How Do Cats Get FIP

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most devastating diseases in cats, with a high mortality rate. Understanding how cats get FIP can help you take precautions and detect early signs of this condition. FIP is caused by a mutated form of the feline coronavirus (FCoV), a virus that is common in cats. Not all cats infected with feline coronavirus will develop FIP, but for those that do, the outcome can be serious. In this article, we’ll explain how cats contract FIP, its symptoms, and what steps you can take to protect your feline friend.

What is the Main Pathogen of Feline Infectious Peritonitis?

The main pathogen of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is feline coronavirus (FCoV). Feline coronaviruses belong to the Coronaviridae family and are enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses. In cats, feline coronaviruses exist in two main forms: Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FECV), which usually causes mild intestinal disease; and Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV), which is formed by an intestinal-type feline coronavirus that undergoes a genetic mutation in the host. The other is Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV), which is formed when an enteric feline coronavirus undergoes a genetic mutation in the host and is capable of causing FIP, which is a serious and often fatal disease. 

How Do Cats Get FIP?

Feline Coronavirus and Mutation

Most cats contract feline coronavirus (FCoV) at some point in their lives, especially in multi-cat households, shelters, or catteries where the virus can spread easily. FCoV is typically found in the intestines and is usually harmless, often causing only mild diarrhea or no symptoms at all.

FIP occurs when the harmless form of FCoV mutates within an individual cat’s body, transforming into the more dangerous version of the virus. The mutation is unpredictable and typically occurs due to an abnormal immune response. It’s important to note that not all cats exposed to the coronavirus will develop FIP—only a small percentage of infected cats will experience this mutation.

How the Virus is Transmitted

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning cats can become infected by coming into contact with the feces of an infected cat. The virus can be found on litter boxes, food bowls, or surfaces where infected cats have groomed themselves. Cats can contract FCoV by:

• Using a shared litter box with an infected cat.
• Coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.
• Grooming themselves or other cats that are carriers of the virus.

While FCoV is highly contagious, FIP itself is not directly contagious. The mutated virus that causes FIP cannot be passed between cats. Only the common feline coronavirus (FCoV) can spread between cats, and not every cat that contracts FCoV will go on to develop FIP.

How to Differentiate Between Wet and Dry Types of Feline Infectious Peritonitis?

What Measures Should Be Taken to Treat a Cat Infected with Infectious Peritonitis?

Treatment measures for cats infected with infectious peritonitis (FIP) should include the following.

• Treatment with antiviral drugs

Treatment with the novel antiviral drug GS-441524, a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and blocks viral replication. Treatment is usually recommended to last for 12 weeks at a dose of 4 mg/kg once daily, administered by subcutaneous injection. 

• Symptomatic treatment

Depending on the specific symptoms of the cat, symptomatic treatment such as antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections, as well as nutritional support and fluid therapy to maintain the cat's water-electrolyte balance and nutritional status may be necessary. 

• Supportive Treatment

Supportive therapy, such as fluids and oxygen therapy, may be needed to help cats through the acute phase of the disease. 

• Monitoring and adjusting the treatment program

During the course of treatment, the cat's blood parameters, clinical symptoms and weight changes need to be monitored regularly to assess the treatment effect and adjust the treatment program in a timely manner. 

• Preventive and isolation measures

As FIP is highly contagious, measures should be taken to prevent the virus from spreading to other cats, including isolation of infected cats, regular cleaning and disinfection of the environment. 

• Guidance from professional veterinarians

The whole treatment process should be carried out under the guidance of professional veterinarians to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

Please note that the above information is based on the latest research and clinical practice, and the specific treatment plan should be determined according to the individual cat's condition and veterinarian's advice.

How Should I Adjust My Cat's Diet After Getting Feline Infectious Peritonitis?

During treatment for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), dietary modifications in cats are critical as they help support the immune system and overall health of your cat. Here are some dietary adjustments .

• High Protein, Easily Digestible Foods

Cats need high-quality protein to support their immune system and tissue repair. Options include pureed meats, canned staple foods, freeze-dried staple foods, and high-protein, high-quality cat foods.

• Smaller and more frequent meals

As FIP may affect your cat's appetite and digestion, smaller, more frequent meals are recommended to minimize the burden on the digestive system and to ensure your cat receives adequate nutrition.

• Forced feeding

If the cat refuses to eat, force-feeding measures may be necessary. Fluid foods such as pureed meat and canned staple foods can be prepared and fed using a syringe or spoon. 

• Avoid allergens

Choose foods from a single meat source to avoid possible food allergies, which is especially important for cats with already compromised immune systems. 

• Stay hydrated

Ensuring your cat is getting enough water can be achieved by offering wet food and encouraging water intake. 

• Nutritional supplementation
  
  

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Under the guidance of your veterinarian, it may be necessary to add some nutritional supplements such as probiotics and albumin to help improve your cat's overall health. 

• Monitoring appetite and weight

Closely monitoring your cat's appetite and weight changes can help adjust the diet plan to meet your cat's specific needs. 

Remember, all dietary adjustments should be made under the guidance of your veterinarian to ensure your cat receives optimal nutritional support during treatment.

How to Reduce the Spread of Feline Infectious Peritonitis in a Multi-Cat Household?

To reduce the spread of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in multi-cat households, you can take the following steps.

• Reduce breeding density

Cats living in colonies are more likely to be infected with coronavirus, so reducing the number of cats can reduce the risk of spreading the virus. 

• Coronavirus Screening

Coronavirus testing of cats living in groups should be carried out and cats found to be positive should be quarantined. Newly introduced cats should also be quarantined for observation and examination before being integrated into the group. 

• Early weaning

For female cats carrying the coronavirus, kittens should be weaned and isolated as early as possible to reduce the possibility of vertical transmission. 

• Environmental cleanliness

Regularly clean the litter box and disinfect the environment and cat supplies to reduce virus survival.

• Reduce stress

Avoid sudden changes in the environment or diet, and other factors that may cause stress, as stress may induce FIP. 

• Vaccination

Although the effectiveness of vaccines is controversial, vaccinations may help to increase your cat's resistance to FIP. Vaccination should be carried out according to the recommendations of the veterinarian. 

• Health monitoring

Regular health checks of your cat will allow for early detection and isolation of potentially sick cats. 

By implementing these measures, you can effectively reduce the risk of FIP transmission in multi-cat households.