Few cat owners are aware of Feline infectious peritonitis, commonly known as FIP. This is because only one in every five thousand cats or kittens will develop the often fatal virus. Feline infectious peritonitis can affect a cat at any age, but usually affects kittens under one year, and senior cats.
Some cats are unknowing carriers of the virus throughout their entire life, but never develop any symptoms and lead long, normal lives.
What is Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP?
Feline infectious peritonitis is a virus that is caused by specific strains of the feline coronavirus, which mutate to form the FIP virus. Cats and kittens who become infected with FIP will not show any symptoms at first. Overall, symptoms are often sudden, and soon after the animal will more often than not, succumb to death.
Any cat is susceptible to developing FIP. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of cats in homes and catteries, and up to 30 percent of wild cats, catch some strain of feline coronavirus. However, less than one percent of all cats infected with the coronavirus will develop the strain for Feline infectious peritonitis.
What are the Symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP?
There are two forms of Feline infectious peritonitis:
- Effusive, also known as wet form FIP
- Non-effusive, also known as dry form FIP
Both forms of FIP share several symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the gums and the whites the eyes.)
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- In some cases, anemia
The difference between the two forms of FIP are well defined. Cats who are infected with wet form, or effusive FIP will develop a build-up of yellow fluids in the abdominal cavity. These cats also often begin to have a pot-bellied appearance.
Meanwhile, cats who are infected with dry form, or non-effusive FIP will show more neurological symptoms. Over time, cats infected with non-effusive FIP will begin to lose their vision. They will also begin to show symptoms of paralysis, including but not limited to difficulty walking or standing up. Many cats will also suffer seizures. In the end, cats with non-effusive FIP become unresponsive in nearly all aspects.
Overall, cats brought into the vet generally have developed the effusive, or wet form of feline infectious peritonitis. The dry form, or non-effusive FIP is fairly rare.
Can FIP be Diagnosed?
Currently, there is no universal way of diagnosing either form of Feline infectious peritonitis. This is because FIP affects the body in a variety of ways. A cat with FIP may have kidney failure, which would cause some of the symptoms and therefore lead to misdiagnosis.
FIP is fatal in most cases. Usually, FIP is diagnosed through a necropsy (which is an autopsy for animals.)
Losing a cat or young kitten can be devastating to owners. Losing a cat to a rare illness is often harder, because the owner wonders “why?” Unfortunately, there is no known cure for FIP at this current time. However, aggressive research is seeking out a test for diagnosis and a cure to help owners and their infected feline friends.
Additional Information on Feline Infectious Peritonitis:
Feline Infectious Peritonitis - Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine
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