Have you heard of FIP, or Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)? This is a dangerous disease that can have major consequences for your feline companion’s health and well-being. Continue reading to hear a local Saginaw, MI 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 and potentially fatal problems.

What Are the Signs of FIP?

Signs include abdominal bloating, respiratory issues, persistent fever, reduced appetite, weight loss, depression, withdrawal, and unkempt fur. These can be indicative of many feline illnesses. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything amiss.

What Are Feline Coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses usually harm animals’ respiratory or digestive systems. The feline coronavirus is not COVID-19. Humans are immune to it. It is merely one of several coronaviruses. 

Coronavirus infection in cats is extremely prevalent. In fact, 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%. 

Is Feline Coronavirus Dangerous?

Feline coronavirus is not necessarily extremely harmful. In fact, Fluffy usually recovers quickly. Many cats have very subtle 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.

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 at higher risk. Finally, purebred cats may be especially susceptible.

Contact your veterinarian for further information.

Who is Bria?

As you may be aware, many unique animal holidays, causes, and charities have mascots, who are typically remarkable pets who raise awareness of a problem in a certain individual or group of people. In this scenario, the pet is a charming kitten named Bria, who loved playing Fetch and eating peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. Bria was adopted by Susan Gingrich and her husband, Jim. As you could expect, the adorable kitty passed away due to FIP. Susan dedicated herself to raising awareness about the disease. She approached the EveryCat Health Foundation, the only organization dedicated to sponsoring research on feline health issues. The Bria Fund for FIP Research was established shortly afterwards.

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 mutual grooming, sharing bowls, toys, or litterboxes, mating, or fighting. It’s worth mentioning that FIP might take weeks, months, or even years to develop following an initial coronavirus infection.

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. Following an evaluation of your cat, your Saginaw, MI veterinarian will be able to provide more detailed information.

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. Immune suppressants may assist in delaying the progression of the disease. Unfortunately,  there is no cure.

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 current with Fluffy’s preventative care. This includes her veterinarian check-ups, parasite control, and vaccines.

Keeping the litterbox clean is also essential. We recommend scooping every day and changing the litter roughly once a week. If you have multiple cats, you should take extra care. Make sure your feline friends do not have to share litter boxes or food dishes. We would also strongly advise keeping your cat indoors.

Ask your Saginaw, MI veterinarian for further information on how to protect your kitty companion against FIP.

Book An Appointment At Our Saginaw, MI 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 Saginaw, MI pet hospital, we are here to assist!