Feline Infectious Peritonitis
A Serious Diagnosis — But Not Without Hope
Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP, is one of the most emotionally difficult conditions a cat owner can face. For many years, it was considered untreatable. But today, new treatments are changing what’s possible — and helping cats go on to live healthy, happy lives.
Whether your cat has recently been diagnosed or you’ve noticed symptoms and are looking for answers, this page will walk you through everything you need to know, clearly and compassionately.
What Is FIP?
FIP develops from a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV) — a virus commonly found in cats, especially in households with more than one feline. Most cats exposed to this virus stay healthy or show only mild digestive symptoms. But in rare cases, the virus mutates inside the body and causes a severe, often life-threatening immune reaction. That’s when it becomes FIP.
There are two main forms of the disease. The “wet” (effusive) form causes fluid to build up inside the chest or abdomen, while the “dry” (non-effusive) form affects organs like the eyes, brain, or liver. Both types can be dangerous — but with early diagnosis and the right treatment plan, there is now hope.
Recognising the Signs
FIP symptoms often start subtly and can easily be mistaken for more common illnesses. That’s why it’s so important to stay alert to any changes in your cat’s behaviour, especially if they’re young or have recently been under stress.
In the early stages, you may notice:
-
Loss of appetite
-
Low energy or sleeping more than usual
-
Gradual weight loss
-
Repeated fevers that don’t respond to antibiotics
As the disease progresses, more serious signs may develop:
-
A swollen or bloated belly (from fluid buildup)
-
Laboured or rapid breathing
-
Yellowing of the gums, eyes, or ears (jaundice)
-
Difficulty walking, uncoordinated movement, or seizures
-
Eye inflammation, cloudiness, or sudden vision issues
If your cat shows any combination of these symptoms — particularly if they come on quickly — please contact us immediately. Early action could make all the difference.
Is Treatment Possible?
Until recently, a diagnosis of FIP often meant preparing for the worst. Today, that’s no longer the case. Promising new antiviral treatments are now available — and in many cases, they can stop the disease in its tracks. These medications aren’t over-the-counter and must be prescribed and monitored by a vet experienced in managing FIP.
Our team can help you navigate this new treatment landscape with clear advice, medical support, and ongoing care throughout the process.
Diagnosis and Next Steps
FIP can be challenging to diagnose because there’s no single test that gives a yes-or-no answer. We typically use a combination of blood tests, imaging (such as ultrasound), and — where possible — fluid analysis to rule out other conditions and build a confident diagnosis.
If your cat has fluid in the abdomen or chest, we can usually assess it quickly. In dry FIP cases, diagnosis can be more complex, especially when neurological or ocular signs are present. Either way, we’ll walk you through each step with clarity and compassion.
Reducing the Risk
There’s currently no vaccine for FIP, and it’s not contagious in its mutated form. But you can still take steps to reduce your cat’s risk. Keeping your home clean, avoiding overcrowding, and reducing stress in multi-cat households are all helpful. Breeds like Bengals, Abyssinians, and Ragdolls may be more genetically predisposed, so early monitoring is recommended for these cats.
FAQs
FIP itself is not contagious — but the original feline coronavirus (FCoV) is. Many cats carry FCoV without ever becoming ill. FIP only develops when the virus mutates within an individual cat.
Some cats respond exceptionally well to new antiviral treatments and go on to live normal lives. These medications must be given consistently and under veterinary supervision.
Without treatment, FIP progresses quickly and is typically fatal within weeks. With treatment, many cats can recover fully — but outcomes vary depending on the form and stage of the disease.
Treatment can be long-term and may include daily medication, monitoring tests, and check-ups. We’ll always explain costs clearly and help you make informed decisions.
If your cat is diagnosed with FIP, isolation isn’t necessary. However, for cats carrying feline coronavirus (FCoV), hygiene and stress reduction in multi-cat households are advised to help prevent mutation.
We're Here to Help
A diagnosis of FIP can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team is here to support you with expert care, cutting-edge treatments, and kind, honest advice. Whether you need urgent testing, ongoing treatment, or just want to talk things through, we’re here when you need us.
Call or message us via WhatsApp to book a consultation.