Last Updated: 06/05/2025
FIP in Cats
Has your cat been diagnosed with FIP? Take a look at our Vet-guide to learn about the cause symptoms diagnosis and treatment of FIP in cats.
Author: Dr Samantha Wycherley BVSc
Reading Time: 11 minutes - short read
Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Feline Infectious Peritonitis or FIP was once a terrifying diagnosis for any pet owner to receive for their cat. It is an uncommon disease which affects young cats worldwide. New advancements in treatment give hope to FIP affected cats.
Contents:
What is FIP in Cats?
FIP stands for Feline Infectious Peritonitis. FIP is an uncommon yet serious viral disease in cats. It is found in cats worldwide however this disease is most often seen in young cats.
How Do Cats Get FIP?
FIP is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (not the same virus that stopped the world in 2020!). Feline coronavirus is a common viral disease in cats that typically only causes mild diarrhoea however when the virus mutates we see FIP.
80% of cases are seen in cats under 2 years of age and it is more common in cats kept in large groups (often a breeding environment). It is thought that stress from overcrowding and a suppressed immune system may contribute to the virus mutating.
What Are The Symptoms Of FIP?
FIP symptoms can be vague in the early stages of the disease and its not always easy to make a diagnosis.Owners will typically notice their cat is a little lethargic and has a reduced appetite. Cats will often have a fever when they are examined at the vet clinic.
There are two different types of FIP - a dry form and a wet form.
In the wet form or effusive form of FIP cats will often develop a very swollen belly as fluid accumulates in their abdomen.
In the dry form no fluid accumulates but inflammation in the organs in the body can cause other signs such as seizures.
How Is FIP Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of FIP is not straightforward and diagnosis is often based on a number of different tests and symptoms
A number of tests may be performed including blood tests, diagnostic imaging (such as x-ray and ultrasound) and also sampling any fluid which may have accumulated in the abdomen or chest.
A vet will usually make the diagnosis based on a number of different findings which makes FIP highly likely.
Is FIP Contagious?
FIP is a mutated version of the feline coronavirus. Feline coronavirus is a highly contagious disease however the mutated version is not contagious. Whilst this does mean that one cat can pass the mild and common coronavirus to another it is very rare for it to mutate and cause FIP.
Can FIP Be Cured?
A few years ago the answer to this question would have been no - FIP used to be almost invariably fatal and it was a devastating diagnosis. However, recent advances in medicine have uncovered a drug called remdesivir which can, in many cases, cure FIP.
This medication, which has previously been difficult to source legally, is now legal and available in Australia.
Treatment can be costly and involves daily injections for a period of a few months and close monitoring by your veterinarian.
Further Reading
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