What Is FIP in Cats?

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Have you ever heard of FIP in cats? This serious viral disease can affect cats of all breeds and ages – here’s what you need to know.

You’ve likely heard about FIV and FeLV, but do you know about Feline Infectious Peritonitis, also known as FIP? Check out some quick facts below so you can be more aware of this uncommon yet serious disease the can affect cats.

What Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis, and What Causes It?

Experts are still trying to understand FIP better. What they already know, though, is that Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a viral disease that’s actually caused by some strains of Feline Coronavirus (FCoV). Domestic cats of all ages and from all over the world could be affected. However, FIP most commonly develops in young kitties that are under 2 years old.

Related:What Is FIV In Cats?

There are multiple strains of FCoV, and many Feline Coronavirus strains won’t result in FIP. Also, kitties that are infected with FCoV may not even exhibit any symptoms; however, the cats develop an immune response and antibodies.

Unfortunately, anywhere from 5-10% of cats that are infected with FCoV develop clinical FIP. This could occur because the virus mutates or there’s an abnormal immune response. FIP spreads throughout the kitty’s body, and a severe inflammatory reaction develops, oftentimes within the brain, kidneys, or abdomen. At this point, the disease is progressive and almost always fatal.

What’s worse, lab tests aren’t able to distinguish between strains of FCoV that could cause FIP and those that won’t lead to serious disease. Experts aren’t even totally clear on which factors would cause one kitty to become infected with FIP while another remains unaffected. They believe that genetics and re-infection might play a role in FIP developing.

Which Cats Are Most at Risk of FIP?

Basically, any kitty that has been infected with a strain of FCoV might be at risk of it mutating into FIP. But pets that have a weak immune system might be more susceptible. That includes geriatric cats, kittens, and those infected with Feline Leukemia (FeLV).

Related:What Is Feline Leukemia?

Feline Coronavirus is found in large amounts in the feces and saliva of an infected cat during acute infection. It’s also found, to a lesser extent, in kitties that have recovered from the virus and those who are carriers. This means that FCoV could be transferred from one cat to another through direct contact and through exposure to feces. Also, FCoV could be transmitted to kittens by infected mother cats, and this usually occurs when the kittens are 5 to 8 weeks old.

FIP itself isn’t considered highly contagious because only small amounts of the virus are shed once a kitty develops clinical disease. And even though it’s considered relatively uncommon within the general population, this disease is more common in shelters, catteries, and other multi-cat environments.

What Are the Symptoms and Treatments of FIP?

When a cat is exposed to FCoV, she might not exhibit any obvious signs of infection. However, some kitties might end up with mild upper respiratory symptoms that could include nasal discharge, sneezing, and watery eyes. And some cats might end up having mild intestinal problems like diarrhea.

It could take weeks, months, or years for FIP to develop, and in cats that are infected, symptoms might appear suddenly (especially because cats could hide initial signs of illness). Once the symptoms occur, they could continue becoming more severe over several weeks until the pet dies.

To make FIP even more complicated for vets and pet owners, there are actually two major forms, known as the wet form and the dry form. And a vet might have difficulty diagnosing the disease because every kitty might have different symptoms that are similar to those of other ailments.

      In terms of treatment, there aren’t yet any cures, but some options might allow for short-term remission in some cats. Because FIP is fatal, supportive care is all that’s possible. Research into effective treatments is ongoing.

      How Is a Cat Diagnosed with FIP?

      There isn’t yet any straightforward diagnostic test for FIP. There are tests that could detect FCoV antibodies, but a vet won’t be able to determine if a cat has a strain that could lead to FIP. In other words, a test that comes up positive for Coronavirus antibodies only means that the animal was exposed to the virus, but there’s no way to know if the strain she was infected with will cause FIP.

      Experts haven’t come up with a way to screen cats for FIP risk while they’re healthy either. Examining the fluid, symptoms, and history of a cat could help a vet make a diagnosis, but to definitively diagnose a cat with FIP, a biopsy would be needed.

      A Scary Feline Disease to Be Aware Of

      FIP is challenging and especially scary because many cases result in death. If you have any questions regarding FIP and your cat’s risk, be sure to consult with your vet.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      ADVERTISEMENT

      You May Like

      Southern Painted Turtle

      The Southern Painted Turtle is commonly kept as a pet.These semi-aquatic turtles are low maintenance and a good beginner option.

      Silver Marten Rabbit

      The Silver Marten Rabbit is usually used for show purposes, but it can also be an excellent pet if it is well socialized.

      ‘Tis The Season For Giving – Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen Helps Pets

      Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen keeps pets and families together – with some help from you! The holiday season is here, and it is important to remember…

      Walkzee Kickstarter Wants To Pair Dogless Walkers With A Shelter Pooch

      Who wants to go for walkies with shelter dogs? If you raised your hand, then this Kickstarter project is for you! With urban sprawl running rampant (and with…

      Lionhead Rabbit

      The Lionhead rabbit has a wool mane circling around their head much like a lion''s mane, hence its name. They are energetic, affectionate and love to play.

      Raise A Pint To These Top Irish Dog Names

      Are you feeling lucky? Well, are you, Pug? For St. Patty''s Day, here are the top Irish dog names that will have you feeling luckier than a leprechaun!

      Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats Recipe

      The dog days of summer are upon us and our dogs are looking for ways to cool down. We''ve got the perfect solution - this Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats Recipe!

      Dogs and Chocolate: Why The Two Don’t Mix

      Death by Chocolate isn''t the name of a dessert - it''s a reality for canines. Here''s why dogs and chocolate don''t mix and what to do if your pup eats it.

      The Quest For Dog: 6 Steps For Prepping Your House For A Puppy

      Amanda Schlee doesn’t have a dog… yet. But she’s in full doggy mode and is doing all her research before she and her husband decide on the…

      Golden Shouldered Parrot

      Golden Shouldered Parrot is truly a one-of-a-kind sight, and one of Australia''s most colorful birds. Find out more about this exotic breed and their care.

      Clumber Spaniel

      The largest of all spaniels, the Clumber Spaniel is a dog fit for a king. Much of the breed''s early history centers around French and British nobility.

      Planet Dog Adds A New Crop Of Carrots To Its Line Of Produce Dog Toys

      Remember when your mom told you to stop playing with your veggies? That doesn''t apply to Planet Dog''s new Carrot from the Orbee-Tuff Produce dog toy line.

      Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Maude

      Meet Maude, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. Maude is an adult female English Bulldog from Decatur, Illinois. She’s already spayed, housetrained, purebre…

      Top 10 Best Winter Jackets for Dogs

      You can''t go wrong with any of these, as we''ve only included high-quality, durable, stylish, and overall good value for money winter jackets for dogs.

      Miniature Bull Terrier

      The Miniature Bull Terrier is an exact version of the traditional Bull Terrier, except it is downsized. A fun-loving clown is as playful as he is tough.