In July, the MSPCA-Angell shelter team achieved a milestone in feline care. For the first time, they successfully treated Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in-shelter on a very special cat named Penelope.

When Penelope arrived at the MSPCA-Angell: Northeast Animal Shelter, showing severe signs of FIP, a viral disease that was previously considered untreatable and fatal. The medical team was eager to try a newly available oral medication, GS-441524. The result was nothing short of incredible. After eight weeks of treatment and time recuperating in loving foster care, Penelope's clinical symptoms resolved.

And the success doesn't stop there. The MSPCA-Angell now has protocols in place to treat FIP in future shelter cats as well as in owned cats receiving care through MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center's Internal Medicine service.

Penelope is a spunky, vocal, endlessly entertaining girl who has lots of opinions (especially about wet food) and the personality to match. She loves to play, explore, and snuggle. And she's living proof that shelter medicine is evolving for the better.

Given that she is such a superstar, it comes as no surprise that Penelope was quickly adopted. Her adopters renamed her Dottie, and she now shares her days with her new sister, Dolly, who's also an FIP survivor.

"She has adjusted incredibly well," her adopter said. "She and Dolly play and chase each other constantly, and she's already found all her favorite napping spots. She's so loved — I can't imagine my family without her."

Penelope's journey is proof that shelter medicine continues to grow and change, and that even the toughest diagnoses can lead to joyful new beginnings.

For more information about NEAS, visit mspca.org/neas.