Rescuing a Street Kitten with FIP

[@FlatbushCats]

Thanks everyone for your support! We're on Instagram w/ daily updates: instagram.com/flatbushcats/

[@ipawilzon]

This is one of your best videos. Really spoke to me and Lionel touched my heart. RIP Lionel.

[@mrsdin3739]

I miss your videos.

[@shawnaweesner3759]

Lionel was so blessed to be loved before he died! The most difficult deaths are those cats, feral and hoarded, who have no one to love them, and die alone in agony. SPAY & NEUTER AMERICA!!!!!!!!!

[@karinedickau6613]

Heartbreaking! At least this poor child didn't die alone on the street. I have 2 darling cats who lived on the street and adopted me. One of the great joys of my life!

[@pyrotechnick420]

Not the best time to post a depressing video I mean feel the room out first...

[@SeattleSandro]

My partner and I adopted a rescue, a sweet little orange boy, and he died of FIP a few months after we got him. My partners, who's a veterinarian, warned me this would be bad and it was. FIP is a terrible disease that you can't do much about without spending thousands of dollars. I realized, after our kitten died, that we gave him a really great life for his last few months. He was safe, well-fed, and loved. His life may have been short, but it impacted me just the same. Never once do I regret our decision to adopt him, nor do I regret the decision to adopt another kitten a few months later. I just can't imagine not have a cat around.

[@ml677]

I'm very emotionally ready for this. Ten minutes later: *ugly crying*

[@SpooN12344321]

me too I cried like a baby :(

[@bklyn_line]

Yeahhhhhh...I broke like a water line 😭

[@sallychamness2159]

Me too. God bless em all

[@KanielOutis147]

Idk if I’m ready for this but I’ll let you know after

[@KanielOutis147]

4 minutes in me wanting to cry at kittys meowing at each other

[@GaelinW]

Your time with Lionel wasn't lost. Your renewed mission aside, his last days and weeks were filled with love and the good life. That you did for him. And he made it possible that you could do it for others.

[@cgibbs5584]

So true; it's heartbreaking, but he had everything he deserved. You gave him those experiences of love and trust, and happiness and comfort. Imagine if he'd never had any of those experiences as so many do not. You are just a kind soul for all you do. Lionel would want you to give as much as you can to any others that you can. He will always be with you...and because you shared...he'll be with us too.

[@AmyLSacks]

@@cgibbs5584 Yes. I remember Paul, a sweet orange cat at the no-kill shelter I used to volunteer at. He had FELV and when the end came, it was fast. But before that, he had a year of love, good food, and support as the shelter "office cat," and a fan even painted a little portrait of him. I still have a tiny copy of it somewhere.

[@gaia_quest2704]

I couldn't have said it better myself. Lionel was given days of love and piece as his end drew near and I'm sure he went happy & well loved to his new heaven in the end.

[@deerheart87]

Amen x

[@emjfotografi]

This is what I have to think when something like this happens. You gave them such a Warm, loving and comfortable end to their life. They would have been sick and miserable on the street without you.

[@Clitoriacetal]

no time spent with family and pets is wasted time. to grief deeply, is to have loved fully.

[@ginmar8134]

It's not the length of the life, it's the quality. He went from cold, dirty streets, to love. Watching him rub his cheek on your face was a glimpse of how he loved you.

[@elfacosmosa]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5bVc4J_bM6cesU

[@lauraswihart8018]

This is so true!💓💓

[@mycroft16]

Lionel died knowing love. He would have died, probably even sooner, in fear and brutality on the streets.

[@rebeccaconlon9743]

And probably from that same disease

[@JaseekaRawr]

😭❤🙏

[@JustKevStockholm]

I think Mani said: ”These are very good people, you never have to be hungry again!” 😭

[@CatTang-cz3zv]

Mani is a good girl I cannot 😭😭😭😭

[@michaelaradecki5436]

“These people will help you feel less pain.”

[@MDSF90]

I’m crying so hard at work and I think my coworkers think something happened at home. Lol. My boss is asking me if everything is okay and I don’t think they believe me that I’m just watching rescue vids in my spare time and crying my eyes out over the beautiful stories. “Saving one cat may not change the world, but it will change the world for that one saved cat.”

[@maxima3229]

@Mohammed Islam wth is wrong with you

[@achxlios3493]

@Mohammed Islam leave

[@koslisted9458]

Lionel gave the "I Love you" slow blink when he was still in the cage.

[@mune014]

I’ve experienced some loss; I couldn’t really let the emotion out until your warm words struck me. “His life matters. Even though the time is short, he still deserved to enjoy all the comforts and love and family.”

[@mune014]

I cried so bad that I had to go through all the Flatbush videos to find comfort. Thank you for everything. It must have been hard but I’m sure we will be fine.

