Mork

Mork was an extroverted, fun-loving, playful cat. He was healthy the vast majority of his life before FIP (wet). I remember taking him to my Veterinarian 2 or 3 times for coughing and not eating later in his life, but he recovered quickly both times. Mork lived to be 11 and 3/4 years old. I got him at the SPCA as a kitten. A funny story – at the SPCA his name tag said, Mindy. I chose him because he seemed to be the most playful kitten of them all. My first trip to my Veterinarian revealed that Mindy was a male. Hence I chose the name Mork for him (from the old TV series “Mork and Mindy” starring the late Robin Williams. Later in his life, I took in 2 other younger cats to live indoors with Mork.

He taught them both what to do and when to do it in the house. He was a very strong cat and could open almost any cabinet in my home. He got out the door one time, but I thank God he ran for a little bit and ran right back into the house (so grateful I left the front door open!) At 11 years old he was still extremely fast and could keep up playing chase with the 2 younger cats. I miss playing with Mork with his favorite toys. I miss Mork sleeping on my bed at night. I miss petting Mork and just spending time with him. I miss brushing him. Since I have a home office, I saw Mork a lot every day. I do wish in hindsight that had taken Mork to my Veterinarian for more routine check-ups as he got older (x-rays, blood work, etc.). Maybe FIP could have been diagnosed earlier and treatment started sooner. When the fluid started accumulating around his abdomen around age 11 and 1/2, I thought he was just gaining weight. It was incredibly devastating how quickly the FIP progressed. He had emergency surgery to remove the fluid and lived one more week. I am glad I got to spend that last week with him. I wish he was still alive. He will forever be, “My Little Buddy.” I buried him in my back yard under his favorite tree that he liked to look at in the mornings on ! a sunny day. He would stare out the window at the sun glistening in the moving leaves of the tree, and that would relax him. I very happily donated to FIP research and donated some of his blood to UC Davis to help find a cure for this horrible disease. I thank Dr. Pedersen and everyone at SOCK FIP and UC Davis. Thank you very much for taking the time to read Mork’s story.