What is Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP?
FIP is an auto immune disease like FELV and FIV, and it is caused by a type of coronavirus. There is no effective
treatment or diagnostic test. FIP may be caused by a mutation of the Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FECV), but no one
is sure at this point.
Which cats are at risk?
FIP usually occurs in kittens or young cats who have come in contact with others cats. It is said that households
with only one cat are generally free of all coronaviruses. (More cats increases the risk for FIP.) It is a
contagious disease (feces may contribute to transmission). So it would only stand to reason that catteries
should educate themselves on FIP. It is very elusive - FIP can wipe out an entire cattery, while another
cattery may loose one kitten and never see FIP again.
What are some of the symptoms?
Wet: abdomen/chest distended with fluid, enlarged lymph nodes, jaundice, mild anemia, and gastrointestinal
Dry: weight loss, depression, anemia, and fever as well as signs of kidney failure, pancreatic disease, liver
failure, neurologic disease or ocular disease and inflammed organs
What can I do to prevent my cat from getting it?
There is a test that can detect a coronavirus, but it cannot tell you if you cat specifically has FIP. There
are definitely many issues with this test. Definitely wash thoroughly with disinfecting agents anything that
has come in contact with an infected cat.
How about a vaccine?
A vaccine does exist, but there is much disagreement around it. Apparently, there are still many questions about
its effectiveness. Many vets will not advise the vaccine.
(This information came from a discussion in the chat room and can be found in our May 2000 Newsletter.)
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