[@jamesdavis6895]

That is a beautiful quote

[@kmarasin]

Death is not the end. No effort to save a life is ever wasted. Right actions will always have right consequences.

[@shep9231]

Amen... His life did have meaning, his life touched all of us... I feel a little richer for knowing he existed, that his life had worth.... it was worth something to me... and to you.

[@ball7066]

I adopted a very old cat from an abusive family about 10 years ago. The poor cat had spent years locked in damp, dark, grey basement, with little social interaction from her "family". They had given her an unkind name, so I renamed her Chessie. Chessie only lived a little over another year, but in that year I gave her a life time worth of love. And she loved back unlike any cat I ever owned. Her death was very hard on me, but I'm so glad that I gave her the love and comfort she so deserved during the last year of her life.

[@jocelync.2034]

Fuck that family man

[@rickbrenner6079]

I’m sorry for your loss. Thank u for rescuing her:)

[@Octavia-nd3br]

There's a special place in hell for ppl who abuse animals

[@Cupcakecat58]

May chessie rest in peace. Thank you for rescuing her

[@MikeStrau]

Seniors are another level of loving 🖤

[@stathissim]

I watched the warning, I braced, toughened up, crying uncontrollably, all in that order.

[@thenextpoetician6328]

That's how it's done. Then we can smile and start again ...

[@randomartist691]

I did the exact same

[@amandaaaaa2998]

I cried before the sad part😩😩

[@dianemoonstone4715]

I haven't toughened up yet. Just watched for a bit before dissolving into tears and taking a break. Don't know when I can get back into it again, or if ever. Brings back memories of my own losses, but also just of that beautiful Lionel. RIP, baby.

[@feeshac1974]

That heart with his paws prints got me damnit

[@davidschaftenaar6530]

Once this cat was a nameless. faceless animal, scraping by on the margins. Then you found him, fed him, took him in, healed him and named him Lionel. Though he passed away far too soon, Lionel came to know heaven on earth in the time he was given. God bless you, Flatbush Cats.

[@iamkathyo]

Love is eternal... And always will be... I am 74 yrs old... And I remember clearly the pets from my childhood... I will always love them...

[@SpiritusMundi4EVER]

❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎

[@twiggyjali]

I love Mani's little songbird voice 💞 She reached out to Lionel and said "they're good humans, they will be good to you & feed you good foods, They will love you, just give them a chance!" and he said back: "that sounds real nice... i'll give it a try." RIP little boy 💗

[@acousticeel9695]

There is some extremely good news for FIP cats. One of the new therapies, GS, has been FDA approved for veterinary use in the US. I’ve been through the treatment protocol and it saved my cat’s life, and hopefully soon it can save many more cats like Lionel

[@ashleybenson8688]

My kitten with fip had to be put down at 9 months. I raised him, bottle fed him, and then I watched him decline. It just happened in April. I had him cremated. It destroyed me.

[@gd2234_]

Those eye blinks would make me want to socialize him. Some sort of trust already there.

[@sleepycryptid370]

I don’t normally cry because of videos, but that one got through.

[@jara_b_sewing8308]

I want you to know that I live in Jersey, but because of your great rescue tips (like hand feeding to help acclimate) I trapped and rescued 6 kittens from the abandoned lot behind my home. (2 diff age litters living together). 2 of the kittens have already found a forever home together and the other four are doing amazing in foster. Thank you so much for your work and everything you do!

[@annasolberg8944]

This comment was posted ages ago, but I was just wondering if you have some personal tips? I move out in a few years, and I imagine I will try my best to foster all kinds of kitties and I want to do in the best possible way :)

[@bee4590]

@@annasolberg8944 your comment was also posted ages ago lol but in my opinion, start reaching out to local shelters, vets, animal hospitals, etc. doing volunteer work at a facility would help a lot, but possibly also help open doors for fostering. otherwise, try to talk to the people in your community-see if there are feral cat communities that need TNR locally. facebook is kinda lame now and less popular, but facebook is honestly great for finding people in your vicinity because it's one of the few social media sites that people still use their real information as opposed to a screenname-so see if there are any facebook groups for your area, ask around and see if you can find people to help you. if there isnt a group already, make one. hope that gave you some direction, there's a _lot_ of ways to help animals

[@annasolberg8944]

@@bee4590 thank you! i will try to reach out to facilities, sadly in my country they mostly look for volunteers over 18 so i'll have to wait a little before that's a possibility, but it can't hurt to try (:

[@gypsygirltarot2451]

I’ve seen this several times and cry each time. This little boys life was not in vain. I love your voice, btw.

