It is an honor for me to help those that have lost a beloved kitten or cat to FIP.
My colleague and friend, Robin Kintz, started the FIP Facebook group in 2019 when her own two kittens were diagnosed with FIP. Even though the disease is now very treatable and up to 90% of cats who go through treatment will go into remission from the disease, some do succumb.
Many people come to me devastated from the loss of their beloved cat, and often kitten, to FIP. My heart breaks for these families … it’s so hard when we are faced with an illness we can’t cure for our beloved kitty.
What Is FIP?
FIP stands for “Feline Infectious Peritonitis.” It is a serious, often fatal viral disease affecting cats. FIP is caused by certain strains of feline coronavirus, which mutate and trigger an abnormal immune response in the cat’s body. While many cats may carry feline coronavirus without showing symptoms, only a small percentage develop FIP.
Types of FIP
FIP can manifest in two primary forms:
- Wet (Effusive) Form: Characterized by accumulation of fluid in the abdomen or chest, causing swelling and breathing difficulties.
- Dry (Non-effusive) Form: Involves organ inflammation without fluid buildup, affecting organs like the kidneys, liver, or nervous system.
Causes and Transmission
Symptoms
Symptoms of FIP vary depending on the form but may include fever, weight loss, lethargy, appetite loss, abdominal swelling, and neurological issues. The disease progresses rapidly and is challenging to diagnose, often requiring specialized laboratory tests.
Causes and Transmission
FIP is not considered highly contagious. The underlying feline coronavirus is common in multi-cat environments, such as shelters and breeding facilities. Transmission is mainly through fecal-oral contact, but only certain mutated strains cause FIP.
Treatment and Prognosis
Until recently, FIP was considered almost always fatal. However, new antiviral drugs have shown promise in treating some cases, though they may not be widely available. Supportive care and symptom management remain vital. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes.
Prevention
Prevention focuses on minimizing exposure to feline coronavirus, maintaining good hygiene, and reducing stress in multi-cat households. There is currently no universally effective vaccine for FIP.
If your cat has FIP and you need support, reach out for help.
Patricia Lee Rode is a pet loss and bereavement counselor living in Rockland, ME. She sees clients in person, via telephone or Zoom.
