Learn more about the causes, signs, symptoms, treatments and vaccinations against FIP, a viral disease that affects both domestic and wild cats.

What is FIP?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal viral disease that begins as a coronavirus (FCoV) that somehow mutates into a different type of coronavirus (FECV) that then causes FIP. Pet Education.com states that, “Studies have shown that approximately 25-40% of household cats, and up to 95% of cats in multi-cat households and catteries are or have been infected with FCoV. The development of fatal FIP occurs in 1 in 5000 cats in households with one or two cats. In multi-cat households and catteries 5% of cats die from FIP.” Thankfully, not all cats that have been exposed to FCoV get FIP because FIP is a mutation of the virus. No one really knows what causes the mutation.

There are two types of FIP, dry and wet, or noneffusive and effusive. The dry form of FIP progresses slowly, and the cat may live up to a year after diagnosis, while the wet form progresses rapidly and make take the cat within 2 months or less.

Symptoms of Noneffusive (dry) FIP

• weight loss
• fever
• loss of appetite
• lethargy
• paralysis
• disorientation
• loss of balance
• tremors
• convulsions
• behavior changes
• urinary incontinence

Symptoms of Effusive (wet) FIP

• weight loss
• fever
• loss of appetite
• lethargy or depression
• anemia
• constipation and/or diarrhea
• pot-bellied appearance due to fluid in the abdomen
• fluid in the chest, which causes wheezing and difficulty breathing

Diagnosing FIP isn’t an easy task. The only sure way to diagnose FIP is by doing an autopsy after the cat has died. If your vet believes your cat might have FIP, there is a long series of tests that will help determine whether FIP is a possibility. Typically, treatment involves keeping the cat comfortable, as there is no cure for FIP, and it is extremely rare for a cat to survive this disease.

There is an FIP intranasal vaccine. However, it is only estimated 50-75% effective. Studies on the vaccine that were done outside the manufacturer’s facilities are inconclusive, and many don’t believe the vaccine to be a beneficial option. A study by Cornell University showed that the vaccine might actually enhance the disease! There have also been reports of cats developing the disease and dieing shortly after receiving the vaccination. Many breeders will now void your health guarantee if you give your new kitten this vaccination. It is also important to know that the vaccine is completely useless if your cat has already been exposed to FCoV.

On a more positive note, common, every day household disinfectants effectively kill the virus. To reduce the possibilities that your cat can develop FIP, cleanliness is imperative (especially with litter boxes), as is keeping your cat’s immune system healthy and maintaining a stress free environment for your cats. If you have multiple cats or are in a breeding or rescue situation, have a litter box for every cat in the house plus an extra one. Make sure your litter scoops are cleaned and sanitized regularly, and don't interchange scoops between boxes.

There is no definitive proof that any of these things cause or prevent FIP, because again, it is a random mutation of a virus. Even with all the precautions in the world, sometimes a cat simply develops FIP. Hopefully research by dedicated researchers, rescue organizations, breeders, and their veterinarians will be able to give us some answers in the future.

If you have any questions, please feel free to drop by our discussion area!

Articles you might also find interesting: “Feline PKD,” and “Feline AIDS.”

Resources:

PetEducation.com

Dr. Addie.com – This website has great information on prevention and spread of FCoV in kittens for catteries and rescue organizations

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