[@amynurss1375]

I've lost many cats over the years. Some to age, one or two to the road, some ran away, or just dissapeared. All were heartbreaking, but our London in 2013 was like your Lionel. A stray kitten with broken teeth just showed up one day. Only about 2 months old. We vetted her and adopted her. She had FLV, had treatments but nothing could save her. We had her for only a few weeks but then she was gone. She had love if only for a little while. So we love for London and Lionel, may they RIP. Thank you for your great work .

[@moviecat7697]

Sorry for your losses Amy, I hope they are in a better place now❤️❤️

[@amynurss1375]

@@moviecat7697 Thank you. We did all we could.

[@SpiritusMundi4EVER]

Your efforts are so commendable, and your heart is so lovely. Thank you. ♥

[@nayomitaylor2244]

You are so kind London was lucky to find you.

[@motherrrhen8621]

My family adopted a kitten we named Sprite. When we got her, the breeder told us that she had diarear? idk how to spell it. Anyways we gave her the medicine and everyday after school i would spend as much time as i could hanging out with her. She stole my heart

[@kevinbullock6071]

You know, I have always loved cats. I've lived with dozens through my life, and I have learned enough from them to sniff out pretenders, those who show a shallow concern, but who will not commit to what it takes. There are lots of Kitten KZbinrs, but there are too few with your level of commitment to a wondrous species. God bless you for your deep love of those four legged miracles!

[@SqueeMachine]

thank you for sharing this, and for putting a warning at the beginning. I don't think I can watch right now but I'll come back ❤❤❤❤❤

[@johnloverman]

don't ever watch this man you will never be prepared

[@LJK0030]

cat

[@shirlepps4636]

It was beautiful. Tears and all. God wants his best also. Remember that.

[@martag9128]

It was so thoutfull. They are beautiful people

[@carolineanden3799]

Dear, dear Lionel.😪 Seeing how happy he became, knowing love, safety & the ease every cat deserves in his short life, shows the great importance of your work. I'm sorry for the loss you & his new mom have gone through.😪💔. I am glad the TNR program is working. To end the cycle of cats & kittens going through hardship, this is a truly wonderful legacy in lovely Lionel's memory🌈🌈. God bless him, you & all the cats & kittens still on the streets💕💕🐈🐈

[@Dominus4776]

I imagine Mani talking to him went something like "hey you're safe here. These people just want to help you"

[@MakeupMenaree]

I'm here in tears. We took in a gorgeous long grey haired baby last Aug, a year to the day today, we named Felix Fizzgig. We lost him after only 8 months a month before his 1st birthday on April 9th to Feline Leukemia. Although devastated, we are happy he was completely loved, adored and worshiped by us for the time we had him. Thank you for sharing. Today has been rough for us and this although sad gives us hope to take in more babies in need. 💔❤

[@mom2ajw814]

I lost 2 babies to FeLV...one was just over 2 & the other was just over a year.....I chose to spoil them until it was their time to go I miss them every day ...but know they were given the best life

[@jacksonheathen2092]

At least you can take comfort in knowing that you're a good person. My 14 year old Siamese (Trubby) just died from multiple health problems. He was the best friend I've had in that last 48 years. Just saying.

[@1940limited]

We feel the same abut the cat we lost to FIP but it doesn't ease the pain very much.

[@entitlementkid]

Jackson Heathen, I’m so sorry for your loss! I just lost my 16 yo cat in April and I miss her every day. She was my very best buddy. She was originally my mom’s cat, my mom’s very best buddy, but I took her for my own after my mom passed. But you and I gave them a good life with warmth, food and a lot of love. Some people say “Phooey!” when I tell them I believe I’ll see Du and my mom again when it’s my turn to go and that’s absolutely their prerogative but my beliefs help me make it through the days and nights when I’m missing them, and others, most. Again, I’m so sorry for the loss of your best friend. 😿

[@dinkydoo4994]

@@jacksonheathen2092 I'm sorry you lost your baby, I feel your pain. Our last loss was in 2006, and now my 13 yr old Ragdoll is going through pleural effusion. He's on meds and still eats, drinks, goes to the litter, still has his normal habits, just a little we weaker. Not sure how long he'll last, just enjoying every day with him.

[@mairovergara]

Thanks!

[@carschmn]

Poor little guy. You gave him the chance to know love before he passed.

[@Catty0117]

I rescued a cat last year who died five weeks after due to undiagnosed cancer, the grief of the lost opportunity was so heartbreaking... but I was forever grateful for the five weeks I had with him and the opportunity I had to continue taking care of other cats who needed a safe space 💖

[@3xfaster]

It was the best palliative care he could have gotten, I think you did wonderful and Lionel clearly was made very comfortable and was loved.

[@jimbopkiller3844]

At the end of your life, it's fun to imagine all the cats your helped, come back to you in hospital. For one last pat on the head each.

