I have had my experience with FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), a very deadly and challenging disease that affects cats and, until a few years ago, was basically a death sentence. Back in 2019, when Captain Flint was sick and spent 5 days at the vet, we had no idea what was wrong with him. Sadly, it was not until his passing, that we figured out that he had FIP. Then, not long after, his brother, Emmet, started demonstrating the same symptoms. Although there was a cure by that time, it was only available on the black market extremely costly. Yes, there was a cure for this deadly disease, but I was unable to obtain it for Emmet through my vet because it was not FDA approved. This made absolutely no sense to me. How is there a treatment that could help save so many lives not allowed to be offered through your cat’s vet? Is there not something that could be done about this?

A lot of progress has been made in the past five years with FIP. One of the main things is that treatment is now more widely available and affordable from independent pharmacies. Research is continuing to understand this disease and how best to diagnose, treatment, and, maybe one day, prevent. However, awareness is one area that needs more progress. There are still too many cat guardians, and sadly, vets that are not informed about this disease and the treatment options available. This information needs to be made available to cat guardians sooner rather than later. And that is exactly what Melanie Scott, creator of Purrsonified, is trying to do. In fact, it has become a personal mission of her cat toy business and she has BIG plans to spread the word about FIP Awareness

While Melanie was going through a personal health challenge herself, she felt compelled to adopt a sweet gray kitten that they named Vader. Throughout Melanie’s recovery, Vader was there supporting her and providing her with unconditional love. A deep bond and connection were formed between them during this time. So, when Vader became sick and was diagnosed with FIP in 2021, Melanie knew that she would move heaven and earth to help Vader.

It was during that time that Melanie realized the many issues that cat guardians face when their beloved pet receives a diagnosis of FIP. In 2021, there were still so many unknows with this disease. A cure was available, but on the black market. Many vets were not comfortable “prescribing” a black-market treatment. And even more vets had no clue there was even a treatment available. Sadly, the option that most cat guardians were giving was one of humane euthanization. This was not an option for Melanie, and she did move heaven and earth to provide Vader with the treatment that he needed to live. Melanie knew she was one of the lucky ones. It pained her to think of those cat guardians that were not so lucky, and she knew she had to do something. And so, Purrsonified was created.

Shortly after Vader completed his FIP treatment, Melanie was perusing social media and noticed a FIP kitten on the page of a FIP group she follows. There was something about this kitten that was speaking to her soul. At the time, he was going through his FIP treatment and doing well. She felt the pull to show him to her husband, who was very confused because this kitten was in ISTANBUL, TURKEY!!! Melanie could not stop thinking about this kitten and finally decided to contact them about him. She was informed that no one had put in a request for him, so Melanie promptly put in her request. Arrangements were made and Jack arrived in America 3 days shy of finishing his FIP observation, completely healthy and ready to start his new adventures with Melanie.

Rounding out the cat members of the family is Padma, a diluted calico torti mix. Padma came into Melanie’s life around the same time as Vada. Being the only female AND a torti, Padma has no problem exhibiting her “torti-tude” with anyone who displeases her. She is not particularly fond of her brothers and prefers to spend her time alone without them bothering her or getting into her space. Something I am sure we can all relate to on some level, lol.

Melanie knew that she wanted her cat toy business to do more than provide happiness and enjoyment to cats. She wanted to be a voice for those affected by FIP. To provide help and assistance to those dealing with a FIP diagnosis. She wanted to become a FIP Awareness Advocate. 50% of all Purrsonified sales goes towards treatment, research, and awareness. It was through this mission that Melanie has been able to donate to the treatment of so many cats dealing with FIP. Her donations go towards research and awareness through organizations like FIP Global Cats. However, there still so much more to do. Sadly, there are still too many vets recommending euthanasia for a FIP diagnosis.

Melanie is ready to take FIP Awareness to a whole new level. Right now, she is just an independent small business owner. She has been able to make a small impact, but she knows she needs to go bigger. Selling her products wholesale is the next step. The more pet boutiques and cat cafes that she can get her products into; the more awareness goes to FIP. However, her two current Singer embroidery machines will not be able to stand up to this challenge. If Melanie plans to go bigger with her product availability and FIP Awareness, she will need an embroidery machine that can keep up with the demand. That is when she came up with the idea to do a Kickstarter Campaign.