: Griddle — From Wobbly Kitten to Bright New Future

Griddle was adopted last December with another kitten. Sweet and energetic, she seemed perfectly healthy—until her adopter noticed she wasn’t gaining weight and had begun to wobble when she walked.

Supportive treatments didn’t help. Eventually, with heartbreak, Griddle was returned to Barnie’s Place for specialized care.

Her symptoms were puzzling:

• Neurological weakness

• Difficulty walking

• Fractious behavior caused by discomfort

• Failure to gain weight

These unusual signs pointed to neurological FIP, one of the hardest forms to diagnose.

We began treatment immediately.

Over the next three months, Griddle transformed.Her wobble faded.Her strength returned.She began trusting again.

Today, Griddle is a healthy, bright-eyed young cat ready for her forever home.

Her recovery is proof that FIP doesn’t have to mean goodbye—it can mean a second chance.

Why Barnie’s Place Fights for FIP Cats:

*Because they are the ones who need us most.

*Because we believe no cat should be left behind.

*Because we’ve often seen miracles happen.

Barnie’s Place is often the last call for medically complex cats—those who are sick, feral, injured, disabled, or diagnosed with illnesses others cannot take on.

We care for:

• FIP cats

• FIV and FeLV cats

• Cats with long-term or chronic medical needs

• Cats with disabilities or neurological challenges

• Seniors, hospice cats, and traumatized strays

• Cats abandoned due to their medical expenses

When others say “There’s nothing to be done,” 

we say: “Let’s see what hope can do.”

Our vision is to build a permanent facility—

Barnie’s Place—a sanctuary where medically fragile cats receive the care, comfort, and dignity they deserve. Combined with foster homes and adoptive families, this future “place” will ensure that no cat is ever turned away for being too sick, too complicated, or too broken.

FIP treatment is one of the many ways we honor that mission.