[@finnyoak]

Ohhh this is the comment that got me right in the heart.

[@annana6098]

His name was Roo. He was flea ridden and full of worms and scrawny, born feral and he was terrified. He was parasite free and filled out and silky and sitting in my lap a few weeks later. I was so happy for him. He slept on my bed for the first time before he went to the vet for his neutering procedure, and he died on the table because his lungs were defective or damaged from a cold he'd already had before I met him and the vet didn't catch it. He was so scared when I packed him in that carrier and took him. I told the vet I was concerned about his breathing. I did everything I knew how to do. I'm still torn up about it. I committed myself to rescuing Roo's older buddy, who was older and even more timid, and who is on the floor at my feet playing right now. We do our best to lessen the suffering in the world, and we make the world a better place.

[@elizabethlnu2775]

Bless your heart...I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet Roo.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

We think of things like neutering as nothing procedures, but it's not that way sometimes. We almost lost our favorite kitty this way, and nobody knows why he had such a terrible reaction.

[@annana6098]

@@LadyIarConnacht I really do believe in spaying and neutering to solve the problem of over population, of kittens starving in the street and dying miserable from infections. I just wish it were safer. The vet was convinced it would be safe because neutering is a quick procedure, but Roo wasn't strong enough.

[@aleyaartim3096]

Same thing happened. I feel so guilty sometimes

[@kaitlyn3168]

Bless you. Roo knew you loved him and he knows you'll love his brother too.

[@lauriem5751]

I lost a beautiful adopted grey ragdoll to FIP. Brittany was a rare beauty. It never gets easier.

[@anonymousbub3410]

RIP Lionel he will be missed and loved!! He will be watching over you!

[@jacksonheathen2092]

Well said.

[@fubliani1882]

Rewatching this vid and reminded of how much of your energy, heart, and tears the Flatbush Cats crew puts into each kitty. Thank-you for all you do!

[@nadine1208]

That warning in the beginning was so respectful and considerate. I really appreciated it. Liam and Lionel were such pritty cats. You made his last month's so nice and comfortable so the hard work was definitely worth it.

[@Marie-ed9vj]

I lost a kitten to FIP, it is a truly gut wrenching experience knowing that there's nothing you can do to help. All you can do is appreciate the time you had, and hope for a cure in future so other cats don't suffer the same.

[@h.g.buddne]

If you still have cats that get diagnosed FIP, there is a cure. It is very expensive (around 5000, depending on the cats weight) but it is possible to cure them since about 3 years with around 87% success. Good news for a disease that was 100% deadly. My cat is going through therapy at the moment 😔

[@bsh819]

@@h.g.buddne Is that GS-441524 ?

[@makaylaserniotti1474]

Who's cutting onions here I'm-

[@kayesguineapigs]

The onion cutting trolls are here!!

[@thenextpoetician6328]

They get me every time, happy ending or sad.

[@kayesguineapigs]

John Chaser troll alert and he’s got all the onions

[@lelandwhite5124]

@John Chaser Poor guy :)))

[@moviecat7697]

Grow up

[@WobblesandBean]

Mani's meow, according to my cat translator, meant "I love you". I think she was trying to tell him that he was safe and cared for. Mani probably made him think of his own mom, and felt better. 💜 Maybe she recognized his condition. Cats often do. Don't ever think that the time spent on Lionel was lost. The fact that he was able to die warm, loved, and with an amazing mom, was your final gift to him. A wonderful gift. Otherwise he'd have died cold, scared, hungry, and alone.

[@Lady.Charis]

I feed a couple of stray cats, and one little kitten I named Pirate died 2 days ago. This video made me happy, because I know that even though that little kitten is gone, it reminded me that he didn't go hungry, and I did love him. Safe travels, little buddy. :')

[@bee4590]

he left the earth with a full belly because of you. i bet he loved you too

[@ihkoihkoihko]

It's weird to go years without crying and then stumble on this channel and cry practically every other video.

[@harrrt227]

We learn a lot from animals. Lionel would have enjoyed the moment he was loved enough. I do not speak English well. But I want to make it clear that I respect you. In Korea, I met three street cats as a family. They also moved to Paris, France with us. Like you, I will work my entire life for animal ethics. Thank you for being an example. + Where can I buy a Flatbush Cats T-shirt?

[@colorbar.s]

Your English is fantastic!

[@jasoncaldwell5627]

I too want a Flatbush Cats T-Shirt!

[@anonymousyoutubeperson6079]

www.flatbushcats.org/shop/tshirt-valentina By the way your English is very good

[@Махашвили]

Great that now FIP is treated quite successfully. All the good to your channel!

[@ArinPoray]

You gave him a good (may be it was short) and happy life...he left with lot less pain.

