Cats are wonderful animals that give us a lot of joy and love. Unfortunately, they are also prone to various diseases, and one of them is Feline Infectious Peritonitis. This disease is one of the deadliest cat diseases, and many cat owners are afraid of their beloved pets contracting it. In this article, we will examine Feline Infectious Peritonitis in more detail and attempt to answer some of the questions that cat owners often ask.

FIP
FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis - death sentence? 3

What is FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a viral infectious disease caused by the Feline Coronavirus (FCoV). FCoV is very common and can cause mild enteritis (inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract) in a cat. However, in some cats, the virus mutates into a more aggressive form, causing FIP. This aggressive form of the virus can infect various organs of the body, including the liver, kidneys and peritoneum.

How is FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis Transmitted?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected cats. The virus can be transmitted through saliva, feces and urine. Most cats become infected between the ages of 3 and 5 months when they live in a group in close contact with other cats.

What symptoms does a cat with FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis have?

Symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis can vary depending on the form of the disease. There are two forms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis: a "wet" form and a "dry" form. The wet form is the deadliest form of Feline Infectious Peritonitis and presents symptoms such as:

  • Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen)
  • Breathing problems
  • weight loss
  • Fever
  • Jaundice

The dry form of Feline Infectious Peritonitis is slightly less fatal than the wet form, but it can still be life-threatening. The symptoms of the dry form are:

  • Chronic weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • lethargy
  • Eye problems
  • Breathing problems

How is FIP-Feline Infectious Peritonitis diagnosed?

Diagnosing Feline Infectious Peritonitis can be difficult because the symptoms of this disease are similar to other diseases. The veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination and perform blood tests to check for the presence of antibodies to Feline Coronavirus (FCoV). In some cases, a biopsy of the affected organ may also be necessary.

What are the treatment options for FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis?

There is no specific cure for FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis as it is a viral infectious disease. Treatment options therefore focus on relieving symptoms and improving the cat's quality of life. This includes:

  • Fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy to combat dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
  • Appetite stimulant to increase the cat's appetite
  • Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and inflammation
  • Antibiotics to fight the secondary infections

Can FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis be cured?

Unfortunately, there is (officially) no cure for Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Most cats die within weeks or months of diagnosis. However, there are some cases where cats have a "silent" infection and show no symptoms.

But the fact is that there is a glimmer of hope: a new antiviral drug promises a cure. It is a protease inhibitor that is said to be able to destroy the viruses. However, the large-scale long-term studies required for the approval of the antiviral are still missing. However, the study situation so far is promising: researchers at the University of California were able to use the drug to cure 90 percent of the 31 cats suffering from FIP in their study.  

We ourselves know FIP cats that were able to be cured. Unfortunately, these medications are not yet officially approved in Germany. This link is very helpful for owners of FIP cats: https://www.fipistheilbar.de/

How to Prevent Feline Infectious Peritonitis?

The best way to prevent FIP ​​- Feline Infectious Peritonitis is to protect your cat from Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) infection. This includes:

  • Isolate an infected cat from other cats to avoid spreading the virus.
  • Clean the litter box regularly to avoid the spread of feces and urine.
  • Keep your cat vaccinated to reduce the risk of infections.

FAQs:

Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis contagious?

Yes, FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis is contagious and can be transmitted from cat to cat.

How long does it take for a cat to show symptoms after infection with Feline Infectious Peritonitis?

It may take several weeks or even months for a cat to show symptoms after being infected with FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis.

Can People Get Feline Infectious Peritonitis?

No, FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a cat disease and cannot be transmitted to humans.

Can FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis be prevented by vaccination?

There is currently no vaccination that can completely prevent FIP ​​- Feline Infectious Peritonitis. However, vaccination can reduce the risk of Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) infection.

Conclusion:

FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis is basically a fatal cat disease that many cat owners fear. There is currently no cure for this disease, but there are ways to relieve symptoms and improve the cat's quality of life. The best way to prevent FIP ​​- Feline Infectious Peritonitis is to protect your cat from Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) infection. If you suspect your cat has FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis, contact your veterinarian for a diagnosis and to discuss the best treatment options.

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