FIP Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a serious disease that every cat owner should be aware of. We know that’s a mouthful. For those of us in the veterinary care field, FIP stands for Feline Infectious Peritonitis. This is a painful ailment that can have major consequences for your feline companion’s health and well-being. Continue reading to hear a local Fayetteville, NC veterinarian address some FIP-related issues.
What Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis?
FIP is caused by a virus, specifically the feline coronavirus. Normally, this coronavirus is relatively harmless. It’s also rather prevalent, much like the common cold. However, the mutation can cause some serious, potentially fatal, problems.
Is Feline Coronavirus Dangerous?
Feline coronavirus is not always extremely dangerous. In fact, Fluffy usually recovers quickly. Many cats simply exhibit modest symptoms. You may not even realize anything is wrong! However, some of our feline buddies develop difficulties that can lead to FIP. Kitties who are elderly or immunocompromised are especially vulnerable.
What Are Feline Coronaviruses?
Remember that COVID-19 is not the only coronavirus. The feline coronavirus is not identical to COVID-19. Humans are immune to it. It is merely one of several coronaviruses. Coronaviruses usually harm animals’ respiratory or digestive systems.
Coronavirus infection in cats is extremely prevalent. In fact, some studies suggest that between 25 and 40% of pet felines are infected with FCoV.
The risk is greatest in areas with a high cat population. The infection rate for kitties that live with other cats, such as in colonies, shelters, or multi-cat households, can be as high as 100%.
However, the majority of the time, the kitty’s symptoms are so modest that they go undetected. Some cats simply develop diarrhea.
Do All Kittens With FCoV Get Sick?
Actually, no. The majority of cats who contract FCoV develop minimal symptoms and/or recover rapidly. Approximately 12% go on to develop FIP.
What Are the Risk Factors for FIP?
Any cat that has had feline coronavirus is at risk of developing FIP. However, some kittens are more vulnerable than others.
Age certainly has a role. FIP mainly affects younger cats. In reality, the vast majority of instances involve kittens under the age of 18 months. Approximately half are under six months old. Geriatric cats are also at higher danger. Finally, purebred cats may be especially susceptible.
Contact your veterinarian for further information.
How Does Feline Coronavirus Spread?
Feline coronavirus is a viral illness. It can be distributed in a variety of ways. Nursing mothers may spread it to their kittens. The most prevalent way is by sharing litterboxes with an affected cat. Cats can also infect one another through mutual grooming, sharing bowls or toys, mating, or fighting.
Because it is an infectious disease, feline coronavirus is most commonly seen in areas with a large number of cats, such as animal shelters, catteries, or feral cat colonies.
How Long Can a Cat Live With FIP?
There is no clear-cut answer to this. It is dependent on the cat’s condition and whether they have been infected with the effusive or non-effusive form. However, the prognosis is not good: estimations range from days to weeks for the effusive type of the virus and weeks to months for the non-effusive. Following an evaluation of your cat, your veterinarian will be able to provide more detailed information.
What Are the Signs of FIP?
Many of the symptoms of FIP might be confused with those of a range of other illnesses. This is one of the reasons why we always recommend getting Fluffy to the vet as soon as you notice anything amiss.
This includes the following:
- Abdominal Bloating
- Respiratory Issues
- Persistent Fever
- Reduced Appetite
- Weight Loss
- Depression
- Withdrawal
- Unkempt Fur
If you detect any of the following, contact your Fayetteville, NC veterinarian straight away. Keep in mind that symptoms of FIP can advance swiftly.
It’s worth mentioning that FIP might take weeks, months, or even years to develop following an initial coronavirus infection.
How Is FIP Treated?
Sadly, there is no official cure for FIP. Prevention is the greatest option here. Typically, treatment efforts are centered on providing supportive care. This may include things like ensuring Fluffy gets adequate hydration. Your veterinarian may also recommend certain drugs, such as prednisone or cyclophosphamide. These are immune suppressants that may help in delaying the progression of the disease.
Nonetheless, there is some good news here. Research undertaken over the last three years suggests that antivirals may be useful against FIP. Remdesivir and GS-441524 have been legally available in the UK and Australia since 2021. (Unfortunately, this has resulted in an increase of illegal medications, but that’s another topic.)
If your feline buddy has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will be able to discuss treatment choices with you on an individual basis.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Feline Friend from FIP?
Fortunately, basic proper cat care will help keep your kitty companion happy, healthy, and purring. First and foremost, keep up with Fluffy’s preventative care. This includes her veterinarian check-ups, parasite control, and vaccines.
Keeping the litterbox clean is also essential. We recommend scooping every day and changing the litter roughly once a week. If you have multiple cats, you’ll need more than one box. Fluffy’s powder room should be in a quiet place, away from her food and water. The litterbox should also not be located in a drafty area or in direct sunlight.
If you have multiple cats, take extra care. Make sure your feline friends do not have to share litter boxes or food dishes.
We would also strongly advise keeping your kitty or kitties indoors.
Make sure to ask your Fayetteville, NC veterinarian for further information on how to protect your kitty companion against FIP.
Book An Appointment At Our Fayetteville, NC Pet Clinic
Do you have any questions about your feline friend’s health or care? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your local Fayetteville, NC pet hospital, we are here to help!
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