[@jjulezz5709]

this story is very bittersweet, but atleast we know little Lionel is in a good place now.

[@someonekenobi]

I was bracing myself for it but I still cried in the end. You did give him the life he deserved, he looks just genuinly happy after his rescue. Thank you for giving cats like Lionel a chance.

[@gemmel3197]

You gave Lionel some very good last days, always keep that in mind.

[@deborahavery3012]

After my beloved Bigboy passed away at 22, I adopted two shelter kitties Sterling and River. I lost them both to FIP less than a year later. So this video hit me hard. 😿

[@quet7369]

I FELL YOUR PAIN WHY THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE

[@karamboubou8579]

i kinda suck at writing stuff like this, but ill have a go: you are an absolute angel, you have saved so many cats from suffering on the streets, it must've been amazing for each one of them to go from being cold, hungry, sick, dirty, etc... on the streets to being with a caring foster home and then to a loving forever home, coming from a place with a massive stray cat problem i respect and admire your work, best of luck for your future rescues and hoping they live a long and happy life. oh and of course: rest in peace Lionel 😭

[@samuelmarlow1969]

Yes. These rescue charity organisations are staffed by people who are selfless heroes. Beautiful videos. No, saving Lionel was not wasted time as he deserved the good life like any other cat! Cat rescue as the narrator said, is not easy work and loss is an expected element of animal rescue. The joy that a re homed cat brings to us cannot be measured and is priceless. Bravo Flatbush Cats!!

[@williamkeith8944]

I help care for a colony of kitties here in the outskirts of Houston. I have a special place in my heart for cats with feline leukemia. I have been fighting leukemia myself for several years and it has been hard. Caring for cats has kept me going some days...

[@kayesguineapigs]

God bless you for your kindness! We send paw prayers from Wisconsin 🐾

[@dianemoonstone4715]

Thank you for fighting the good fight, both for yourself and your feline friends.

[@helpdeskchick]

Sometimes all you can do is make sure that they are loved in the end. Rescue is tough. Lots of wonder but also heartbreak. RIP Lionel.

[@helpdeskchick]

Also, I detest FIP.

[@DjRjSolarStar]

You're a good man. My first two cats were both rescues. I had them from when I was 10 years old to 27. It's been lonely in my house since they passed away. I recently found a 3 week old kitten at the construction site I work at and took him home with me. He instantly warmed up to my family and slept in my arms with me by the second night. We got him cleaned up, gave him his shots, and brought his weight up to a healthy level. My little baby, Caliper, is 8 weeks old now and doing extremely well. He and the dog have even become friends. I'm happy I have a furry little friend in my life again, he gives us all a lot of joy.

[@wumi2419]

I have a cat that is with my family since I was 3, for more than 15 years already. She was rescued by people from my moms workplace. I don't know how I will get through her eventual death. She is healthy, but I am still worried, we were together for as long as I remember myself.

[@katieferguson8903]

I lost my best boy Milo to FIP last year. That sweet baby who would sprint across the house to meet me at the door with a nose touch. He was my a tiny angel is disguise. You’re absolutely right, even short lives matter and they deserve love. To Milo and Lionel, may they go forth shining ✨

[@austinlindsay2378]

The way i look at it is you provided him with a wonderful life before he passed. He got love that otherwise he never would have gotten to experience! He made the world a way better place!!! Still made me cry haha.

[@tlbfarm4473]

"Heartbreak" is the right word. :( Having lost several kittens and cats, I know the feeling.

[@conscienciaycristales]

This story reminded me of when I rescued a totally malnourished kitten, he was going to die that day if I hadn't taken him home with me. First days I had to syringe feed him every two hours, he was like a zombie and not even making eye contact. By second day he was looking so much better, he had a new brightness on his eyes and his attitude towards life was improving by the hour. He still had a long way to recover since probably he hadn't eaten in his whole life (he was about 2 months old). He was just skin and bones! We took him to the vet, but unfortunately in India vets are not good, they just hydrated him and barely checked on him. We kept caring for him and giving him all the love we could, but we could only be with him for 10 days. We had already planned a long journey out the country and couldn't take him with us. So we found a nice foster family. The very same night we left him, he passed away. And I always wonder if he felt as if we had abandoned him or maybe it was my fault, because I gave him a new treat that last day, as a goodbye.. and maybe he shouldn't have eaten that.. but I didn't know how delicate he was! I never knew what health issues he had because the vets wouldn't really help (we took him thrice in 10 days). I still dream about him sometimes and wake up crying. His sweet face comes up in my mind and I still feel so sad. I try to tell myself that at least he knew that we loved and cared for him, even if it was for only 10 days. In his short life he could still experience what was to be loved.. I don't know why I'm writing all this in youtube, I rarely comment here.. I guess I needed to share my story also. Watching this video has been very helpful. Thank you 💜

[@holyshiterX3]

What you have done was already extremely well, the kitten would bless you and watching you and your family from the heaven. Maybe you will see it's back as the kitten reincarnated. Hope you will find its reincarnation again when you meet another kitten.

