National FIP Awareness Day

Kitties are known for being generally hardy little pets. However, they aren’t as impervious as they think. Fluffy is vulnerable to many illnesses and diseases, including Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP. A local Port Moody, British Columbia veterinarian addresses questions regarding FIP in this article.

What Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis?

FIP is caused by a virus, more specifically a feline coronavirus. Coronaviruses typically infect the respiratory or digestive systems of animals. Typically, this coronavirus is much like the common cold, in that it is quite common. According to some research, 25 to 40 percent of pet felines are infected with FCoV. The risk is greatest in areas with a large number of cats. The infection rate for cats that live in colonies, shelters, or multi-cat households can be as high as 100%. It is usually quite mild. The majority of cats who develop FCoV have minimal symptoms and/or recover rapidly. 

About 12% go on to develop FIP, which can result in certain catastrophic, potentially fatal, problems.

Is Feline Coronavirus Harmful?

The feline coronavirus is not always extremely deadly. Fluffy will usually recover quickly. Many cats have modest symptoms.Most of the time, the kitty’s symptoms are so modest that they go unnoticed. Some cats simply have an episode of diarrhea.  You might not even notice that something is amiss! 

How Do Cats Get FIP?

Any cat that has tested positive for feline coronavirus is at risk of developing FIP. However, certain cats are more vulnerable than others.

The most prevalent way for cats to contract FIP is through sharing litterboxes with an infected cat. Kitties that are elderly or immune-compromised are particularly vulnerable.

Age is undoubtedly a factor. FIP usually affects young felines. In reality, the majority of instances involve kittens under the age of 18 months. Approximately half are under the age of six months. Geriatric cats are also at an increased danger. Finally, purebred cats may be more vulnerable.

For more information, consult with your veterinarian.

How Is Feline Coronavirus Spread?

The feline coronavirus can be transmitted in a variety of ways. Nursing mothers may transmit it along to their kittens. Mutual grooming, sharing bowls, toys, or litterboxes, mating, and fighting are all ways for cats to infect one another.

Because feline coronavirus is an infectious disease, it is most commonly seen in areas with a high concentration of cats, such as animal shelters, catteries, or wild cat colonies.

How Long Can a Cat Live With Fio?

This depends on the kitty’s health and whether they were infected with the effusive or non-effusive type. However, the prognosis is poor: predictions range from days to weeks for the effusive type of the virus and weeks to months for the non-effusive. After examining your cat, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with more detailed information.

What Are The Symptoms Of FIP?

The symptoms of FIP might be perplexing, because they can be suggestive of a wide range of disorders. This is one of the reasons we always urge getting Fluffy to the vet as soon as you notice something amiss.

Here are a few examples:

• Abdominal Bloating 
• Respiratory Problems
• persistent fever 
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Depression
• Withdrawal
• Unkempt Fur

If you notice any of those symptoms in your feline pal, contact your veterinarian immediately. Keep in mind that symptoms of FIP can develop swiftly.

It’s worth mentioning that FIP might take weeks, months, or even years to develop following the first coronavirus infection.

What Is The Treatment For FIP?

Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for FIP. Prevention is the greatest approach in this situation. Supportive care is typically the primary focus of treatment efforts. This could include things like ensuring Fluffy is getting adequate fluids. Your veterinarian may also suggest medication, such as prednisone or cyclophosphamide. These are immune suppressants that may assist to delay disease progression. However, it’s critical to recognize that there is no cure.

If your feline friend is diagnosed, your Port Moody, British Columbia veterinarian will be able to discuss options with you on an individual basis.

What Can You Do to Keep Your Feline Friend Safe from FIP?

Fortunately, simple good cat care can go a long way toward keeping your feline companion happy, healthy, and purring. 

First and foremost, continue Fluffy’s preventative care. This includes her veterinarian examinations, parasite control, and vaccines. Maintaining cleanliness in the litterbox is also essential. We recommend scooping daily and changing the litter once a week. If you have more than one cat, you will need more boxes. We also strongly advise keeping your cat inside.

Consult your Port Coquitlam, British Columbia veterinarian for further information on preventing your kitty companion from FIP.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Port Moody, British Columbia Pet Clinic

Do you have any concerns about your feline’s health or care? Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. We are your Port Moody, British Columbia  pet hospital and are here to help!