Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most feared diseases among kitten owners. This mysterious and deadly infection can quietly silence even the most active and healthy kitten.

Many scientists believe FIP is caused by the coronavirus (FECV). Luckily, humans cannot contract the virus. It only affects felines. The coronavirus is relatively common in cats. Most cats that get the coronavirus will suffer from only mild cold-like symptoms (sneezing, coughing, runny nose, diarrhea) and will completely recover.

In fact, most cats (about 80-90%+) will contract FECV. Yet, only a small percentage (about <1%) will go on to develop full on FIP disease.
It is thought that certain strains of coronavirus mutate into a more potent virulent viruses. This in term may overwhelm a cat’s immune system and lead to the development of FIP.

Transmission

FECV is a very contagious virus in cats. It can last in the environment for several weeks unscathed. The virus is spread primarily by saliva and feces. Simply sharing food dish bowls and litter boxes can spread the virus. Shelter cats and cats that live in multi-cat households are particularly prone to getting FIP. Cats that are boarded in catteries are also at risk of contracting coronavirus due to their close proximity to each other.

Kittens are particularly prone to contracting FIP. And cats 6 months to 2 years of age and elderly cats have the most deaths from the disease. In fact, feline infectious peritonitis is thought to be a culprit in many cases of fading kitten syndrome.

Sick kittens are also susceptible to getting FIP. Their already weakened immune systems have difficulty fighting off the coronavirus. There is also some evidence that certain feline breeds are genetically more susceptible to getting FIP than others. It is unknown the exact reason why.

Symptoms

Feline infectious peritonitis can cause many signs and symptoms that can mimic other diseases. General signs and symptoms include: coughing, nasal dripping, abdominal distention, fever, and weight loss.

FIP can affect many body systems, not just the abdomen. The disease can affect the eyes, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and other organs. And there are two types of FIP with their own specific signs and symptoms: wet and dry.

Wet FIP affects the lungs and abdominal cavity. Fluid fills the lungs making it difficult for cats to breathe. It has a worse prognosis and progresses faster that dry FIP. Dry FIP is harder to diagnose. It can cause seizures brain problems and coordination problems.

Diagnosis

Often, FIP’s warning signs are confused with other viruses and diseases that can affect cats. So, close observation is needed to tell if the disease is present. Since there is no official test to test for FIP, it takes a holistic approach to tell if the condition is present in a cat.

Vets will usually draw blood samples to determine if any blood level abnormalities exist. There is a FIP titer that can be drawn, however, it is not always very accurate as it only detects whether or not a cat has be exposed to coronavirus.

The vet will also examine the cat and do a physical assessment to search for signs of the disease. The vet may even draw a sample of fluid from the lungs or abdomen, if present, to check for signs of the disease. Sometimes, sadly, after a cat’s death a vet may do a biopsy of tissue to determine in further if FIP was in existence.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for feline infectious peritonitis and most cats with the disease will die within a year of contracting the condition. Once a cat or kitten has contracted the disease, only supportive measures are given. Sometimes, steroids are used to reduce inflammation. And pain meds may be used to keep a cat more comfortable.

Vaccine

There is a vaccine available to prevent the spread of FIP. However, there have been issues with its safety and effectiveness in stopping the disease and is rarely given.

Tips for FIP Prevention

Since there is no cure for FIP, prevention is paramount is halting the disease.

• Boost your cats’ immunity
• See your vet regularly for check-ups and report problems early
• Avoid boarding your cat in catteries if possible
• Avoid sharing bowls and litter boxes among cats
• Disinfect litter boxes once per week with diluted bleach
• Keep your cat’s food bowl away from its litter box
• Don’t mix adult cats and kittens (especially in shelters)
• Isolate your new cat or kitten from your resident cat until it visits a vet

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