[@holyshiterX3]

Your story and this video remind me how I adopted my cat in the street. He was so skinny and malnourished too. I had made a huge mistake that I bought some terribly cheap cat foods to feed him, made him bloated severely. Thanks god he survived and I made a bunch of serious mistakes in the first few months after I brought him home....I'm really crying badly and I regret I wasn't responsible enough

[@conscienciaycristales]

@@holyshiterX3 thank you for your kind words 💜 and for reading my story. Many blessings 🙏✨

[@conscienciaycristales]

@@holyshiterX3 you have done a great job taking care of him. Kittens are just very fragile specially when we find them in the worst conditions.

[@holyshiterX3]

@@conscienciaycristales thank you and I wish you have good health too ❤️❤️👍👍I am very careful with his diet now he's now a large, heavy, naughty adult cat ~

[@melissas4874]

Thanks for sharing! We found a cute tuxedo stray near our residential neighborhood on Halloween of 2018. After spending a month trying to find his owners, we named him Frankie and decided to get him checked at our vet before making him our own. At that point she told us Frankie was FeLV+ and all of the possibilities. We decided to foster him for a local rescue that specializes in these cases, but had no spaces available. He got very chubby and about 8 months later I noticed he was eating less, not wanting to play, and still putting on size. It turns out it was fluid building in his tummy. Even if it were for a short time, I don't regret giving this cat a warm home over the winter, feeding him, cuddling him, playing and giving him his own room in our home so our other cats were safe. Because of "Frankie", I decided to foster a cat from a local shelter when the Covid closings started in our area. They had a cat with a pretty bad URI and needed a foster with experience medicating a cat (which I have). I said I would take him without even seeing him because I'm just fostering him, right? It was tuxedo cat just like Frankie - his name is Ziggy and he's joined our family.

[@SpiritusMundi4EVER]

You're a Top Cat, Melissa! Thank you. ♥♥♥♥♥

[@Eva-wx5tl]

Lionel received more care, compassion, and love in such a short period of time than most animals or people get in a lifetime. Every life no matter how brief has meaning. Lionel would be so thankful for the care and love you provided him right until the very end. May he Rest In Peace ❤️

[@JM-ip7hf]

Being from Brooklyn, this hit too close to home. So many strays wandering the streets looking for a meal & a warm place to sleep. I feed the strays in my backyard everyday & provide them with a shelter for winter. I also help capture them so they can get neutered with the help of a group of volunteers that live close. It's tough work but extremely gratifying. Thank you for helping them & for helping little Lionel during his short life. I'm sure he will be waiting for you, if there is such a thing as an afterlife.

[@ellieisbusy]

Lionel knew love, the kindness of humans, never went hungry again and got to play with other cats. What you did was everything for him. Because of you he didn’t die alone. Thank you for allowing yourself heartbreak so these precious guys can have a chance.

[@dorothymalloy1474]

So sorry about Lionel, but at least he did get to enjoy the warmth & love of a home thank you so much for sharing

[@Annahvel]

My brother's cat also died of FIP really fast, in just seven days. He was devastated. His second cat was constently cherching for his lost friend, and was visibly really sad. Since then my brother adopted another cat, a young rescue, who became the new friend of his not so sad anymore second cat :) I really love what you do and if I were to had stray cats (or dogs or whatever animals) where I live, I would rescue them without hesitation.

[@Justgoodvids]

I’m not sad, I’m happy that you gave him a significantly better, longer path even if the destination was the same.

[@qiyu4093]

Crying watching this video, because couple months ago my cat was diagnosed with wet FIP. It was just a routine hospital check up and I couldn’t stop sobbing hearing this news because he has only been with me for 3 months. The vet put him on death sentence, saying he wouldn’t live for more than couple of weeks. But here I am, couple of months later treating him with the medicine developed by Dr. Niels Pederson, and he’s back to a playful kitten again. The path for getting the medicine can be considered debatable to lots of cat owners, but I was not ready to put him down. If you want to know more about Dr. Pederson’s research on FIP, please search him on Google and check out Zen By Cat. They have done a tremendous amount of work to help parents with FIP cats.

[@debbiethemadbee]

That is good and very promising news.

[@debbiethemadbee]

If you search about the drug GS-441524 this shows links regarding possible treatment.

[@howshegoingeh7708]

Ive seen this video a lot of times. But right around 7:40 i can feel my heart shudder for what's about come. Life is cruel to those that don't deserve it.

