FIP in Cats: How do cats get FIP and How to Protect Your Furry Friend from This Deadly Disease.

How to Prevent FIP in Cats

FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) is a deadly viral disease in cats caused by a mutated form of feline coronavirus. It has two forms: dry and wet. There is no sure way to prevent your cat from getting FIP, but there are some measures you can take to reduce the risk of infection and transmission.

What Causes FIP in Cats?

• FIP is caused by a mutated form of feline coronavirus, which is very common and usually harmless in cats.

• The mutation can occur randomly or due to environmental factors, such as stress, overcrowding, or poor hygiene.

• The mutated virus can infect the white blood cells and spread throughout the cat’s body, causing inflammation and fluid accumulation in various organs.

• FIP is not directly contagious, but the feline coronavirus can be transmitted through feces, saliva, or contact with infected cats.

• Some cats may be more susceptible to FIP due to genetic factors, age, or immune status.

How to Reduce the Risk of FIP in Cats?

There are some steps you can take to lower the chance of your cat getting FIP or spreading the feline coronavirus to other cats. These include:

• Avoid keeping large groups of cats and having multiple litters of kittens at any one time. This can reduce the exposure to feline coronavirus and lower the chance of mutation.

• Keep cats in small isolated groups (ideally no more than four cats in each group). This can prevent the spread of feline coronavirus among cats and limit the viral load.

• Have at least one litter box for every two cats, located in easy to clean and disinfect areas. This can minimize the fecal-oral route of transmission of feline coronavirus, which is the most common way of infection.

• Clean and disinfect litter boxes, food and water bowls, bedding, toys, and other items regularly. This can eliminate any traces of feline coronavirus and prevent cross-contamination.

• Quarantine any new cats or kittens for at least two weeks before introducing them to your existing cats. This can allow you to monitor their health status and test them for feline coronavirus if needed.

• Test your cats for feline coronavirus periodically, especially if they show any signs of illness or have been in contact with other cats. This can help you identify any carriers or infected cats and isolate them from the rest of the group.

• Consult your veterinarian about the pros and cons of vaccinating your cat against FIP. There is a vaccine available for FIP, but it is controversial and not widely recommended by experts. The vaccine may not be effective for all cats and may have some side effects or complications.

What are the Symptoms and Treatment Options for FIP in Cats?

FIP is a progressive and fatal disease that has no cure. The symptoms and treatment options depend on the form and severity of the disease.

Dry Form

The dry form of FIP causes infection and inflammatory lesions around the blood vessels in a cat’s body. This infection can affect the brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin. This form often causes the cat to have seizures and move in an abnormal or uncoordinated way. In some cases, cats will also have excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, weight loss, and jaundice.

The treatment for the dry form of FIP is mainly supportive care, such as fluids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, appetite stimulants, and supplements. Some antiviral drugs, such as GS-441524 or EIDD-2801, FIPCureRx, may also help slow down the progression of the disease.

Wet Form

The wet form of FIP causes fluid build-up in the abdomen or chest, which causes a pot-bellied appearance or breathing difficulties. This form of FIP causes damage to the blood vessels, resulting in inflammation and fluid leaking from the blood into the abdomen and chest. The treatment for the wet form of FIP is similar to the dry form, but it may also include draining the excess fluid from the abdomen or chest. The antiviral drugs GS-441524 or EIDD-2801, especially the FIPCureRx combined solution are effective for this form of FIP.