National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Day

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a deadly disease that all cat owners should be aware of. That’s quite a mouthful. In the veterinary care field, we commonly refer to Feline Infectious Peritonitis by the term FIP. This is a painful ailment that can badly harm your feline friend’s health and well-being. Continue reading to learn more about FIP from a local Mapleton, UT veterinarian.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis: What Is It?

The virus that causes FIP is a feline coronavirus. Normally, this coronavirus is rather benign. It’s also extremely frequent, comparable to the common cold. Most of the time, Fluffy recovers quickly. Many cats have just minor symptoms. You may not even realize there is a problem! However, some of our feline companions do develop difficulties that might lead to FIP. Senior cats and those with impaired immune systems are especially vulnerable.

How Can Cats Contract FCoV?

The feline coronavirus is a viral illness. It can spread in a number of ways. Breastfeeding mothers may pass it on to their kittens. Mutual grooming, sharing bowls, toys, or litterboxes, mating, or fighting are among ways that cats might infect one another. The risk is greatest where there are a large number of cats, such as animal shelters, catteries, or wild cat colonies, due to its contagious nature. The infection rate for cats living in colonies, shelters, or even multi-cat households can be as high as 100%. However, the kitty’s symptoms are usually so modest that they go unnoticed. Some cats experience only a spell of diarrhea. Sharing litterboxes with an ill cat is the most prevalent way for kittens to contract FIP.

The majority of cats who contract FCoV exhibit minor symptoms and/or recover rapidly. About 12% go on to get FIP. Any feline coronavirus-infected cat is at risk of developing FIP. However, some cats are at a higher danger.

Age is undoubtedly an important factor. FIP typically affects young cats. In reality, the majority of instances involve cats under the age of 18 months. About half are under the age of six months. Older cats are also more vulnerable. Finally, purebred cats may be at an increased risk.

It’s important to note that FIP can develop weeks, months, or even years after the initial coronavirus infection.

For more information, speak with your Mapleton, UT veterinarian.

How Long Can a Kitty Live with FIP?

There is no simple solution to this problem. It is determined by the cat’s health and whether it has been infected with the effusive or non-effusive form. However, the prognosis is not good: predictions range from days to weeks for the effusive form of the virus and weeks to months for the non-effusive type. After inspecting your cat, your doctor will be able to provide you with more detailed information.

What Can You Do to Keep Your Cat Safe From Fip?

There is some good news here. Basic good kitty care can go a long way toward keeping your feline buddy happy, healthy, and purring. First and foremost, keep Fluffy’s preventative care on track. This includes veterinarian exams, parasite control, and vaccines.

Keeping your pet’s litterbox clean is also essential. We suggest scooping daily and changing the litter once a week. If you have more than one kitty, you will also need more than one box. (Tip: Fluffy’s powder room should be located somewhere quiet, away from her food and drink. The litterbox should not be placed in a drafty region or in direct sunlight.)

Take extra care if you have more than one cat. Make sure your feline companions do not have to share litterboxes or food dishes. We also strongly advise that you keep your furry buddy indoors.

Ask your veterinarian for further information about keeping your kitty companion safe from FIP.

What Are the Warning Signs Of FIP?

The symptoms of FIP might be perplexing because they can be caused by a variety of illnesses. This is one of the reasons we always, always urge getting Fluffy to the vet as soon as you sense anything amiss.

Here are some of the common ones:

• Bloating 
• Breathing Issues
• Fever 
• Decreased appetite
• Weight Loss
• Depression
• Withdrawal
• Unkempt Fur

If you detect any of these issues, contact your veterinarian straight away. Remember that with FIP, symptoms can escalate quickly.

Treating FIP

Unfortunately, no official cure exists for FIP. Prevention is your greatest option in this situation. Typically, treatment efforts focus on supportive care. This could include things like ensuring Fluffy has enough hydration. Your veterinarian may also prescribe certain drugs, such as prednisone or cyclophosphamide. These are immune suppressants that may halt the progression of the disease. If your feline companion is diagnosed, your Mapleton, UT veterinarian will be able to discuss treatment choices with you.

Schedule An Appointment At Our Mapleton, UT Pet Clinic

Do you have questions about your feline friend’s health or care? You may contact us at any time. As your neighborhood Mapleton, UT pet hospital, we’re here to assist!