[@hiitsaria]

Rest in peace, Lionel 😢 Thank you for making his life so much better!

[@scentist_error]

Hearing the narrator tear up when he talks about Lionel's passing is just... heartbreaking. Yesterday, I lost my little cat, Archie. He was seven months old, and a happy, healthy kitty, until a drunk driver decided to ruin his life. Archie's death is in the middle of destroying me, because he was the last good thing I had in my life. I thought that watching the videos about cat rescue would make it worse, but I'm actually feeling just a tiny bit better than before. There's a street cat who was Archie's best friend, her name is Mochi. She's a really fragile, small cat and less than a year old, but already super pregnant, and her kittens should be coming this month. I will make sure that both Mochi and the kittens survive. Not just for them, but also for Archie. He was the light in my life, and he would want me to find another cat I can help after his death. I love you Archie, I miss you so much already and I'm sorry that you had to die like this. You died too early, my little friend.

[@kateh3718]

He didn't die outside all alone. You gave him the best life he could've had

[@chelseawhoelsee]

Now THAT was a special cat! Rest in peace, Lionel! ❤🌹😘

[@Denizgungor__]

I normally never cry because of a sad video like this because I dont get attached to the cat, but man, this one hit different...

[@ilsfy_]

you probably can't change the whole world by saving one cat, but you did when you changed Lionel point of the world. RIP Lionel

[@mistybaker6839]

RIP sweet Lionel... It's super hard losing any of the kitties we put effort and love into. But the happy outcomes do outweigh. My thoughts to you and his adopted mommy.

[@mozarteanchaos]

@Jevonte Hodge go troll somewhere else

[@mozarteanchaos]

@Jevonte Hodge that's what they all say

[@b0nsaibabe]

Jevonte Hodge It is in fact illegal to kill cats on your property Stop trolling

[@b0nsaibabe]

Jevonte Hodge Also the fact you are going on cat videos saying that you kill cats with an acc thats new only adds to the fact that ur a troll, stfu fam

[@Neo-gg8jl]

¡Gracias!

[@AshleyAdamsBeauty]

I’m always cutting onions at the wrong time of day. 😢😩😩😩

[@chimpochimpay]

I lost my sweet girl to FIP recently and all your videos have been a great source of healing for me. Thank you

[@ItsJustLisa]

Yes, I’m bawling, but thank you for sharing Lionel’s story. His life definitely mattered and though he lived barely a year, he had a loving, caring home and crossed the bridge surrounded by those who thought the world of him. Doing what you do, in his memory, is the best thing. For all of the Liams out there, there are also the Lionels. Rest well, little buddy.

[@Dangeruss]

This story had me messed up but you turned it into something beautiful in the end. I learned that loss could be turned into inspiration.

[@sceptre80]

As soon as you gave us that warning I said, "please don't tell me he died". I was serious. At least Lionel went out happier than he came in. Thank you for sharing his beautiful memory.

[@edie4321]

Heartbreak is just a part of owning animals. I lost two of the best cats ever this summer and five years ago I lost the Love of my life a little chihuahua mini pincher mix. A couple years before that I lost my dog that protected and raised four children with me as a single parent. They are all special and will always hold a place in my heart.

[@stubbi]

I myself lost one of my best friends, Oskar, several years ago to FIP at his age of just 6 years old. It all went down in no more than a couple of days and was absolutely one of the worst experiences ever. I really hope FIP becomes treatable soon. But as you vouched to rescue cats, I also commited to only ever have rescue cats. And here I am a couple of years later, with a 1 year old tortiose and a 12 year old tuxedo, both rescues. And they are the best.

[@ralucanelson5686]

Aww! 😢this made me cry😢RIP beautiful furr baby Lionel😢🙏🏻 Run free over the rainbow bridge, happy and healthy ❤️🙏🏻😢

[@Timelost_Techpriest]

Poor baby. I know it happens, but it's always soul-crushing when it does.

[@yarahassan4084]

This video broke my heart. Lionel.. R.I.P 💓🌹🌹🌹

[@bubblegumplastic]

Sweet, brave Lionel. Thank you for making his final months better, helping his colony, and training others to help more cats.

[@alliewoulfe1171]

Crying right now... 😢 This broke my heart & made me squeeze my kitten, Pickle.

[@Schw1947]

I had a kitten I lost to FIP. He was only 6 months 😭 I cried so hard at the vet office they didnt even make me pay for the visit which I thought was such a nice gesture. RIP Lionel

[@cathyhashiguchi1785]

Dear Flatbush Cats : you are doing a wonderful thing for these homeless kitties and Lionel loved you dearly for helping him in his time of need. Although his life on earth was too short, as long as you honor his memory by continuing your rescue mission, he will always be a part of you & your family. RIP Lionel ... you gave him love which is all he wanted. Bless you, your family & your volunteers who continue to save these kitties from a life of misery & sadness in addition to helping those find a forever home. Thank you for sharing your stories !!!

