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FIP in Cats
(Feline Infectious Peritonitis)
A Serious, Yet Preventable Disease

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a severe and potentially fatal viral disease in cats. If your cat has been diagnosed with FIP, don't panic!
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information about FIP in cats, from causes and symptoms to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What is FIP?

  • Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral illness that specifically affects cats. It is caused by a coronavirus and can be fatal. The disease is more common in young cats and those with weakened immune systems. While most cats can contract the feline coronavirus, only a small percentage develop the more serious FIP form.
     

  • ​Symptoms of FIP include loss of appetite, weight, and fluid buildup in the abdomen and chest, as well as loss of sight or the inability to use the back legs.

Cause and Risk Factors

Feline Coronavirus: The core culprint behind FIP.

Weakened Immune System: Kittens(Because  the Immune systems is still developing), Senior cats, and cats with underlying health conditions are at higher risk (Especially FeLV and FIV cat). 
 

Stress: A stressful environment can trigger FIP development, because it weakened the immune system.
 

Genetics: Some breeds may have a genetic predisposition to FIP.

Diagosis of FIP

  • FIP symptoms mimic other diseases, need to rely on a combination of:

  • Physical examination and Patient interview (Background History and How owner pet)

  • Blood Tests (*AG Ratio Albumin/Globulin)

  • Fluid analysis (if present) (RT-PCR, FCoV rapid test

  • X-rays or ultrasounds

Types of FIP

Wet (Effusive) Form

Fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, leading to a swollen belly and difficulty breathing.​​

Dry (Non-Effusive) Form

Inflammation in various organs such as the eyes, brain, kidneys or lost albility to use a back legs.​

Other common symtomps include:

  • Persistent Fever

  • Loss of appetite and weight loss

  • Diarrhea or Vomiting

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) because anemia

Treatment for FIP 

Thanks to groundbreaking research by Dr. Petersen, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is now treatable. With the use of GS-441524, cats with FIP have been cured with remarkable success. However, FIP can be difficult to diagnose due to its overlapping symptoms with other disorders, such as anemia and hepatitis.

  • Symptomatic Treatment: Fluid therapy, fever reducers, pain medication

  • Antiviral Medications: May slow down disease progression

  • Supportive Care: Focuses on ensuring the cat is comfortable

Preventing FIP

  • Stress Reduction: Provide a calm, safe environment for your cat.
    Cat owners need to observe their cats and take note of what activities trigger their cat's moods.

  • Good hygiene: Keep your cat's belongings and litter box clean regularly.

  • Make sure there are enough litter boxes available.

  • Disinfect rooms, cages, bedding, and litter boxes between groups of kittens/cats.

  • Clipping/cleaning fur from cats' rear ends, especially those with long hair, so feces don’t accumulate there.

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