Protecting Your Cat From FIP

National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Awareness is a serious disease that every cat owner should be aware of. We know that’s a mouthful. For those of us in the veterinary care field, FIP stands for Feline Infectious Peritonitis. This is a painful ailment that can have major consequences for your feline companion’s health and well-being. Continue reading to hear a local Bel Air, MD veterinarian address some FIP-related issues.

What Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis?

FIP is caused by a virus, specifically the feline coronavirus. Normally, this coronavirus is rather innocuous. It’s also rather prevalent, much like the common cold. However, the mutation can cause some serious, potentially fatal, problems.

Is Feline Coronavirus Dangerous?

Feline coronavirus is not necessarily extremely harmful. Fluffy usually recovers quickly. Many cats simply exhibit modest symptoms. You may not even realize anything is wrong! However, some of our feline buddies develop difficulties that can lead to FIP. Kitties who are elderly or immunocompromised are especially vulnerable.

Coronavirus infection in cats is extremely prevalent. Some studies suggest that between 25 and 40% of pet felines are infected with FCoV. The risk is greatest in areas with a high cat population. The infection rate for cats that live with other cats, such as in colonies, shelters, or multi-cat households, can be as high as 100%. However, the majority of the time, the kitty’s symptoms are so modest that they go undetected. Some cats simply develop diarrhea.

Who Was Bria?

As you may be aware, many unique animal holidays, causes, and charities have mascots, who are typically remarkable pets that raise awareness of a problem in a certain individual or group of people. In this scenario, the pet is a charming kitten named Bria, a stunning lynx blue point Birman who loved playing Fetch. Bria was also fond of eating peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, which we do not recommend giving your cat.

Bria was adopted by Susan Gingrich and her husband, Jim. As you could expect, the adorable kitty passed away due to FIP complications. Susan, heartbroken, dedicated herself to raising awareness about the disease. She approached the EveryCat Health Foundation, previously known as the Winn Feline Foundation. It is the world’s only organization dedicated to sponsoring research on feline health issues. The Bria Fund for FIP Research was established shortly afterward.

Do All Kitties With FCOV Get Sick?

Actually, no. The majority of cats who contract FCoV develop minimal symptoms and/or recover rapidly. Approximately 12% go on to develop FIP.

What Are the Risk Factors for FIP?

Any cat that has had feline coronavirus is at risk of developing FIP. However, some kittens are more vulnerable than others.

Age certainly has a role. FIP mainly affects younger cats. In reality, the vast majority of instances involve kittens under the age of 18 months. Approximately half are under six months old. Geriatric cats are also in higher danger. Finally, purebred cats may be especially susceptible.

Contact your veterinarian for further information.

How Does Feline Coronavirus Spread?

Feline coronavirus can be spread in a variety of ways. Nursing mothers may spread it to their kittens.

Cats can also infect one another through the following:

·       Mutual Grooming

·       Sharing Bowls, Toys, Or Litterboxes

·       Mating

·       Fighting

Because it is an infectious disease, feline coronavirus is most commonly seen in areas with a large number of cats, such as animal shelters, catteries, or feral cat colonies.

How Long Can a Cat Live With Fios?

There is no clear-cut answer to this. It is dependent on the cat’s condition and whether they have been infected with the effusive or non-effusive form. However, the prognosis is not good: estimations range from days to weeks for the effusive type of the virus and weeks to months for the non-effusive.

What Are The Signs Of FIP?

Many of the symptoms of FIP might be confused with those of a range of other illnesses. This is one of the reasons why we always recommend getting Fluffy to the vet as soon as you notice anything amiss.

This includes the following:

·       Abdominal Bloating

·       Respiratory issues

·       Persistent fever

·       Reduced appetite

·       Weight Loss

·       Depression

·       Withdrawal

·       Unkempt Fur

If you detect any of the following, contact your Bel Air, MD veterinarian straight away.

How Is FIP Treated?

Sadly, there is no official cure for FIP. Prevention is the greatest option here. Typically, treatment efforts are centered on providing supportive care. This may include things like ensuring Fluffy gets adequate hydration. Your veterinarian may also recommend certain drugs, such as prednisone or cyclophosphamide. These are immune suppressants that may delay the progression of the disease.

There is some good news here. Research undertaken over the last three years suggests that antivirals may be useful against FIP. Remdesivir and GS-441524 have been legally available in the UK and Australia since 2021.

If your feline buddy has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will be able to discuss treatment choices with you on an individual basis.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Feline Friend from FIP?

Fortunately, basic proper cat care will help keep your kitty companion happy, healthy, and purring. First and foremost, stay on top of Fluffy’s preventative care needs, such as check-ups, parasite control, and vaccines. Keeping the litterbox clean is also essential. If you have multiple cats, you’ll need more than one box. We would also strongly advise keeping your cat indoors.

Ask your Bel Air, MD veterinarian for further information on how to protect your kitty companion against FIP.

Book An Appointment At Our Bel Air, MD Pet Clinic

Do you have any questions about your feline friend’s health or care? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your local Bel Air, MD pet hospital, we are here to assist!