Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by a coronavirus infection.

FIP has the ability to invade and grow in certain white blood cells. The infected cells transport the virus throughout the cat's body. An intense inflammatory reaction occurs in the tissues where these virus-infected cells locate. It is this interaction between the body's own immune system and the virus that is responsible for the disease.

Infected cats shed coronavirus in their saliva and feces. The major forms of lethal FIP are effusive (wet) FIP, noneffusive (dry) FIP, and combinations of both. The most characteristic sign of wet FIP is the accumulation of fluid within the abdomen and/or chest. When fluid accumulation becomes excessive, it may become difficult for the cat to breathe normally.

Feline Infectious Peritonitous -FIP

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus - FIV

Feline Lukaemia Virus - FeLV

Cat Flu

Feline Enteritis

The onset of dry FIP is usually slower. Fluid accumulation is minimal, although weight loss, depression, anemia, and fever are almost always present. Signs of kidney failure, liver failure, pancreatic disease, neurologic disease, enteritis, or eye disease may be seen in various combinations. FIP is often a difficult disease to diagnose because each cat can display different signs that are similar to those of many other diseases.

FIP is a fatal disease for which there is no vaccination and no cure.In multiple cat environments, keeping cats as healthy as possible, vaccinations up to date, proper nutrition and adequate sanitation can be helpful in reducing the incidence of FIP.