FIP Cat Treatment Guidelines


Your Cat’s Best Chance at Overcoming FIP.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis a.k.a FIP Cat or Feline Infectious Peritonitis is one of the most serious and potentially fatal diseases that affect 2-5% of cats annually. FIP in cats is part of the feline coronavirus family of diseases. Recognizing the signs of FIP in cats symptoms is key to early detection and treatment. In this guide, we'll give you a clear and concise details into what is FIP, how to identify FIP symptoms in your cat, and discuss various treatments for FIP in cats, treatment for wet FIP in cats. We will also explore whether FIP in cats is contagious, how to manage the final stages of FIP in cats, and even share uplifting stories of those whose cat survived FIP.

What is FIP Cat?

FIP Cats or Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a disease caused by the mutation of Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) in cats. FCoV is a type of virus that can spread through the saliva, feces, and urine of infected cats. It can also be transmitted to other cats through contact with environments contaminated by the virus. However, FCoV is not fatal and does not cause significant sickness to the infected cat. When FCoV mutates into FIP, it becomes very fatal to the infected cats.

The symptoms of FIP in cats vary depending on the form of FIP the cat is experiencing. There are two forms of FIP:

  • Wet FIP
  • Dry FIP

If not treated promptly, both forms of FIP can progress into:

  • Neurological FIP
  • Ocular FIP

Feline Infectious Peritonitis Symptoms

The symptoms of FIP in cats can vary depending on the type of FIP. Wet FIP is the more common form and is characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest. Symptoms of this form of FIP include weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.

Some common symptoms of FIP in cats include:
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Drastic weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Fluid buildup in the abdomen (Wet FIP)
  • Jaundice
  • Anemia

In certain conditions, late FIP treatment can lead to other symptoms, such as neurological symptoms such as paralysis or seizure (neurological FIP) or cloudy eyes (ocular FIP).

Diagnosing FIP in Cats

Diagnosing FIP in cats can be difficult, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases. To confirm a diagnosis of FIP in your cat, several tests should be performed. These tests include:

  • FCOV AB Test: This test looks for antibodies to the virus that causes FIP.
  • Rivalta Test: This test is performed if there is fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
  • Hematology and Chemistry Blood Tests: These tests help to confirm levels of albumin, globulin, liver and kidney values.
  • Ultrasound (USG): This test is used to confirm fluid in the abdominal cavity.

FIP Cat Treatments

The best FIP treatment approach is GS-441524 also commonly referred to simply as GS. It is effective, with demonstrated 92% success rate if following CUREFIP™ treatment procedures, with rapid results and no negative side effects. GS-441524 is an FIP antiviral compound that has demonstrated success in feline coronavirus treatment regardless of symptoms and severity. Another treatment option that is gaining popularity since 2022 is a drug called Molnupiravir 2801. It is also proven effective against FIP infections. However, unlike GS-441524, light to severe side effects have been reported with Molnupiravir. Therefore Molnupiravir has limited applications. Its use is not recommended to treat neurological FIP, late stage FIP infections, cats with kidney or liver complications, or cat with poor digestive system. Molnupiravir 2801 is also not recommended for extended use beyond 2 weeks due to high cytotxoicity, which can cause short and long term side effects.

INJECTIONS PILLS

Preventing FIP infections

The best way to prevent feline infectious peritonitis is to guard your cats in a clean and healthy environment. In multi cat household sanitise litter boxes regularly. Quarantine sick cats. Treat wounds promptly. Prevent domestic cats from venturing outside and mingle with street cats, which is often where initial infections occur. It is also important to keep cats up to date on their vaccinations, reducing the likelihood of FIP infection.

Diet and Nutrition for FIP Cats

Diet and nutrition play an important role in rapidity of recovery during FIP treatments. It is important to feed your cat a well-balanced diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Fresh, raw food is best, as this provides the most nutrients for your cat.

It is also important to feed your cat food that is specifically designed for cats with FIP. These diets are formulated to provide the nutrients that cats with FIP need to stay healthy.

It is also important to make sure that your cat is getting enough water. Cats with FIP tend to become dehydrated easily, so it is important to provide them with plenty of fresh, clean water.