FIP: What Kitty Owners Need To Know

National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Awareness is a serious disease that everyone who owns a cat should be aware of. We understand that’s a mouthful. The acronym FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) is commonly used in the veterinary care business. FIP is a painful condition that can badly harm your feline companion’s health and well-being. Continue reading to hear a local Burlington, ON vet discuss FIP.

What Exactly Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis?

FIP is caused by a virus called feline coronavirus. Normally, this coronavirus is quite harmless. It’s also very frequent, similar to the common cold. However, the mutation can cause major, potentially fatal, issues.

Is the Feline Coronavirus Dangerous?

Feline coronaviruses are not always extremely deadly. Coronavirus infection in cats is rather common. According to some research, 25-40% of pet felines are infected with FCoV. In most cases, Fluffy will recover quickly. Many kitties exhibit only modest symptoms. You may not even be aware that anything is amiss! However, some of our feline friends experience difficulties that can develop to FIP. Kitties who are elderly or immunocompromised are particularly vulnerable.

What Are Feline Coronaviruses?

Keep in mind that COVID-19 isn’t the only coronavirus. The feline coronavirus and COVID-19 are not the same. It will have no effect on humans. It is just one of many coronaviruses. Coronaviruses typically harm animals’ respiratory or digestive systems.

The risk is greatest in areas with a large concentration of cats. The infection rate for cats that live with other cats, such as those in colonies, shelters, or multi-cat households, can reach 100 percent. However, the majority of the time, the kitty’s symptoms are so faint that they are unnoticeable. Some cats simply get a round of diarrhea and bounce right back.

Who Is Bria?

As you may be aware, many unique animal holidays, causes, and charities have mascots: typically, a special pet whose tale raises awareness of a problem or disease. In this scenario, the pet is Bria, an attractive lynx blue point Birman kitten that enjoyed playing Fetch and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. (Note: as veterinarians, we cannot condone giving cats PB&J. Please check with your vet about safe and unsafe foods.) 

Susan Gingrich and her husband Jim adopted Bria. As you may expect, the adorable kitty died as a result of FIP complications. Susan, who was heartbroken, dedicated herself to raising awareness about the disease. She approached the EveryCat Health Foundation, which was previously known as the Winn Feline Foundation. It is the only organization on the earth dedicated to funding research on feline health issues. The Bria Fund for FIP Research was established shortly thereafter.

What Are the Risks for FIP?

Any cat infected with feline coronavirus is at risk of developing FIP. However, certain cats are more at risk than others.

Age does play a factor. FIP typically affects young felines. In fact, the vast majority of the cases involve cats under the age of 18 months. About half are less than six months old. Geriatric cats are also particularly vulnerable. Finally, purebred cats may be more susceptible.

For further information, ask your Burlington, ON veterinarian.

How Does Feline Coronavirus Spread?

The feline coronavirus can spread through a multitude of means. Nursing mothers may transmit it to their kittens. Cats can also spread infection by mutual grooming, sharing bowls, toys, or litterboxes, and mating or fighting.

Because it is an infectious disease, feline coronavirus is most commonly seen in areas with a high cat population, such as animal shelters, catteries, or wild cat colonies.

How Long Can A Cat Live With Fio?

There is no simple answer to this. It is determined by the cat’s health and whether they were infected with the effusive or non-effusive form. However, the prognosis is not usually promising: 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 can provide you with more detailed information.

What Are The Symptoms Of Fip?

Many of the symptoms of FIP might be confused with those of a wide range of disorders. This is why we always recommend getting Fluffy to the vet as soon as you notice anything amiss.

These consist of the following:

• Abdominal Bloating
• Respiratory Issues
• Persistent Fever 
• Decreased Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Depression
• Withdrawal
• Unkempt Fur

If you see any of the above, contact your veterinarian straight away. Remember that symptoms of FIP can advance swiftly.

It’s important to note that FIP might take weeks, months, or even years to develop following the first coronavirus infection.

How Is FIP Managed?

Unfortunately, there is no established treatment for FIP. Prevention is your greatest option here. Typically, treatment efforts are directed on supportive care. This could include things like making sure Fluffy is getting adequate fluids. Your veterinarian may also recommend certain drugs like prednisone or cyclophosphamide. These are immune suppressants that may assist to slow the disease’s course. However, it is critical to recognize that there is no cure.

That being said, there is some good news here. Over the last three years, research has shown that antivirals may be useful against FIP. Remdesivir and GS-441524 have been available legally in the United Kingdom and Australia since 2021. (Unfortunately, this has resulted in an increase of illegal medications, but that’s another matter.)

If your feline buddy has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will discuss your options after diagnosing your pet.

Protecting Fluffy From FIP?

Fortunately, good cat care can go a long way toward keeping your feline companion happy, healthy, and purring. First and foremost, ensure that Fluffy receives preventative veterinary treatment. This includes her veterinarian exams, parasite treatment, and immunizations.

It’s also crucial to keep the litterbox clean. We recommend scooping the litter every day and changing it once a week. If you have more than one cat, you’ll need more boxes. Fluffy’s powder room should be in a quiet location that is not near her food or water. The litterbox should also not be placed in a drafty region or exposed to direct sunlight. Make sure your feline companions do not have to share food dishes. We also strongly advise you to keep your cat indoors.

Ask your Burlington, ON veterinarian for more information on how to prevent your kitty friend from FIP.

Make An Appointment At Our Burlington, ON Pet Clinic

Do you have any inquiries about your feline companion’s health or care? You are welcome to contact us at any time. As your Burlington, ON pet hospital, we’re here to help!