Faces of No-Kill: Cat heals with hide-and-seek

If there were prizes for winning hide-and-seek, Sipho would need a pretty big trophy case. The little cat used to spend more time hidden, not feeling his best. But today, he prefers to seek out something much better: people, snuggles, and all the affection he can get. He’s come a long way — and through a very serious illness.

Sipho, his littermates, and their mom sought out the right place to get the care they needed. They were found hiding under a trailer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, and right away caregivers noticed they weren’t feeling well. The veterinary team discovered that all seven kittens and their mother had feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a rare but life-threatening viral disease in cats.

Sipho had neurological FIP, the form that affects movement and coordination. Even simple things — standing, walking, playing — were difficult for him. Unsure and not feeling well, he preferred to curl up and hide from the world. Eventually, he’d trade hiding for seeking. But first, he had to heal.

Fortunately for Sipho, the veterinary team at the Sanctuary has extensive experience treating FIP. He, his mom, and his littermates began daily medication to give them the best chance of recovery.

It took months of treatment, monitoring, and a team committed to seeing them through every step. But Sipho — along with his mother and siblings — began to feel better. Sipho grew stronger and more confident as his personality started to shine.

VIDEO: behind the scenes in Cat World at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

With his strength returning, Sipho put his newfound energy toward a far more important goal: claiming the hide-and-seek champion title. One morning, he enlisted a feline friend to help improve his hiding spot. Burrowed beneath the other cat’s bedding — with his accomplice stretched out on top — Sipho created the perfect disguise.

He almost pulled it off, too. Best Friends caregiver Riley Prewett was tipped off only by the other cat’s not-so-innocent expression. “The other cat was looking at me with a mischievous look,” Riley says. “And I thought, ‘You know something, don’t you?’”

Sipho doesn’t show off his hiding skills as often anymore (and not just because he lost that round with Riley). Since recovering from FIP with only minor issues still lingering, he can focus on his newest favorite thing: seeking out someone’s lap for snuggling.

While his siblings and mom have been adopted into homes of their own, Sipho continues to win the hearts — and games of hide-and-seek — of everyone who spends time with him at the Sanctuary.

Faces of No-Kill: Cat thrives after FIP treatment

“Cats who have FIP and FIP survivors are just like any other cat — they just might need a little extra support,” Riley says. “But they bring just as much joy, love, and affection.”

Whether he’s climbing into a hidey-hole for a quick nap or stretching out across someone’s lap, Sipho approaches life with the same enthusiasm he brought to his recovery — all in and always ready for what comes next.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.