[@kodasmom2461]

So unfair, but he knew kindness and love and safety in his final weeks.

[@annmenzzasalma3113]

Ghandi said the moral progress of a country is judged by how they treat their animals. If you hadn't helped Lionel he would have died in some alley alone and in horrible pain. You gave so much to this little one. Thank you for your work

[@dvdemon187]

I could hear it in your voice the whole time and now here I am in tears grieving for someone I never even knew. Keep up the great work, you make a difference out there.

[@Fourclover7]

If u think like that, do you ever even know anyone at all? His story in the video let you know the someome you are talking about, so make more sense in the future.

[@ab72_s]

Lionel had a wonderful life, and the once tough street cat got to live his last moments in peace, with his beautiful family. You saved a life there, Flatbush, he was taken so soon, but you gave him a wonderful time, for the life he lived. I'm sorry for your loss man. I hurts to say a pet goodbye. And as someone who owns a cat disguised as a dog, I fear for that day to come. Wishing the best for ya, Flatbush.

[@cikosphysicaltherapist6017]

The spread of Fiv , lukemia is our worst fear when we bring in a new cat for rescue. As we have 5 resident cats, it's almost impossible to keep separate for more than a few days

[@rosemarmalade2444]

I would definitely recommend getting your fosters combo tested, if they have FeLV you absolutely do not want them around your resident cats, there may be special rescues that will take those cats depending on your area. But FeLV significantly reduces lifespan, often if there is nowhere for them to go without putting other cats at risk they may be euthanized, which is very sad but the rates of FeLV are going down drastically thanks to TNR efforts and vaccinations so hopefully we won't have to worry someday soon.

[@unrulyjulie4382]

The exact same thing happened to us a little over a year ago. We found a gorgeous, lynx point, blue eyed boy outside our back door. He was about 3 weeks old and we named him Rikki. He was so precious and full of life and our rescued, former tom cat Cena, just loved him. We loved him very much too. Then when he was about 3 months old he came down with FIP and was gone in just a few days. It was so hard to say goodbye, but last October we adopted another little boy who is just as special. Rikki is buried under a beautiful tree in our backyard and is looking out for Cena and our new baby, KittenChow.

[@1940limited]

We took in a stray kitten a friend found running lose in the streets about three years ago. He was the sweetest, nicest cat you could possibly ask for. He moved right in, made himself at home, was accepted right away by our resident cats and slept with us every night. When he was less than three years old he developed symptoms of what we didn't know was FIP: Weight loss, lethargic behavior, loss of appetite. Three visits to the vet finally pinpointed the problem. We were told the disease was fatal. He died about 2 weeks later on the couch in our living room as we watched him take his last breath. It was one of the worst experiences of my life and is difficult to write about even now. I broke down and cried like a baby when I told my friend what had happened to him. Cats can be tested for FIP as kittens, but it's an expensive test ($140) most people do not have done, or are unaware of. It's something stray cats are born with, but doesn't immediately show signs. The cat can appear to be perfectly healthy for a long time. Luke died on Thursday. Two days later, Saturday, we adopted another cat from the local animal shelter. We have 6 healthy, happy cats, one of which was another stray we took in. A picture of Luke hangs in the living room. Another picture of him is the screensaver on my phone. He's been gone about 2 years. He will always be missed and never forgotten. I'd take him back in a heartbeat if it were possible no matter how many cats we already have. :-( I hope Flatbush Cats subscribers read this story. I'm amazed and so grateful for everything cat lovers do for these animals.

[@zenpaganwarrior]

I recently had 2 of my beloved cats killed by wild animals (They were 2 and 3 yrs. old). I gave them the very best life I could. They will be missed always. I appreciate that you did the same for beautiful Lionel. Thanks for this video, which evoked both joy and sorrow.

[@boneav83]

Lionels story broke me. Ive lost one cat to renal failure and another has just not come home for 6 days so far, i miss her so much.

[@mocha4745]

i’m so sorry. did she ever come back?

[@boneav83]

@@mocha4745 She did after 9 days away, unfortunately she went out again about 10 weeks ago and hasn't been back since. Her brother was away for 32 days and came home last week.

[@roseangela2797]

KEEP THEM INDOORS ! PLEEEEEESE!

[@javierwey]

He is in heaven now, such a good kitty would deserve it. :')

[@minikipp8549]

I went to go hug my cat for like 10mins after this

[@pawshands9706]

For every Lionel out there, there are many of us looking to help. Thank you for everything you are doing. It's often heartbreaking, but always worth it.

[@thenoobbaby8248]

I literally cried watching this